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Japanese Artist Recreates Miniature Tokyo Olympics & It Is A Mask-terpiece

Miniature Tokyo Olympics


If there is one thing different about the Tokyo Olympics 2020, compared to past iterations, it is the sight of people – not just the Japanese – wearing masks. With this in mind, Japanese artist Tanaka Tetsuya incorporated mask-wearing into his miniature artworks of the Tokyo Olympics.


Tanaka Tatsuya’s Miniature Olympics


miniature tokyo olympics - swimming
Swimming
Image credit: MINIATURE CALENDAR

On 23rd July, to commemorate the opening of the Tokyo Olympics, miniature artist and photographer Tanaka Tatsuya released a series of photos recreating various miniature Tokyo Olympic games. Besides mini figurines, Tanaka usually uses everyday necessities, such as bread and sponges, to create his dioramas.

miniature tokyo olympics - volleyball
Volleyball
Image credit: MINIATURE CALENDAR

miniature tokyo olympics - track & field
Track & field
Image credit: MINIATURE CALENDAR

Since masks have become an integral part of daily life, Tanaka incorporated them into this series. To further drive home his point, the photos were captioned “Stay safe while enjoying the Olympic games”.

miniature tokyo olympics - high jump
High jump
Image credit: MINIATURE CALENDAR

The use of different parts of the surgical mask to recreate iconic features of each game exudes ingenious creativity, much like the live pictogram imitation performance during the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony.


Miniature Life art exhibition


miniature tokyo olympics - exhibition (close-up)Image credit: @minpo_jigyo

miniature tokyo olympics - exhibition
Image credit: @minpo_jigyo

Tanaka is holding a few limited-time art exhibitions showcasing many of his other works, and if you have the chance, do visit to witness his works in real life.

miniature tokyo olympics - akita museum of art
Akita Museum of Art
Image credit: @AAB_Event

There are currently three exhibitions in three different prefectures: Fukushima Prefectural Culture Center (until 29th August 2021), Akita Museum of Art (until 29 August 2021), and Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture (until 31st August 2021).

miniature tokyo olympics - merchandise
Image credit: @AAB_Event

You can also purchase merchandise from these exhibitions, such as postcards, shirts, and more.


See more like Tanaka’s miniature Tokyo Olympics creations


If you still can’t get enough of Tanaka’s masterpieces, keep an eye on MINIATURE CALENDAR as he releases new photos of his latest creations regularly.

You can also support his work by purchasing his merchandise from his official website. You can also follow him on his Facebook.

For more Tokyo Olympics articles, check out:


Cover image adapted from MINIATURE CALENDAR and MINIATURE CALENDAR