Votoms IRL

In case you didn’t know already, it is my pleasure to inform you that you share a planet with not just one, but TWO life-size Scopedogs. That’s one of the nice things about the original design; it’s small enough to actually build at full scale (a bit under 14 feet tall). Who built them, and where can they be found? Read on…

Version 1: 2004

The first was built essentially as a hobby, and a personal challenge, by a metal sculptor named Kogoro Kurata. He completed the project in under a year, posting progress reports on his blog, which were later collected into a photobook. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about Mr. Kurata…

Kogoro Kurata (born in Tokyo, May 27, 1973) is a Japanese blacksmith and plastic artist. His father is Kotaro Kurata, a blacksmith.

He grew up in an environment where he was exposed to Western blacksmithing from an early age. During a summer vacation while in high school (1991), he created his first work, a bass guitar. This work won an honorable mention at a public exhibition of “From-A-the-Art” sponsored by Recruit Co. He went on to pursue a career in blacksmithing and modeling.

In 1997, he built his own studio in Yamanashi Prefecture and moved there to continue creating art. In 2003, he took a year off and visited Europe with Berlin as his base. In 2004, he resumed his activities and started making a life-size 1/1 Scopedog/Brutishdog custom, a 4-meter tall bipedal robot that appears in the Japanese anime Armored Trooper Votoms.

As soon as he started posting the production status on his newly established blog, “I’ll Make Anything,” it became a big topic of conversation on the internet. After the completion of the work, he held his first solo exhibition “Nurseglove,” which attracted more than 20,000 visitors over a 12-day period. At the same time, he published a book compiling his blog articles and newly-taken photographs.

From 2005 to 2007, he designed and created the interior and exterior of Seirinkan, a pizza restaurant in Meguro, Tokyo. From 2007 to 2008, he designed and produced the Blast Furnace Monument installed in a park in Chiba City. From 2009 to 2010, he designed and produced the engine-driven free kick machine Castrol 1 as a promotion project for Castrol Japan, an official sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In August 2010, he began production of Kuratas, an original robot. The completed Kuratas appeared in Patlabor: The Next Generation (2014) as a Labor.

In 2007, Kurata began production of a standing statue of Tetsujin 28-go (Iron Man No. 28). However, the copyright holder decided to grant rights for the Tetsujin project to the city of Kobe for earthquake reconstruction and regional revitalization.

Introduction from Kurata’s book

Published by Infoburn, May 2005

Why a robot?

Why did I make this robot in the first place? I have always liked plastic models. I still browse through model magazines, and I hear that the latest models don’t even use glue. But no matter who makes it, it will always come out the same way. This is why children can’t find pleasure in making models. Kids play TV games all the time. But making something….

To make something that is unique to you is to put your heart and soul into it. I hadn’t made anything big lately, so I would show them the guts of an adult.

The scale…? 1/1, of course. Giant robot. Votoms is an anime with a Scopedog. I haven’t seen much anime, but the design is really cool. (I’ve never really watched anime. I was probably 9 years old at the time, or something like that. I don’t remember seeing most of them. It was hard to tell who was friend or foe, so I wasn’t interested.)

I read Doraemon when I was a kid. I really wanted a life-size giant robo model. A man’s dream is to have a giant robo, isn’t that right? (I read it in a manga. Doraemon brings out a giant robo model. It’s a real kit, with a big box of ankle parts. A model kit box with contents inside felt like a treasure to me at the time. I was envious.)

I needed a drawing…

It would be foolish to tweak the balance while building a 4-meter-long robot. I needed a solid drawing to start from. I can only use drafting software (architectural software), so if I had to start from scratch to draw something with such a mixture of curves, I would fail before I could finish.

Incidentally, I have never drawn by hand, so it is difficult to do without data. Conversely, I think it would come out as good as it possibly could if only there was a blueprint. So I searched the Internet and found someone crazy who did a very cool 3D drawing. His name was “Yamag,” and he makes 3D models. I asked him to lend me his SHADE data, and he graciously did. With this and a plamodel as reference, I could do it if I had time.

Maybe.
No problem…

If you think you can do it, you can!

