k a r a k u r 1
HOW TO MAKE
MECHANICAL PAPER MODELS
THAT MOVE
Keisuke Saka
Translated by Eri Hamaji
St. Martins Griffin
New York
How to Use This Book
Make an original karakuri
In Section 1, Karakuri Gallery, you can see some sample karakuri pa
per crafts made by Keisuke Saka as well as others made by Japanese high
school students as a summer project based on the various karakuri dia
grams found in this book. Can you imagine how each of them actually
moves?
For those of you who want to go ahead and make your own karakuri
paper craft without delving into the complicated laws of physics, you can
start cutting out a model diagram in Section 4, Basic Karakuri Models,
and building it by following the corresponding instructions in Section
3, How to Build Karakuri. When you're done building, try the karakuri
by sticking a finger into the hole in the handle and turning it round and
round. Then look closely at how the karakuri moves. Does it start to look
like something or someone moving? Now it's time for you to get more
creative and make your own drawings, cut them out, and paste the parts
onto the model to finish up your one-of-a-kind karakuri paper craft!
In Section 5, there are four Fun Karakuri Models designed by Keisuke
Saka for you to enjoy building and playing with. They are applications of
the simple machines included in Section 4 and work in combination of
two or more. Can you tell which mechanisms are used in each toy?
Learn how things work
In Section 2, How Karakuri Work, you will be introduced to the basic
logic behind some important karakuri mechanisms. Easy-to-see diagrams
help you understand the way they work, and you will also learn that
karakuri mechanisms are found in common tools and machines we may
use every day without even knowing. The paper-craft models in this book
bring the laws of physics behind such items into the 3-D realm.
Those who find the descriptions of karakuri mechanisms in Section 2
to be too wordy and difficult to understand may benefit from first build
ing the models and actually seeing the theories come to life at the turn of
a finger. Rereading the explanations after building the model will prob
ably give you a better understanding of how karakuri work.
Karakuri Gallery j Works by Keisuke Saka
Works by High School Students
8
12
Lever 20
How Karakuri Work I Cam 22
Crank 24
Gear 26
Linkage 28
Geneva stop 30
"The World of Creation" byToshio Aral 32
Basic Paper Crafting Techniques 34
How to Build Karakuri
Instructions for Basic Karakuri Models 36
Instructions for Fun Karakuri Models 46
"Models and Physics" by Masayuki Kobayashi 56
Cam A 65
EjBasic Karakuri Models Cam B
Cam C
69
73
Cam D 77
Crank A 81
Crank B 85
Crank C 89
Gear A 93
Gear B 97
Geneva stop 101
Instructions & Parts for Connecting Parts 105
Tea-serving Robot 113
I Fun Karakuri Models Ready to Fly 117
i—nwiiiiiiiwiiiiiii"iiiiriii ii"ii ihiii''matEii!!aaai.^nrgE=::
Peek-a-Bear 125
Wild Wild West 133
The 10 Basic Karakuri Models to Assemble
Cam A* Crank B
The rod makes a repetitious The rod sways back and forth
rt: vertical motion.
INSTRUCTION • p.36 R: by a linkage mechanism.
INSTRUCTION • p.41
MODEL • p.65 MODELS p.85
Cam B* Crank C
Two rods make a vertical The turning of the crank is
movement alternately. converted into a vertical motion.
INSTRUCTION • p.37 INSTRUCTION • p.42
MODEL • p.69 MODELS p.89
Cam C* Gear A*
The rod makes a repetitious The gear turns horizontally
-0 horizontal movement.
INSTRUCTION • p.38
MODEL • p.73
to the handle.
INSTRUCTION • p.43
MODEL • p.93
, P
•i- r
Cam D* - Gear B*
wtv-f.
The rod slides repeatedly in Thegearturnsperpendicularly
11 ....
a linear motion.
INSTRUCTION • p.39
MODELS p.77
e: to the handle.
INSTRUCTION • p.44
MODELS p.97
/ Crank A Geneva Stop"
The rod sways repeatedly in A wheel makes turns in a
a circular motion. discontinuous rhythm.
