NOVEMBER 15-16-17

Check back here and @nakendamaopen for more info.

Want to sponsor or have questions? Email events@sweetskendamas.com

NAKO IS BACK!

The 2024 North American Kendama Open will be live and in-person right in our hometown of Minneaplois, MN. After a year of virtual competition we are excited to see everyone for a 3-day weekend full of kendama excitement!

Check-In, competition, vending, & workshops all start Friday morning so if you're traveling please be prepared for a full day of events on the 15th.
Sweets Kendamas HQ will not be open to the public on Thursday November 14th but we will have a pre-NAKO jam Thursday night at the Crowne Plaza.
If you would like to see Sweets HQ we will be open Monday for you to stop by on your way to the airport.

Ticket & Spectator Pass information and costs coming soon.

Find more FAQ below and reach out to cs@sweetskendamas.com if you have any questions!

NAKO HOTEL INFO

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, Minnesota 5544

1 king bed or 2 Queen Beds
$139/night

Booking cutoff Thursday, October 24, 2024
or when rooms are full

Book online at https://www.crowneplaza.com/Or call call 763-559-6600 and request the Sweets Kendamas Convention 2024 room block to receive the discounted group rate.

NAKO 2024 FAQ

  • 3 DAYS FULL OF KENDAMA!

  • Open style competition for every skill level.

  • World class Freestyle competition.

  • Kendama vendors from around the world.

  • Workshops for kendama & kendama related skills.

  • Video premiers from your favorite kendama brands.

  • Mini Games & side activities throughout the weekend.

  • Raffles & giveaways.
  • EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND!

  • Kendama players of all ages and skill levels can compete NAKO!

  • Players under 16 require a parent or guardian at the event.

  • Players under 18 will not be able to book a hotel room and will need parent or guardian present.

  • A precise schedule will not be available until closer to the event date.

  • There will be competition and events from roughly 10am - 10pm Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

  • We suggest flying in Thursday night (November 14th) and out Monday morning (November 18th) to experience everything
  • NAKO is the North American Kendama Open, previously the Minnesota Kendama Open. One of the largest annual kendama competitions in the world.
  • Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
    3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, Minnesota 5544

  • 1 king bed or 2 Queen Beds
    NAKO Group rate $139/night.

  • Booking cutoff: Thursday, October 24, 2024 or when rooms are full.

  • Or call 763-559-6600 and request the Sweets Kendamas Convention 2024 room block to receive the discounted group rate.
  • Competition and Spectator passes will be available on Challonge this summer. Please keep an eye on our Instagram for updates on when registration opens.
  • The Crowne Plaza West is 23 miles from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, the hotel does not offer a shuttle but ride share services like Uber or Lyft are readily available.

  • This year all 3 days of competition are taking place at 1 venue which once you get to the hotel you will not need additional travel to attend NAKO activities.
  • Sweets Kendamas Headquarters will be closed to the public Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. 

  • Historically we have opened our doors the Thursday before NAKO to anyone traveling to Minneapolis. Due to the prep that is required to make NAKO awesome, we will not be hosting a Pre-Jam at Sweets HQ this year but we will have the shop open on Monday for you to come see the museum before your flight home.

  • Sweets Kendamas is 16 miles from the Crowne Plaza West and 15 miles from MSP.

NAKO IS FOR EVERYONE!

At NAKO there is a competition level for every player from brand new to seasoned pro! We put together a blog of some of the common questions we get from players looking to compete for the first time. Check it out here: