AMAZING ANIMALS!: Metal Nature - Dig More Japan

Taste of Japan
35 followers
6 Video Views·Oct 12, 2024
Explore more animals on NHK WORLD-JAPAN!
Look at the stag beetle on the left.
It may look just like the real thing, but it's actually made of metal.
What's more, the joints move freely in the same way as the original.
These are traditional metal crafts known as jizai okimono.
Developed by artisans who also produce samurai armor, it has a history of around 300 years.
Mitsuta Haruo is the only remaining artisan.
How does Mitsuta go about creating his figures?
This is a cicada.
He starts with anatomical sketches examining how each part moves.
He begins shaping the metal.
By adjusting the force of the hammer, he gets the joints' movements just right.
It can take as long as three months to complete a single piece.
Beyond realistic figures, Mitsuta's work also incorporates contemporary art.
I guess that's where it ends.