INSTRUCTION • p.40 INSTRUCTION • p.45
MODEL • p.81 MODELS p.101
X
* These seven karakuri models can be combined to make a model
connected with one handle, using the parts on page 105. • 0-3 0
The 4 Fun Karakuri Models to Assemble
"ilHlflji (t
Tea-Serving Robot Ready to Fly
The traditional Japanese tea-serving doll A penguin is standing on a glacier and
makes a futuristic comeback. Roll the robot frantically flapping its wings, hoping to fly
forward to serve the tea—be careful; he's a away. As the body of the penguin moves,
clumsy little thing! the wings sway up and down.
INSTRUCTION • p.45 MODEL •p.113 INSTRUCTION • p.48 MODEL • p.117
Peek-a-Bear Wild Wild West
This friendly-looking bear is actually quite The tunnel is attached to the base and to
a shy guy. Moving on a crank, he covers his the slightly elevated disk at the center. The
face with his paws but takes a sneak peek railroad train moves round while the tun
at you every few seconds. nel and the scenery stand still.
INSTRUCTION • p.50 MODEL • p.125 INSTRUCTION • p.52 MODEL • p.133
What Is KARAKURI?
"Karakuri" is a Japanese word that means "mechanism."
It originally meant all machineries introduced to Japan from
China and the West, but in modern times the word often
signifies classic dolls and retro toys that move amusingly
via simple mechanisms like cams and gears. "Karakuri" can
also mean "how things work," or the mysterious workings
behind certain things. For example, there are Japanese ex
pressions such as "karakuri of a magic trick" or "karakuri
of an incident."
In the middle of the 16th century, the arrival of Portuguese ships introduced
the Japanese to intricate Western technologies, such as guns. The Japanese nobles
were especially impressed by the clock mechanism, which made a great impact on
Japanese craftsmen. In the 17th century, Japan entered a period of isolation during
which all cultural and social exchanges with outside countries were completely cut
off, a policy that continued until the mid-19th century. These 260 years of isolation
were generally peaceful, and most people enjoyed their everyday lives, regardless
of social class. This time set the stage for the major technological advancements
that lead to the creation of uniquely Japanese karakuri.
One particular characteristic of Japanese karakuri is that they incorporated
popular mechanisms not for practical industry or engineering, but for entertain
ment and amusement, parade floats, theater, and toys. These types of karakuri were
enjoyed not only by the upper classes but also by common people. But in order for
a toy to be loved and enjoyed every day by common people, it needed to display
much more than just accurate movements; a toy also needed fun and playful char
acteristics to amuse the audience.
One classic karakuri toy that did this was "Chahakobi Ningyo" (illustrated
above), which means "tea-serving doll." A doll is carrying a tray on its arms, and
when you put a teacup on the tray, the doll moves to the guest being served. When
the cup is lifted, the doll stops; after the guest enjoys the tea and places the empty
cup on the tray, the doll makes a U-turn and brings the cup back to the server. It was
a delightful little toy with a charming act. Another famous karakuri toy is "Yumihiki
Douji," which means "bow-bending boy." This doll bends a bow and shoots arrows
at a target one after the other, missing the target every few shots or so, which adds
to the humor of the action.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Europe also saw a boom of karakuri-type
toys, called automata. Japanese karakuri toys at that time lagged somewhat in terms
of precision and materials, due to the long isolation from European influences. On
the other hand, these limitations may have been the key factor in the birth and
development of Japan's original karakuri, designed with certain restrictions but still
imaginative and charming enough to make people smile at a neatly crafted toy.
Karakuri Gallery
Karakuri Gallery Works by Keisuke Saka
Good Boy! The Last Resistance
This obedient puppy will always sit on your Poor fishy struggles at the last moment of
table, waiting for you. Push down his tail, its life, before it is turned into delicious
Lever and he will lift his head to reveal a message Cam A pieces of sushi. The up-down movement of
for the family. You can make your own two cams at the center of the fish mimics
message card and customize the message. _ the side flops of a live fish.
