Kazuaki Harada, an artist living in Yamaguchi Prefecture, brought the "automata" to Japan in the 21st century. Although his works do not use state-of-the-art technology, they are filled with his unique sense of style and humor.
Here we introduce some of his "automata" works.
■Boiling Tea in the Navel
Automata "Boiling Tea in the Navel" produced by Mr. Harada
Until recently, people used to boil tea in their navels when they felt "funny. This work, "Boiling Tea in the Navel," recreates those days using "automata.
It is a way of expressing how "hilarious" it is.
In this work, just by turning the handle, the doll bursts into laughter. The lid of the kettle placed above the navel also expresses how the water is about to boil.
Tea, it's boiling.
I've been so busy lately that I haven't had the time or the luxury of boiling tea in my navel.... This is the "automata" recommended for you who are lamenting in such a way.
■Chopsticks are funny even when they fall down
When women reach puberty, they tend to suddenly start crying or laughing. If you roll the chopsticks around in front of such an adolescent woman, she will laugh out loud with amusement...I am sure.
However, it may be a bit intimidating to roll chopsticks around in their mouths. It seems like you might get a badge of honor.
For those of you who are afraid of such a bachi (a badge), "Chopsticks that fall down are funny" is perfect for you. You can make chopsticks, which were born only to be rolled, spin around as much as you want.
あなたのかわりに、茶を沸かしてくれます
Mr. Harada's work, "Chopsticks Fall Down, But They're Hilarious."
As long as you keep turning the handle, the chopsticks will keep rolling, and women will keep laughing.
Keep turning the handle and the adolescent woman will keep laughing!
Harada says of "Chopsticks That Roll But Hilarious":
"If you can laugh at this piece, you have the heart of a maiden."
He said.
■Shower
The author's personal favorite is this "Shower. The water that the cat gives to the plants is used by the mole as a shower under the ground.
あなたは、乙女でしたか？
The Problematic "Shower"
Did the mole make this shower by himself? Does the cat agree that the water it sprays is used as a shower? Why is the mole taking a shower under the ground in the first place? Wouldn't it get dirty quickly after washing?
Is the cat convinced?
The more you look at "Shower," the more your imagination will grow.
■Teddy Bear
モグラは、気持ち良さそうです
Mr. Harada's work "Teddy Bear
When you turn the handle, the teddy bear lifts its own head. The teddy bear seems to be removing its head as a self-deprecating joke, saying, "I'm just a stuffed animal, after all.
Suppon!"
Mr. Harada describes this teddy bear as "mischievous. But if you think about it carefully, it is quite a scary piece. Bear, you really don't want to remove the head, do you?
Don't turn me!
■Neko Punch
When you turn the handle, the left hand delivers a jab and the right hand launches a straight punch. It is interesting that it is hard to predict when the right straight will come out.
「まわさないでって言ってるのに！！」
Are you going to do it? Are you going to do it?
Please watch the video to learn more about this work. You can enjoy the hot jostling & fighting between Neko Punch and a real cat.
■Pandora 's Box
The last one is "Pandora's Box" which is said not to be opened. When you are told not to open it, you may be tempted to do so. But the scary thing about this box is that if you open it carelessly, you will be in big trouble.
ネコ、おそるおそる…
It's hard to open! Pandora's Box
By the way, there is no "hope" in this box. There is something more surprising in the box.
あなたのかわりに、茶を沸かしてくれます
Some of the works are sold at the "online store" in Mr. Harada's Web site. Unfortunately, all automata are "Sold Out" at this time. However, postcards of "TEDDY BEAR" and "SHOWER," for example, are available for purchase, so please check them out.
まわすと、びっくりしますよ！
I told you not to turn it around!
(All images are reproduced from Kazuaki Harada's website with his permission.)
