"Automata" is a karakuri doll made in Europe from the 18th century to the 19th century. It was a collection of cutting-edge technologies of the time, and everyone who saw it was surprised, "Did the machine have a soul?"

Kazuaki Harada, an artist living in Yamaguchi Prefecture, brought the "automata" to Japan in the 21st century. Harada's work does not use cutting-edge technology, but it has a unique sense and humor.


Here, I would like to introduce some of the "automata" works produced by Mr. Harada.

■ Boil tea on the navel

Automata produced by Mr. Harada "Boil tea with navel"
Automata produced by Mr. Harada "Boil tea with navel"

Not long ago, people were boiling tea on their navel when they felt "Chanchara is funny". "Boil tea with navel" is a work that reproduces the situation at that time with "automata".

It expresses "Chanchara funny"
It expresses "Chanchara funny"

In this work, the doll bursts into laughter just by turning the handle. The kettle lid installed on the navel also properly expresses the state of hot water on the verge of boiling.

Tea is boiling
Tea is boiling

These days, I'm so busy that I can't afford to boil tea on my navel ... It is a recommended "automata" for you who mourn like that.


■ It's funny even if the chopsticks fall.
Women tend to suddenly start crying or laughing when they are adolescents. If you roll the chopsticks in front of such an adolescent woman, she will make you laugh happily.

That said, there is resistance to rolling the chopsticks that you put in your mouth. Somehow, a drumstick seems to hit.

"It's funny even if the chopsticks fall" is perfect for you who are afraid of such a drumstick. Chopsticks that were born just for being rolled can be made to take the plunge.

Mr. Harada's work "It's funny even if the chopsticks fall"
あなたのかわりに、茶を沸かしてくれます
Mr. Harada's work "It's funny even if the chopsticks fall"

As long as you keep turning the handle, the chopsticks will keep rolling, so women should keep laughing.

Keep turning the handle and the adolescent woman will keep laughing
Keep turning the handle and the adolescent woman will keep laughing

Mr. Harada talked about "it's funny even if the chopsticks fall"

"You who laughed at this work have a maiden heart."

He says.


■ Shower
My personal favorite is this "shower". The water that the cat gave to the plants is used by the moles as a shower under the ground.

Problem work "shower"
あなたは、乙女でしたか?
Problem work "shower"

Did Mole make this shower herself? Do cats agree that the water they sprinkle will be used in the shower? Why are moles taking a shower under the ground in the first place? Doesn't it get dirty immediately after washing?

Are the cats convinced?
Are the cats convinced?

"Shower" is a work in which the more you look at it, the more delusional it becomes.


■ Teddy bear

Mr. Harada's work "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 head. This teddy bear seems to be out of his head as a self-deprecating story, saying, "Because I am a stuffed animal."

"Suppon!"
"Suppon!"

Mr. Harada describes this teddy bear as "playful". But when you think about it, it's a pretty scary work, isn't it? Bear, don't you really want to take your head off?

"... Don't turn!"
"... Don't turn!"


■ Neko Punch
When you turn the handle, your left hand pulls out a jab and your right hand hits a straight punch. It is interesting that it is difficult to predict when the right straight will come out.

"Are you going to do it? Are you going to do it?"
「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 about this work. You can enjoy the cat punch and the hot play and battle of the real cat.


■ Pandora's Box
At the end, "Pandora's Box" is said not to be opened. When you are told not to open it, you just want to open it. However, the scary part of this box is that if you inadvertently open it, it will be difficult.

It's hard to open! "Pandora's Box"
ネコ、おそるおそる…
It's hard to open! "Pandora's Box"

By the way, "hope" is not included. There are more surprises.


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 shop" on Mr. Harada's website. Unfortunately, all automata are "Sold Out" at the moment. But for example, you can buy "TEDDY BEAR" and "SHOWER" postcards, so please check them out.

So don't turn it!
まわすと、びっくりしますよ!
So don't turn it!

(All images have been reprinted from his website with the consent of the author, Kazuaki Harada.)