Japan Diorama Creation

CONCEPT

Environmental destruction, global warming, conflicts, natural disasters, and accidents.
Building structures and sceneries that could be lost any time are in need to be preserved into the future.

Sceneries are created meticulously with attention to backgrounds and parts that cannot be seen,
and cultural assets are recreated authentically through research by Japanese artisans.

We create dioramas with which you can "feel" the sceneries with the skills of craftsmen
who are meticulous about the quality of visible parts as well as details and hidden parts.

How specifications are determined

COST

DETAIL

SCALE

Specifications are determined based mainly on "cost," "details," and "scale" that fit the purposes.

"Cost"
The cost varies depending on the degree of details and amount of ready-made supplies that can be utilized.
It is also possible to set a budget and allocate funds accordingly.

"Details"
Details are important in cases where the interior of a building is of significance or background research is required for a historical building.
The cost becomes relatively high as the number of one-off items increases.

"Scale"
The scale is determined roughly by the scope and size of the diorama, but we recommend scales in which ready-made supplies can be used.
→ A list of major scales (PDF file)

PRODUCTION FLOW

1. Select a map to use and create plans

Discuss the scope of production and production scale (1/50th 1/80th 1/150th, etc.) based on contour maps of the area to be produced, aerial photographs, and photographs and other materials for reproduced buildings of the past.
Once the scope of production has been determined, we will provide you with a approximate estimate.
After you confirm the quotation, we will prepare production drawings.
If a case or display base is required, we will produce drawings as well. (3-dimensional drawings of plan, side, and elevation views, 3D perspective drawings, etc.)

2. Confirm the degree of accuracy

Discuss the quality content of the main part to be produced based on actual photos and reference materials.
Since the cost and number of days may vary depending on the quality of production, we will provide a quotation again.

3. Create the base

Create a diorama base according to the dimensions of the plan.

4. Create the base topography

Trace the layout of the production drawing on the diorama base pedestal.
If the topography is to be dug down from the base pedestal (ocean, river, pond, rice field, etc.), cut out the top plate, process the bottom and the side of the rise. If the topography is to be raised from the base pedestal (mountain, hill, plateau, etc.), cut materials (styrene, urethane, plywood, etc.) for the raised portion are glued to the base pedestal and the raised portion is fabricated. (cutting, polishing, etc.)
After treating the sides of the base pedestal (putty, base paint, etc.), the sides are finished by painting, attaching cutting sheets, etc.

5. Produce water surfaces, plantings, grounds, roads, etc.

Paint roads, building sites, etc., and bond fields and building facility bases.
Hardening process with trowel, heat gun, etc., and adhesion of stone walls, etc., to create styrofoam sections of mountains, hills, river sides, etc. Apply colored plaster to mountain parts, hills, river sides, fields, dirt roads, and other soil-set areas, apply wave expressions to rivers and oceans, express road white lines, etc., and fix standing objects such as standing trees and utility poles. Apply colored plaster to mountain surfaces, dirt roads, oceans, rivers, ponds, etc. Adhere multiple powder and crushed urethane in earth and grass colors to the areas set for soil sections. Pebbles, sand, etc. are used for riverbanks, seashores, etc. Express plantings with foliage in mountain areas, wastelands, gardens, etc. In some cases, buildings may be fabricated and installed first, if it is more convenient to do so after the buildings have been placed.

6. Produce buildings.

If building facilities on the diorama are required, the following procedure is used to produce them.
1.Create the parts data of the building facility, and cut out the parts of the components based on the data. (The material of the parts will be selected according to the contents of the exhibition and the budget. Acrylic, paper, MDF, plywood, etc.)
2.Assemble the cut-out parts.
3.Paint the assembled building. (Base coating → basic coating → paint-by-paint. (Base coating → basic coating → paint-by-paint, aging coating if necessary). If painting after assembly is difficult, paint the parts as they are.
4.If commercial products are used, modification and processing will be performed as necessary.
5.If lighting is to be inserted into a building, silver paint or aluminum tape will be applied to the inside of the building to prevent light leakage.

7.Adjust placement and finishing.

Adjust the color for overall balance.
Clear-coat water surfaces such as oceans, rivers, and ponds. Place and glue accessories such as cars, dolls, etc.

8. Adjust balance and complete the project

Look at the overall balance of the diorama and adjust colors.
Apply clear paint to water surfaces such as seas, rivers, and ponds.
Complete the diorama by placing accessories such as cars and figures of people with glue.

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