Pups Log

  I plan to create the character's facial expressions using a "replacement" system. I'm in the process of having Sayaka create the default expression that will be the basis for it. The images and video show the layering of clay against the core material. The part shown in green is the polystyrene foam core material. From this basic model, we create female molds and mass produce the default facial expressions. Before baking it in the oven, we modify them to give them the desired facial expressions. Originally, it would be more efficient to perform this process with a 3D printer. However, we want to stick to "handmade" products. Oops, I used CG. 😱 However, I do not intend to use digital technology to create the actual puppets or backgrounds. 

  Do you know Seal could move their neck as a human? Almost Human's necks are narrower than the body and head (some bodybuilders look no necks). When the seal moves their neck and looks around, the neck part keeps changing. Sometimes narrower, sometimes smoother to the head.  I need to think about how to move the neck part joint, easily and follow the outer skin naturally.  By the way, over 20 years ago, I wanted a drill press for metal work. But too big to put my small room. Then I bought a drill stand for a regular electric drill. It was working well those days.  Now I need to make small holes for small metal parts.  When I checked the auction site, there were lots of cheap drill presses. Big ones, small ones. I was thinking of trying to bid but checked the other stores, and they selling new ones at almost the same price. That's why I got a new small drill press.  Oh my goodness, it works great!!

  The bodies of puppets used in animation have bones called "Armatures." For example, for human characters, the joints used are almost identical to those of the human skeleton. The Armature in the image was customized by Shingo . Since he knows a lot about mechanics, I asked him to help me with this project. By the way, the support behind the Armature in the image, called the tank, was also designed by him.  The structure of the armature is very logical and beautiful, but like the kayak frame, it will be hidden when some puppets are completed. 😭 Still, if the character's movement becomes attractive, Armature's presence will be rewarded even though it is invisible. That may be equivalent to the value of animators' existence.

Hi there, As previously mentioned, the main characters of this animation are child kayaker, so of course, kayak appear in the play. He carries it, paddles it, and rolls it too. I am building this scale model of a kayak as close to the actual process as possible. The parts are so small that it's quite difficult to work with. However, I believe that the challenges faced in "craftsmanship" are part of the joy, so I welcome these kinds of challenges. I might make scale models in several scales depending on each scene. Yes, it's relatively easy to arrange the materials and tools required. If you have a short holiday, give it a try. By the way, the tools I prepared are a model saw, a pin vise, wood glue, a needle and thread. I will eventually wrap this frame in fabric. I'm still thinking about the fabric. Usually, when Greenland Kayaks are wrapped in fabric or leather, the beauty of the frame is hidden, but in this animation I want to show the beauty of the frame, so I ...

  "Pups" is the title of this animation. The main characters are a child kayaker and a child seal. They travel together. I've had an idea for these characters for quite some time. However, the design didn't fit with the roll animations I had released up until then, so it never saw the light of day. In other words, their head-to-body ratio were not suited to realistic movement. I think comedy is the stage where they can really shine. And that's what I love and what I'm good at. The storyboard is mostly complete, but I will be refining it further. 

Last year, Eiichi told us that he would make motion animation. I never even knew what to do.   I checked a few magazines and websites and understood what I prepare before starting.

 We need armature, tank, etc… Armature is already Eiichi got from the store; I can use it. I remember I had a few metal junks from my dad and from a trash bin. It should be good for some tools. I made a tank, copy from another website. It should be work. I was having a hard time cutting aluminum with a hand saw. But now I remember we have a band saw that could cut aluminum and brass.  I can make bigger armature with brass.  I still enjoy metalwork. One problem is my room getting shiny with metal dust…

Today, I had my first meeting with Shingo and Sayaka. Their ideas solved the problems I had. It seems that even things that can't be done alone can be solved by working as a team. Last year, my grandson was born. It made me realize how old I am and that I don't have much time left. Greenland kayaking has enriched my life so much. That's why I want to give back. What can I do? I wanted to leave behind some fun content that only I can create for those who will enjoy Greenland kayaking in the future. Most kayakers usually hit the water on weekends. That's a few hours a week. The rest of the time we are just thinking about and looking forward to the weekend. I focused on this time. I wanted to think of something that would give me a sense of happiness and fulfillment, rather than just waiting for the weekend. My answer to that question was animation. Up until now I've been making technical animations related to rolls, but this time I want to make something that is a bit...