- Views Japan’s Robots: Becoming More Human - The Dolls that
Sparked Japan’s Love of Robots: “Karakuri Ningyō” - [2012.07.31]
Read in: 日本語 | 简体字 | 繁體字 | FRANÇAIS | ESPAÑOL | The mechanical
dolls of the Edo period, called karakuri ningyō, were the
starting point of Japan’s love affair with robots. The intricate
clockwork motors inside dolls create playful, realistic
movements that capture the imagination and inspire affection. A
Must-Have Product in the Edo Period Clockwork-powered mechanical
dolls, called karakuri ningyō, first became popular in Japan
during the Edo period (1603–1868). Perhaps the best-known type
of mechanical doll is the chahakobi ningyō (tea-serving doll).
It stands at the ready, holding a tea saucer in both hands, and
when a teacup is placed on the saucer, the doll bows its head
and begins to shuffle forward on its feet, delivering the tea to
the customer. Once the teacup is removed, and the doll stops
moving. When the emptied teacup is returned to the saucer, the
doll turns around and dut