In 1662 Japanese clockmaker Takeda Omi unveiled mechanical wonders that captivated audiences for generations. His karakuri puppets could serve tea write calligraphy and shoot arrows using intricate wooden gears and pulleys. These automata became the centerpiece of grand theater performances in Edo by 1757 as concealed operators brought them to life transforming wooden figures into mythical creatures. Their legacy endures today at festivals like the Inuyama Festival and laid the groundwork for th