On today's Ventriloquist Central blog, Bob Abdou answers a question about marionettes, and he includes a pic of himself at a Japanese convention. The pic reminded me of how much I really like the look of many Japanese dummies. I think they look really cute, and I like the size of them. Does anyone know anything about them, about how to obtain one, and/or who are some makers I could contact?

http://ventriloquistcentralblog.com/word......ette.jpg

Thanks!

I agree with you about their look, and I've seen very, very few, even pictures of any, over the years.
Unless you have someone here custom make one for you, I think you'd almost have to find a maker over there to buy one from.

I may know a guy

I actually have a flyer from a Japanese figure builder except that the prices were all in Japanese. I went and had some of the prices translated and the prices were in the thoudands of dollars. I was astonished as matter of fact. I agree they are good looking figures. They look like the Japanese cartoon characters.
Dan
http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Thousands of dollars?
So that one time some years ago when I had a chance to get one near new for 200., I should have grabbed it?
(just kidding, it never happened.... ....)

Seriously, though, so it sounds like anyone wanting to be a vent in Japan, and wanting a "native" figure, would have to be on the wealthier end of the scale.

Hey Keith,

If you look closely at the pic of Bob, I am pretty sure that the two people on the right were at VHC either this year or last. I think I recognize a third, (the older gentleman) but I can't be sure of that. The two I do recognize have both performed and are pretty good. I'll bet that Mark would know their names.

Steve

http://www.thedummyshoppe.com

The picture of Bob Abdou was taken in Japan (that's not our stage..however I have been on that stage in Tokyo when I was there the first time to lecture and perform
..) and the two people to the right are the leaders of the JVA (Japanese Ventriloquist Association) Takeshi and Shu Ikeda. They are great people and wonderful hosts.

Mark

markwade@kidshowvent.com

And Mark, You are a GREAT man! Try saying that in Japanese...

Interesting stuff. Thanks for the replies. Yes, "thousands of dollars" is too much for me. But, if anyone here does happen to find one available for a more "reasonable" price, please let me know. Of course, as suggested, I'm sure one of talented makers here could do a good job on the look of one of these figures, right Jim??

I'm sure someone could make one, there's nothing special about them otherwise I'm sure, and the few I've seen pictures of, didn't even have moving eyes, as it looks like the ones in the posted picture don't, so the mechanics are simple. Probably the only reason no one here in this country has made them is because no one figures there would be enough demand for them here.

Thanks, Dr. Solar...but I derive my greatness from the people around me. The Japanese are great!!
Mark
markwade@kidshowvent.com

I recall in the movie Dumbstruck there is a scene with a vent workshop in Japan with figures similair to those in the above link. I remember thinking how they really resemble the characters in my sons favorite Japanese animated movies like "Spirited Away" and " My Neighbor Totoro " .

I also think some of Kem Poyners figures have a somewhat similair look.

As Keith mentioned there is also a newbie maker that has just started a list that hangs out here sometimes