Karakuri Somersault Doll Kit

Here's how to build the Gakken Karakuri Somersault Doll kit.

  • Author: John Edgar Park
  • Time required: 45 minutes to 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Add Note x

Here's how to build the Gakken Karakuri Somersault Doll.

Employing a centuries-old secret artisan technique collected from real Edo-period figures, the kit includes everything you need to create your own acrobatic doll (even the screwdriver!), plus a festive traditional kimono and a stylish tiered pedestal on which to stage performances. Moreover, with you pulling the strings, you can adjust the mechanism to control the velocity of the doll's action. There are no English instructions included (book and kit are in Japanese but beautifully done) but the detailed illustrations are more than enough to easily put this kit together. MAKE is proud to be the exclusive distributor in North America for these brilliant kits from Gakken.

Tools
Relevant parts
Relevant parts (continued)
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Karakuri Somersault Doll Kit  ¶ 

  • Open the box, and dig all the parts out of their bags.

  • Grab your tools.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Use a long strip of the included tape to attach the sleeve to the arm.

  • Add another long strip of tape to the sleeve and fold the other side over.

  • Repeat for both arms.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • String the filament through the armpit hole, tie to arm tab.

  • Run filament through the other holes, ending at tension peg.

  • Pull the tension until the "z" pattern is formed with the arm and leg.

  • Repeat for both sides.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Place bearings in neck.

  • Attach head.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Test by standing the doll up, and giving him a backward push. He won't complain.

  • If the tension is correct on the filaments, he'll do a back flip.

  • If not, add or remove tension and test again.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Put the doll's clothes on, following the printed directions.

  • Add the totally sweet head ornaments.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Build the pedestal.

  • Adjust the step height with the guide piece.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Place the doll on the top step, facing backwards. His toes should be just at the edge of the platform.

  • Give him a gentle push backward. He should do a series of backflips down the platform, until he's resting on the ground.

For more information, check out the Arts category page.

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