Pen spinning is a form of contact juggling that involves the deft manipulation of a writing instrument with one's hands. Although it is often considered a form of self-entertainment (usually in a school/office setting), multinational competitions and meetings are often held.
This pastime is referred to as "pen mawashi" in Japan, or, literally, "pen spinning." It is regarded as more prevalent among "rōnins", or high-school graduates who take a year off in order to study by themselves in preparation for university entrance exams.
Presently, there is no documentation to show who started the pen spinning phenomenon. However, it is understood that a Japanese pen spinner named Hideaki Kondoh was one of the earliest pen spinners to start a pen spinning website.
A related art-form, "Zippo Tricks" or "Lighter Manipulation" uses common cigarette lighters to perform similar tricks.
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