Temari are traditional Japanese thread balls that originated in the Edo period as toys for young girls. Made by wrapping colorful silk or cotton threads around a core of materials like cotton, clam shells, or bells, they feature decorative patterns such as plum, chrysanthemum, or maple. Initially inspired by the Chinese game Kemari, temari evolved from courtly games to hand-played toys and acrobatic performances. Over time, they became popular as New Year’s gifts and decorative items due to their auspicious designs. Today, temari are revived as folk crafts in places like Hachinohe, Tsuruoka, and Kagoshima.