Discover the craftsmanship of karakuriningyō, Japan’s intricate mechanical puppets, with a talk and demonstration featuring ninth-generationkarakuri master Tamaya Shōbei IX from Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture.

Today, Aichi is known as one of Japan’s leading centres of manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, producing around 25 percent of Japan’s robots and home to some of the country’s largest automotive companies. This event traces the roots of these precision manufacturing technologies back to thekarakuriningyō developed during the Edo period (1603–1868).

Karakuriningyō are highly intricate wooden mechanical dolls, or automata, powered without electricity through sophisticated systems of springs, gears, pulleys, levers and cogs.

They include zashikikarakuri, originally designed to entertain members of the samurai elite; butaikarakuriused in theatre; and larger dashikarakurimounted on elaborate festival floats. Aichi remains a major centre ofkarakuriculture, hosting around 70 percent of Japan’s karakurifloat festivals.

The event explores the historical development of karakuriningyō and how the craft continues to be preserved today in Aichi by Tamaya Shōbei IX, whose family lineage spans nearly 300 years.

During the event, Tamaya Shōbei IX showcases his models including Chahakobi Ningyō, a tea-serving doll, and Yumihiki Dōji, an archer doll capable of firing arrows at a target.

Guests have the rare opportunity to observe the ingenious mechanisms usually concealed within the puppets and gain insight into how they operate. The event concludes with a Q&A session.

Following the event, guests can explore interactive booths until 20:30, with opportunities to view the karakuripuppets up close, handle selected interactive puppets directly, and sample Osu cider vinegar from Aichi while learning about Aichi’s fermented food culture. Please note that access to the interactive booths will be available on a first come, first served basis, and guests may not have time to experience every activity.

This talk forms part of a wider programme including family workshops to make your own simplekarakuridoll and an afternoon of drop-in demonstrations on Saturday 27 June.

The event series is presented as part of the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme, organized in collaboration with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.

Please note that filming and / or photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

 

About the speaker

Tamaya Shōbei IX
Tamaya Shōbei IX is a master craftsman of karakuriningyō (Japanese mechanical puppets) from Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture. He inherited the Tamaya Shōbei name in 1995 and is dedicated to preserving and advancing the craft ofkarakuri through restoration, research and creating his own models. In 1998, he completed a full reconstruction of the famed Yumihiki Dōji (Archer doll), originally created by inventor Tanaka Hisashige. His Chahakobi Ningyō (Tea-serving doll) has been donated to both the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo and the British Museum in London. He has received numerous honours for his craftsmanship and cultural contributions.

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Booking essential | Admission free