Mi
Mt
/
Below the Surface Hesitation
Perhaps you never realized that even the He'll never have the courage to test his new
most graceful swan frantically paddles its flying machine—he keeps holding back at
flippers under the water. Two bent cranks Crank
the last moment. That's because a linkage
are hidden inside the body of this swan to B between the toes is fixed to the base and
create this movement. the turning rod of a crank.
10
"U
Maternal Dilemma Teeter Totter
Mommy's got a dilemma—all of her babies The classic tin-toy robot walks on two feet
Cam B are starving. Which one shall she feed first? like a small child. Arms are attached to the
+ The babies move up one after the other Cam B top of the rods of the two cams, which is
Cam C on three separate cams, and the mother why they move up and down in conjunc
swivels using two cams on the ends. tion with the legs.
Warming Up for Xmas The Golden Rule
You know everyone is busy just before These three wise monkeys move by cams of
Christmas, even a reindeer—Noel's get the same shape, but each linkage results in
Cam A ting ready to run a marathon to shed a few Cam A a different movement. You can take them
pounds. The body moves up and down on a apart individually, change the order, or
cam, with a coin placed inside as weight. change the rhythm of each movement.
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Works by High School Students Animals
Walking Beagle by Meeko Thirsty Dinosaur by Mizuki Noguchi
The two upper gears mesh with the gears The dinosaur's neck moves up and down
on the base, and each gear worl<s as a to drink from the water pool as the gear
Gear A cranl< to move the beagle's legs. The gears Gear A turns. What a unique idea to expose the
are exposed and brightly colored to accent teeth of the gear and turn them into the
this fun piece. plates on the back of the stegosaurus!
Cutle Elephant by Sayuri Akagi Come, Come Cat by Miho lino
The rod that moves on a link system be This lovely cat entices its prey with a luring
comes the trunk of this cute elephant. Un paw. Poor thing—the panicky mouse keeps
Crank Crank
like a cam, a crank can still perform the spinning round and round with nowhere
B same movement when laid sideways, and C to go as the axle holder on the other side
this piece does just that. of the handle rotates.
12
i
1 ^I
Walking a Mad Dog byshunsuke Flying Fish by Kazuyoshi Mori
The whole base of this piece is the body of Fly, fish, fly! This jumping movement may
the dog. The owner of the dog jitters up be more easily expressed with a crank, but
Crank
and down, while the rampaging dog at the Cam B this piece is cleverly designed as a cam,
C end of the leash masticates violently as the with the thin bamboo and string working
cam on the crank rod turns. as a link between the two rods of a cam.
Chiming Penguin by Kaho Fujimaki Dolphin Show by Rio Kazama
A musical penguin chimes the bells he Two dolphins take turns jumping out of
holds by flapping his wings. The faster you the water to knock the hanging balls. The
Cam C turn the handle, the more noisily he plays. Cam B waves that hide the rod system and the
This special piece is the only one here that framework from which the balls hang give
incorporates sound. this piece a real feeling of a classic toy.
13
Works by High School Students People
Broken Pedals by Kana Ariga Serious Sword Fighters by Shiro B.
The two legs of this man are attached to As the rod goes sideways back and forth,
the turning wheel at a slightly off-cen- two Japanese sword fighters go to and fro
Gear A ter spot. The way the ankles, knees, and Cam D without lifting their heels, keeping a suit
waist move on a crank gives this piece real able distance between each other. The one
humanlike movement. who makes the initial move will win.
Hit the Moles! by Reiko Okuma Yes, You Can Do It! by Shiori
The moles popping up and the arms trying For every full turn of the handle, only y of
to hit them are linked to two rods inside the wheel turns, pushing up the feet of
Geneva
Cam B that move up and down alternately. The a girl on a horizontal bar. The irregular
intricate mechanism inside is unimaginable Stop movement shows her strenuous physical
from the piece's comical appearance. effort, though she never makes it over.
