Pop-art Pinocchios: take-g's robots and toys go back to nature

Japanese wooden toymaker and children's crafts brand take-g toys will be the subject of an exhibition called "A, Un" at Gallery Mitate in Nishi-Azabu (Le Bain 1F, Nishi-Azabu 3-16-28, Minato-ku, tel. 03 3479 3842).

The man behind take-g is Takeji Nakagawa (b. 1978), who originally hails from Nagano Prefecture and took his degree in Crafts and Industrial Design at Tokyo's prestigious Musashino Art University. Nakagawa's work focuses primarily on rounded futuristic toys like robots and spaceships that utilize natural wood tones to create sci-fi-esque external patterning. As he says in the promotional pamphlet, "I love wood -- the color of wood, the smell of wood, the feel of wood. Wood to me is the greatest partner for craft-making." (our translation)

Besides his signature robots, Nakagawa has also produced sets of animals and Lego-like interchangeable vehicles. Being hand-made, these sets can set you back some serious yen -- with the largest of the vehicle sets going for ¥40,500 (¥42,525 with tax). The robots surely are so pricey that they deserve to be left on a shelf rather than in the grubby hands of your offspring.

The "A, Un" show runs from March 30 to April 18, and the gallery is open daily from 11am-7pm. (Closed Mondays, and the last day closes at 4pm). Admission is free. Nakagawa will be on hand for a talk show on Saturday April 17 at 2pm in case you want to learn more about how he works.

(Hat tip to Matt Alt)