Step beyond the doors of a normally private workshop for a rare encounter with one of Japan’s most fascinating mechanical traditions. Karakuri ningyo—intricate mechanical dolls developed during the Edo period—combine gears, springs, strings, and levers to create remarkably lifelike movements.
This centuries-old craft lives on through ninth-generation karakuri master Tamaya Shobei. During this private experience, enter his working studio and hear directly from the master about the history, mechanisms, and craftsmanship behind karakuri dolls. Examine the traditional tools he uses and discover how ingenious mechanical systems are concealed within beautifully crafted figures.
In the gallery, view a diverse collection of karakuri and watch selected dolls come to life in a demonstration by Tamaya Shobei himself. Their sophisticated mechanisms reveal an inventive approach to engineering that emerged centuries before modern automation.
Through this personal encounter with a craftsman carrying forward a lineage dating back to the Edo period, discover a remarkable chapter in the story of Japanese craftsmanship and mechanical ingenuity.
Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center or your hotel in Nagoya City
Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center or your hotel in Nagoya City
