Stunning art by Kohei Nawa

This is so amazing: http://headroncollider.com/pixcell-kohei-nawa/ by Japanese sculptor, Kohei Nawa.

Incredible  Miniature Sculptures by Takanori Aiba

The level of detail and intricacy in his work is truly mind-blowing. Each sculpture is like a miniature world, bursting with life and stories. I would love to see some close-ups if anybody has seen these in-person.

Artwork and Photography by TAKANORI AIBA @ TOKYOGOODIDEA.COM

Visit TokyoGoodIdea.com for more information

Amazing Fish Painted in Layers of Resin by Japanese artist Riusuke Fukahori 


http://buck210.wordpress.com/…/goldfish-salvation-riusuke-…/And video with whole process http://vimeo.com/32967940 These are all just painted!

Cool sculptural works by Japanese artist Motohiko Odani.
http://www.yamamotogendai.org/english/artist/odani.html

Karakuri puppets (からくり人形 karakuri ningyō) - traditional Japanese mechanized puppets or automata

Karakuri puppets (からくり人形 karakuri ningyō) are traditional Japanese mechanized puppets or automata, originally made from the 17th century to 19th century. http://vimeo.com/24412432

Japan has always been on the forefront of cutting edge robotics. Its roots can be traced back 200-300 years during the Edo period when skilled craftsmen created automata (self-operating machines). Using nothing more than pulleys and weights they were able to make the Karakuri (Japanese automata) perform amazing tasks.
Japans modern day robots can be traced back to the Karakuri. Today Hideki Higashino is one of the few remaining craftsmen who is determined to keep the history and tradition of Japanese Karakuri alive. http://vimeo.com/24412432

Here is the most common today example of a zashiki karakuri mechanism. It is a tea-serving robot, which starts moving forward when a cup of tea is placed on the plate in its hands, http://www.keiththompsonart.com/pages/karakuri.html

The Japanese Karakuri puppets utilise subtle, abstract movements to invoke feeing and emotion. There are three main categories of Karakuri. ‘Butai Karakuri’ are puppets used in the theatre, ‘Zashiki Karakuri’ are small and can be played with in rooms and ‘Dashi Karakuri’ puppets perform on wooden floats used in religious festivals. Traditionally Karakuri appeared in religious festivals, performed re enactments of traditional myths and legends and entertained the public with their sophisticated, symbolic and graceful gestures.
http://vimeo.com/24412432

The word karakuri means "mechanisms" or "trick".
http://vimeo.com/24412432

The Karakuri tradition of invisibly concealing technology extends beyond puppetry and robotics, and continues to manifest itself in popular culture. Karakuri influenced the Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku theatre arts and directly contributed to the industrial modernisation of Japan. https://dollyconfessions.wordpress.com/2014/08/17/dolly-book-review-ningyo-art-of-the-japanese-doll/