If I made parts in a size that you could hold in your hand, I would be able to build it. I was sure of it. However, I wanted to use company materials. If I were to make something this big, it would be called a “nuisance.” It’s hard to explain. After all, it’s just an anime robot. One day, I would suddenly assemble it and reach a point of no return. And then I would move on to the game’s second half with some excuses:

“It’s done.”
“I can’t move it, it’s too heavy.”
“It’s dangerous to move.”

The last part was mental preparation. It’s natural that it would be troublesome and heavy and time-consuming. And not knowing if you can do it is the most tiring thing. So, I took on an attitude of, “It’s natural to be able to do it. Now let’s do it.”

Mr. Kuratas’ Scopedog appeared in public at least four times: at his personal exhibition in 2005, at the Chara Hobby convention in 2007, a public showing in 2009, and a Kunio Okawara Mecha Design exhibition in 2013. As far as I know, it has been locked away since then.

What was it like to see it in person? A blogger with the online name Zetaguma shared that experience in June 2005…

I’m sure many of you know it because it’s famous these days. I recently visited Mr. Kogoro’s solo exhibition “Nurseglove.” I’m not here to write a book blurb, but it’s “A 4-meter tall robot made entirely of steel, built by a single man.” That alone is enough to make me cry. And that, of all things, is the Scopedog from Armored Trooper Votoms!

I was there on the second day. I got there rather early, but there were already a few people in line. There were some of his previous works in the exhibition hall, and they were also amazing. Check them out on his website.

Now, the Scopedog is displayed on the other side of a partition. You go through a narrow path. Suddenly, really suddenly, there is a lump of iron in front of you. That’s the Scopedog’s back. I had a rough idea of its size since I am usually aware of it when I drive a car. Or so I thought. But to actually see that design standing up was completely beyond my imagination.

Especially in that space, there’s a huge thing in front of me that doesn’t fit in my field of vision. Huge. An overwhelming mass of metal. The marks of grinders and welding. Your mouth naturally forms a smile.

Wow! Amazing!

I walked around in front of it and couldn’t help but laugh. A single person made this? Amazing.

After staring at it for a while, I bought the book titled Tatakitsukuru koto and a commemorative bolt. The book title means “to build with such vigor that you smash it to pieces.”

When I went outside, still in a daze, a young college student who went with me said, “Hey, isn’t that Mr. Kogoro?”

“Oh, it’s true. It is him. Wow.”

At this point, I was in the same state of mind as the average meek person. After thinking about it for a while, I called out to him.

“Excuse me, are you Kogoro-san?”

“Yes!”

I was really surprised that this rather slender man, younger than myself, could create such a thing.

“Excuse me, can I have your autograph?

When I held out the book I had just bought, he graciously signed it for me. I managed to squeeze out a few words. “I’m really impressed…”

He laughed, a little embarrassed, and said, “No, I’m just a dumb construction worker.”

Since then, whenever I feel like I’m stuck in a situation, or when I’m not feeling up to the task, I always mutter to myself, “Tatakitsukuru koto.” Then, somehow, my body starts moving a little.


Related Links

Kogoro interview video (subtitled)

Chara Hobby exhibition, 2007: Source 1 | Source 2

Public display, October 2009

Kunio Okawara exhibition, 2013

Book listing on Amazon.co.jp

Google image search

Version 2: 2020

The second 1/1 Scopedog was unveiled in March 2020 at its permanent home in Inagi City, about 15 miles west of Tokyo. Inagi is the hometown of Mecha Designer Kunio Okawara, who works with the city government to create tourist attractions. The city agreed to build a life-size Scopedog monument as part of this ongoing project, and now it’s a local landmark.

1/1 Scopedog Interview

From Great Mechanics G magazine, summer 2022 issue

Participants: Mr. Ebisawa, Inagi City Hall Tourism Division • Mr. Akabori, Inagi City Tourism Association

Interviewer: In Inagi City, there have been a number of initiatives related to Mecha Designer Kunio Okawara: monuments, manhole cover designs, various events, and so on. Could you tell us about the background behind this?

