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 ...

How inventions synonymous with contemporary Japan–from robots and fuel-efficient cars to manga and Walkmen–drew inspiration from ancient Japan. To casual observers, Japan’s creative and technological ...

The Aibo, Asimo, even Gundam—robotics are a national institution of Japan. However, robotics started there far earlier than most folks realize. Karakuri ningyo (roughly “mechanized dolls”) go back to ...

Festival, registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, featuring 13 gorgeously decorated Yama with Karakuri Ningyo, parading on the city's main streets. Access: JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line ...