14
Works by High School Students Sceneries
It's Time for a Break! by T. Ishida A Day in Japan by S.W.
Cuckoos pop out of the clock to let you The sun and moon alternately overlook
know it's three o'clock. The lower one pops Mount [Link] pop up as they hit the tips
Geneva
Cam D out from the display stand itself, using the of the wheel inside, and then disappear
movement of the frame inside. The way the Stop again. The irregular movement of the solar
doors close on a string is also very smart. bodies represents a day in fast motion.
Kite in tFie Dusic by mrlko Fujlshima Fish in the Ocean by Marie Ueda
This is a very poetic piece. A boy flies a kite, Images of various fish are collaged on a
standing in a field and reaching his arm cylinder attached to a horizontal gear.
Crank Looking through the windows fixed on the
up high. As the kite sways back and forth Gear B
A in the orange sky, you might find yourself display stand, it feels as if you're on an ex
reminiscing about memories of childhood. cursion to an aquarium.
15
Works by High School Students Machines
A Pirate Ship by Sachi Otomo Boat's in Danger! by Satomi Sakurai
A ship of brave pirates navigates through A rowboat is nearly overturned by the large
the stormy sea as it wildly sways on a crank. wave, but the man rides it out every time.
Crank Crank
A wooden stick is put through the rod (also The inside of the display stand is painted to
A used as the ship's mast) to strengthen the B resemble deep ocean, and the cellophane
rod and the display stand of this piece. is a clever expression of the crashing wave.
Space-Traveler Bicycle by Hashimoto Old Sewing Machine by Aya Okada
A bicycle made of wire turns its pedals as You can hear the click-clock as the needle
tips of a Geneva stop hit the central disk. As moves up and down on a cam and the fab
Geneva
the pedals irregularly turn, it amost looks Cam A ric slides forward using the rotation of the
Stop as if an invisible man is in the empty seat, bearing inside. A very nice use of zigzagged
trying to move this heavy bicycle forward. cardboard causes more friction.
16
Works by High School Students Monsters
by Tetsuya Ito
Wandering in the Sky & P. Crafter Karakuri Dragon by Fujiwara
Here, two cams with separate handles are The dragon moves its horns up and down
attached next to each other. As the two and chomps its mouth as the upper jaw is
Cam B handles are turned simultaneously, the red Cam B pushed down inside the display stand. With
dragon begins to wander about high up in a handle as the ear, this piece takes full ad
the sky, right above the cotton clouds. vantage of one karakuri mechanism.
Karakuri Alien by Maccin DaVinci Tm a Hungry Snake! by Erina suzuki
Just by looking at this, you may guess that This snake looks like it's either raising its
the rocket will simply pop up, but that's not head and sticking out its tongue or widely
Cam A all—the lips of the alien move, too! Parts of Crank B opening its jaws. The camouflage pattern
a plastic bottle and film-case lids give this adds to the peculiar and mysterious feeling
piece an alienlike texture. of this piece.
17
Works by High School Students Humor
Uppercut! by Hayato Mori Guitarist by Shota Fujimori
The glove attached to the rod hits the op A thumbtack is used to transmit the rods'
Crank
ponent's jaw, throwing a perfect uppercut. Cam B movement to the hand striking the guitar
C Just look at the guy's face—ouch! strings. Notice—it's a Gibson Firebird!
A Kettle by OI<uyo Yol<ol<awa Tell Us Your Opinion! by Shimodori
No matter how far the kettle is tilted, not a This guy won't back off with the mic until
Crank drop pours out—it's all in vain. Its being so Cam 6 you speak. The arm could have been moved
C nicely crafted adds to the humor. to the side, but it's funnier this way.
I'll Keep Running Forever byi.s. An Angry Person by Ayaka Tomozumi
The smiling runner jumps over the ob This person is so angry with you he won't
Crank
stacle on the disk attached to the bearing Cam B stop punching at you, but the slowness of
C inside—he just barely makes it! his fist just makes you want to laugh.
18