Ebisawa: Since Kunio Okawara is a resident, Inagi City has been working on The Kunio Okawara project. As part of the project, we have been holding an event called “The Mecha Designers Summit.” This year will be the 10th time. These events are aimed at anime fans, but also take machine manufacturing into account, so we have also considered the possibility that it could attract companies.

However, it isn’t easy to attract companies, so we’re now focusing more on tourism. For example, we’d like to give children the opportunity to experience making things and to learn about the profession of mecha designer. If they learn more about this, we hope they’ll pursue careers in engineering. We’re doing it from that perspective.

Interviewer: In that sense, a permanent monument makes you aware of mecha, doesn’t it?

Ebisawa: The first thing that comes to mind when I think of building monuments is that they have strong meaning as a tourist resource. On the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s website for overseas visitors, there is a page about our manhole cover designs, Gundam, and Votoms monuments. (See it here.)

Although foreign tourists are not allowed to visit now because of Corona, we need to consider it a post-Corona target. And having it standing there permanently is also a merit for us to promote anime to the local children.

Interviewer: So there is also an aspect with foreign tourists in mind.

Ebisawa: After the Gundam event in 2016 (when two statues were installed), I think there is a part of us that was anticipating foreign tourists for the Olympics.

Interviewer: How did you start this project in the first place?

Ebisawa: It started from an administrative point of view, but the current mayor, Katsuhiro Takahashi, wanted to bring tourism to Inagi City. We have Yomiuri Land, but other than that, we hadn’t been actively promoting tourism. When we expanded our perspective, we launched the Mecha Designer Kunio Okawara Project and started to create monuments and design manhole covers. I think this led to Inagi City = anime mecha.

Interviewer: The Scopedog has had a big impact. Armored Trooper Votoms is a major title for anime devotees. But if you go a little off the beaten path, it becomes a title known only to those in the know, right?

Akabori: Mr. Okawara is most passionate about mecha. The first thing he wanted to create was a Scopedog. I heard that they considered various options and went with the best-known ones.

Interviewer: That’s why Gundam and Char’s Zaku were the first to be built on Pear Terrace. (Laughs)

Ebisawa: I’d spoken with Mr. Okawara about future developments on various occasions. He’s really attached to the Scopedog, so we started talking about how interesting it would be if we could install it. The location is the park in front of Pear Terrace at JR Inagi Naganuma Station. It’s not a mecha park, but a plan was developed to install various monuments there.

Interviewer: How difficult is it for a municipality to build a monument?

Ebisawa: Mr. Okawara lives in Inagi City, so with him involved it usually passes smoothly. However, it is true that some people have objections. As for the Scopedog, it is inevitable that it makes people aware of war. I have heard some people say, “Why is it in a public place?”

Interviewer: It is true that the Scopedog has a weapon.

Ebisawa: If it were in a museum, for example, I don’t think it would be out of place. I’m sure there are some people who don’t like it because it’s in a place everyone can see, adults and children.

Interviewer: Did you have the option of not having it holding a weapon?

Akabori: I saw several concept drawings, but all of them were typical poses with weapons.

Ebisawa: We respect Mr. Okawara’s design in that respect. So the city’s policy is to honor the original design.

Interviewer: It is a difficult point, isn’t it? We think of it as a “character,” but there are people who think differently.

Ebisawa: Yes, that’s right.

Interviewer: What was the budgetary background for the construction of the monument?

Ebisawa: In addition to the city’s general fund, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government sometimes subsidizes the construction of monuments. They’re also taking a more active role in incorporating anime into tourism, so we’re able to take advantage of this.

Akabori: As far as the Scopedog monument is concerned, Inagi City is not using any of its own budget. It was built with a subsidy from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and a donation from Mr. Okawara.

Interviewer: That is surprising. Do you receive a lot of donations?

Ebisawa: Both “Yatterwan” and the “Inagi Nanosuke” clock were built by donations from civic groups and local companies.

Interviewer: What are the challenges of building a monument?

Ebisawa: As with all monuments in general, it’s difficult to maintain them after they’re built. But the Scopedog likes getting dirty, doesn’t it?

