Japanese Traditions
On this page, we introduce some aspects of Japanese traditions

Karakuri-Ningyo　or  Japanese mechanical puppets

Karakuri-Ningyo are also known as Japanese Mechanical Puppets. The History of Karakuri began in the mid-Edo era,about 200 yeas ago. Karakuri in Japan were fused with art, rather than a quest for scientific knowledge. The spirit of Japanese craftsman who created these fabulous artwork continues in present day Japan.

These puppets was displayed in a special exhibition called the ``Toyota Collection`` at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (Sangyogijutsu Kinenkan)  before.

(right) “Archer puppet” made by Hisasige Tanaka

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Karakuri-Ningyo debuted in the 18^th century in Japan.  The initial development began in the middle of the 16^th century with the influence of foreign culture.  The initial puppet's mechanisms were related to clock making technology .

It is said people say the clock making technology was brought from Europe by Jesuit missionaries, or from China.  The Japanese mechanical puppets ``Karakuri – Ningyo`` formed an integration of Japanese traditional woodwork, mechanical techniques, traditional fabric design, etc. The Karakuri facial features have a lifelike changeability, relating to the sculpting style, which was also traditionally used for carving masks for the Noh theatre. The puppets can induce a variety of perceived expressions with changes in head orientation.

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``Karakuri-Ningyo `` can be divided into two types ; puppets mounted on float called ``Dashi – Karakuri`` and those which move about in rooms called ``Zashiki-Karakuri``.

``Dashi - Karakuri`` consists of a float and is mainly used during festivals.  Puppets are controlled by a person using strings and rod.  These puppets are preserved in Aichi and Gifu prefectures.  They can also be seen in annual festivals, especially in the Takayama festival which is one of the most famous festivals held in spring and autumn.

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``Zashiki - Karakuri`` are considered to be the most technically advanced Karakuri which were designed for domestic use and home entertainment.  They are automatically controlled by springs inside the body. They were used by feudal lords and merchants.  In the olden days, the performance of Zashiki – Karakuri could be seen on the streets and this traditional art continues even today.

The most popular Zashiki- Karakuri is the ``Chahakobi Ningyo`` or tea-serving puppet.  This puppet served tea on a tray to the guest.  When the guest drank the tea and placed the cup back it would turn backwards and go back to the host. 

There are many puppets which can move acrobatically.  At the Toyota Collection, you will find ``Yumi-biki Ningyo`` or Archer Puppet, ``Dan-gaeri Ningyo`` or Tumbler puppet, among others.  The Archer Puppet is armed with a bow and arrow and shoots the arrow at a target.  The tumbler puppet repeatedly flips back and forth going down stairs.

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``Toyota`` is one of the largest and well-known automobile manufacturing companies in Japan.  We could also find a modern-day Karakuri – Ningyo exhibit in the Toyota Pavilion at Aichi Expo 2005. Even now, there are several chances to see these modern-day Karakuri – Ningyo, another name is "robot".

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