“Day Saka-agari,” one of the 40 fascinating dioramas made by Takuji Yamada that can be seen at the Hamamatsu Diorama Factory.
 
If you ever find yourself in Hamamatsu, Japan I’d recommend you make a bee-line for the intriguing Hamamatsu Diorama Factory, where you can see approximately 40 of master model builder Takuji Yamada’s intricate dioramas.

Takuji’s works depict a wide range of Japanese culture and history, including some thought-provoking images of what life was like in Japan during WWII. There are also many whimsical dioramas featuring pop culture references—specifically from the long line of Japanese monster movies such as Ultraman and his monstrous nemesis Neronga, as well as a strange homage to President John F. Kennedy who helped save the crumbling relationship between the U.S. and Japan during his short time as our 35th president. Admission to the curious Hamamatsu Diorama Factory is a real bargain—less than three U.S. dollars gets an adult in the door and kids are free. I’ve included a number of images of Yamada’s impeccably detailed dioramas that I think you will enjoy looking at below. Yamada’s work is also the subject a couple of books, the most comprehensive being the 2000 publication, Takuji Yamada’s Diorama Works.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A diorama of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.
 

An diorama homage to the television series ‘Lost in Space.’
 

Another shot of the ‘Lost in Space’ diorama.
 

Negrona vs. Ultraman diorama.
 

‘Rascals Hideout.’
 

 

 

A self-portrait diorama by Takuji Yamada.

Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Diabolical dioramas depict murderous clowns, tiny cannibals and their unfortunate victims
This ‘Street Trash’ diorama of the infamous toilet ‘meltdown’ scene can now be yours!
Adorable handmade diorama cards featuring Delia Derbyshire, Roxy Music, De La Soul and many more