Akabori: The staff in charge of installation was concerned about deterioration over time. Mr. Okawara’s advice was, “The Scopedog has a certain taste as it decays.” I learned a lot from that way of thinking. (Laughs)

Interviewer: That’s an interesting story. (Laughs) I understand mania, but when people who don’t know anything about it look at it, they wonder why it’s dirty. I guess it’s a bit like, “how many years do you want it to last?”

Ebisawa: Yes, that’s right. Many things have been created in the past ten years. I don’t know what will happen over the next ten to twenty years.

Interviewer: Do you think this kind of development will continue in the future?

Ebisawa: Yes, I think so. More things will be added to “Mechanical City Inagi.” Mr. Okawara designed the new “Onekan Warrior Inagi Pedalion,” and since we built that monument, I think we will promote him in the future as an official character of the city, together with “Inagi Nanosuke.”

Interviewer: It’s a cycling character?

Ebisawa: Inagi City has a large number of cyclists, and we call ourselves “The City of Bicycles.” The fact that it has become the course of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics cycling road race is also a big impact. Originally, bicyclists preferred the up-down Tama Hills and the Minami Tama Ridge Highway. There are many people who pass by on bicycles. We have also introduced shared bicycles, not only for the citizens in their daily lives, but also for visitors to ride while sightseeing.

Interviewer: Do you plan to add more character monuments in the future?

Ebisawa: At present, we have no plans to build new monuments. The point may be how to maintain the monuments that have been built.

Interviewer: On the other hand, is there a possibility to develop more original characters like Pedalion?

Ebisawa: Yes, I think so. We are planning to make a stuffed animal of Pedalion this year. Pedalion is the original character of Inagi City, and I think it will be developed in various ways in the future.

Inagi City and Mr. Okawara

Kunio Okawara is well known as a native and resident of Inagi City. The city has held events such as an exhibition of his works, a mecha designers summit, and more as part of the 40th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. The city has collaborated with him on a number of projects, including the creation of “Inagi Nanosuke,” the city’s official image character. The city is also working to improve its attractiveness and promote tourism.

Since 2012, the mecha designers summit has been held annually. Mr. Okawara has been working to further strengthen the collaboration, and to develop a long-term business plan to promote the city’s tourism and PR projects. The project has been in development since 2015.

Watch the 2022 Mecha Designers Summit on Youtube here.

Related Links

Unveiling event, March 16, 2020: Part 1 | Part 2

Unveiling coverage, Inagi City website

Unveiling coverage, Game Watch website

Tourist video posted by Hozumi Gouda, Chirico’s voice actor

Tourist video posted by “Elgamio”

Tourist video posted by “Toy Tow Class”

Tourist video posted by “moto IGNITE”

Tourist video posted by “923 Street Musician”

Video walkaround posted by “Cool Wind”

Video walkaround posted by “Nikon Setsuna”

Video and photos by “Noboruno”

Photoblog by “54black78jack”

Daytime video of Mechanical City Inagi

Nighttime video of Mechanical City Inagi

Mechanical City walking tour posted by “Wow! Japan”

Mechanical City walking tour posted by “Extreme Worker Yamamoto”

Mechanical City photoblog by “DAiN Mizube”

Obon Festival celebration, July 2022

Manhole cover designs by Okawara

Red Shoulder paintjob, 2022: Source 1 | Source 2

Scopedog manhole cover and related merch: coaster and tote bag

 

Souvenir cards (3 types)

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention

1/1 PDF Craft Scopedog

Garage kit maker Poseidon offers a DVD containing a 1/1 papercraft Scopedog (in PDF form) that can be printed piece by piece on large paper, pasted to cardboard, and built around a skeleton consisting of metal bars. It can be purchased for less than $30, but only ships to a Japanese address. Check it out here and see a build photojournal here.

Friendly Neighborhood Scopedog

Did you ever wonder what the world would look like if a 14-foot tall Scopedog just wandered around the city of Nagoya? A CG animator with the online handle “Nagoya Synthetic Bastard” gives us a taste with a series of eight short videos called “Iron Roar” that will make you want to live in that world. See them all on Youtube here.

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One thought on “Votoms IRL

  1. David says:

    That second Scopedog is demonstrating trigger discipline!

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