Man -vs.- machine (hint: machine wins)…

Currently on display at the KIRISHIMA OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, in Kagoshima, Japan (located at the southwest tip of the KyÅ«shÅ« island), is one of the most important works by one of Japan’s most visionary modern artists, the “World of Torayan” project by KENJI YANOBE. Standing well over 15 feet tall with moving arms and legs, the baby-faced monster Torayan robot makes its presence known to all by spewing incredible plumes of flame from its mouth and emitting deafening blasts from its massive shoulder-mounted ship’s horn, which can be heard for miles. Fabricated almost entirely out of handmade metal parts by the master craftsman who often refers to himself as “a welder,” the piece stands as a testament to both Japan’s innovative “otaku” culture, and its unswerving futuristic vision. Enraptured adults with an eye for the iron giant should take note of the robot’s youthful loyalties, though, and watch their step in its presence. According to its creator, “This giant Torayan doll is the ultimate child’s weapon, as it sings, dances, breathes fire, and follows only those orders given by children.” Our guess is that “smash my school” is a frequently heard request. Also on display at the show are several of Yanobe’s other mechanical creations including his “Torayan Ferris Wheel,” “Survival System Train,” and “Tanking Machine,” and his “Cinema in the Woods”…

Torayan takes a load off…

The chest-mounted entertainment room…

JAPANESE NOISE ROCKERS TYME JAM WITH THE ROBOT:

“Mini Tanking Machine”

“Survival System Train”

“Cinema in the Woods”

Yanobe-San plots his next automaton…

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