Hebikera from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind on sale at Studio Ghibli Exhibition in Tokyo

The stunning model has been made according to a Japanese metal craft tradition with roots in the Edo period.

If there’s one event to entice you away from your air-conditioned house this summer, it’s the Studio Ghibli Exhibition at Roppongi Hills. The retrospective display promises to reveal treasures from their latest work, The Red Turtle, and more, going all the way back to the 1984 animated epic adventure film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. To help celebrate the exciting event, a special metal model will be made available for sale at the venue, created by skilled model maker Takayuki Takeya in collaboration with figurine manufacturer Kaiyodo and Studio Ghibli. Using a “free movement” metal working style particular to Japan, the model depicts all the curves and details of the Hebikera giant flying insect from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

▼ The faithful reproduction has 45 points of moveability, allowing the winged insect to move in the same way as it does in the animated movie.

The “Jiza Oki” free movement style of metalwork used in this model has been practiced in Japan for centuries. Used to replicate the joints of real animals, the style allows for realistic poses and free-flowing forms.

▼ Many dragons are also made using Jiza Oki techniques.

The joint-like sections to provide free movement run across the entire body, taking in the neck, wings, and the centipede-like torso and tail.

▼ The mandibles on either side of the winged insect’s mouth can also be moved freely.

▼ With Studio Ghibli overseeing the project, the high quality model looks exactly like the original character in the movie.

Surprisingly, the 40-centimetre (15.7-inch) model is reasonably priced, retailing for 12,800 yen (US$125) plus tax. Available at the venue during the exhibition period, the model is sure to be popular with visitors.

Event information
Ghibli Exhibition ~ 1/ ジブリの大博覧会 ～ナウシカから最新作「レッドタートル」まで～
Location: Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observation Deck Sky Gallery
Address: Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Roppongi 6-10-1, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52nd floor
東京都港区六本木6-10-1 六本木ヒルズ森タワー52階
Hours: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (entry until 9:30 p.m.)
Dates: July 7 – September 11
Admission: 1,800 yen (US$17)
Website

Source, Images: Value Press

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