Kendama is an old-school Japanese toy that is sweeping through school playgrounds across America.
The hottest toy in America currently is a ball connected to a string on a stick. Although Kendama originated in Japan centuries ago, something old is new again.
"It makes you focus. It helps your hand and eye coordination," said a Kendama enthusiast.
Kendama is so hot, Walt Jeffrey opened up SoCal Dama, the Kendama Shop, a few months ago in Bonita, and since then sales have doubled.
There are more than 50 styles to choose from, and the fad is also a fashion statement.
The object of Kendama is to perform different tricks to connect the ball to the stick.
It's the new connection that is making both children and parents smile.
Some of the footage in this video story was shot using a GoPro camera.