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Scary Paper Monsters

I love all kinds of papercraft, and there are many. I think I’ve tried my hand at most of them. And the kind I really love is the kind that does something. Pictures and models and scrap-books are great, but I really want my projects to pop up, to jump, to move on their own and seem alive.

During my many years in Japan, I have come across lots of traditional toys like that; toys that move on their own or have some kind of trick to them. The Japanese call these karakuri toys, because karakuri is the word for anything that uses a hidden mechanism to do unexpected and intriguing things. These toys have been favorite playthings of Japanese children (and adults!) since the age of the samurai. They are still popular today, even in the face of computer games and anime, because they still have the power to amaze and instill wonder.

Why do the Kraken’s tentacles bend in and out? How does the Skittering Hand walk down a ramp? How does the Vampire stand up in his coffin? How does the Mummy Head jump about? Karakuri toys are mysterious from the first time you see them. And even after you’ve looked closely and discovered their secrets, they are still amusing.

And then there’s the pleasure of showing them off and surprising your friends.

Or giving them a chill, because these toys are all monsters, and they all act or react in strange and unexpected ways. Which is, of course, the karakuri way!