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Japanese artist Tatsuya Tanaka stands out with his playful tiny dioramas. He creates miniatures out of ordinary everyday items, giving them a new meaning. Here sugar cubes, plastic bags, and cups, among other items, become icy mountains, mysterious sculptures and many other things you can imagine.
The artist has been making and photographing these petite worlds since 2011. The photos are updated daily on his website, earning it the name “Miniature Calendar.” As Tatsuya Tanaka explained, "everyday occurrences seen from a miniature perspective can bring us lots of fun thoughts," so we invite you to explore this magical universe. Hopefully, that will brighten up your day!
More info: Instagram | miniature-calendar.com | Facebook | twitter.com | youtube.com
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Wonderfully creative! I love how they used the brushes to mimic fields of grain.
skin krawler 3 years ago
I tried to pick one and can't. You are absolutely brilliant. Such details. You made your own little people ? Checking out the other 1-5 group's. Thanks for the link to them 👍
Aamna Shah 3 years ago
I really love this one. The artist is so incredibly creative and skilled.
It's definitely not the first article featuring Tatsuya Tanaka's works. If you'd like to see more of his lovely creations, click here for part 1, here for part 2, here for part 3, here for part 4 and here for part 5.
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#2
Amanda Rose 3 years ago
I used to live in Artesia, NM so not too far from Roswell. This is hilarious!
Jessica Bertram 3 years ago
oh my god....ARTESIA. tiny lil place!!! (also from NM)
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#3
“Everyone must have had thoughts like these before,” Tatsuya writes on his 'Miniature Calendar' website. “Broccoli and parsley may sometimes look like a forest of trees, and tree leaves floating on the surface of water may sometimes look like little boats.“
#4
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago
In real life that cat would be pushing the pottery off the shelf. 😂
הגר שוהם 3 years ago
My cat who died at 18 years old loved hanging out on the top of the closet in my dad's bedroom. The closet was right next to the door and one day he entered the room at the exact moment she decided to slap a giant Roach. It flew straight down his shirt and into his pants it was probably the best moment of my life.
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
I love just how clever and creative each one of these miniature worlds are.
#5
Joshua Wilson 3 years ago
It is rice. I have actually planted and harvested some before.
Load More Replies... Tatsuya Tanaka was born in 1981 in Kumamoto, Japan. He's held exhibitions in Japan and abroad, including “MINIATURE LIFE: Tatsuya Tanaka’s World of Miniatures” and has released “MINIATURE LIFE,” “Small Wonders,” “MINIATURE TRIP IN JAPAN,” and the picture book “Assemble and Resemble (KuMitate’)”.
#6
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago
“In the artist’s idyllic make-believe world cats do not destroy window blinds.”
Lupita Nyong'heaux 3 years ago
that's how you know this is art and not real life. lol
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Private Caller 3 years ago
This entire post is freaking amazing. Or im really hiiiigh. Good with either.
Follow Tatsuya Tanaka on Instagram for his daily uploads and check out his socials listed above! What do you think about these creations?
#8
Alexandria Z 3 years ago
I 'resemble' the implication that I'm a popcorn head. hehe Love the set.
Shyla Bouche 3 years ago
*pounces the popcorn* Wheeee! Come on, Kitten, join me! *bats some popcorn Kitten's way*
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Jessica Bertram 3 years ago (edited)
the real brilliance of some of these is not only are they gorgeous and immediately recognizable, the best of them use an "out of place item' in a diorama themed around something to do with the item in 'small size'. Examples: staples in an office diorama. Lace (and something blue) in a wedding diorama. Archers shooting a sea monster on a sashimi presentation plate. a workstation (and computer) out of keyboard keys. Taj Mahal out of chess pieces, a game of Indian origin. these are better than good; they are brilliant commentaries on the theme of each diorama.
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#12
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago (edited)
Potato Peeler Chairlift Seats: one of many, many things in this world that look good, but don’t feel good. (But, love the art!)
Lorie Shewbridge 3 years ago
The artist has an extraordinary imagination. I haven't stopped smiling.
A Random Anvil 3 years ago
These remind me of Beborn Beton's Takes from Another World album art. I just love it.
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#16
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago
Whatever is holding up the mystery block over Koopa is not casting a shadow. This guy is good.
Epona 3 years ago
What? Why would Mario steal anyone's liver? At least I think that is what you meant?
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Anonymouse 3 years ago
Spirited Away!!! (I can't believe I actually get a movie reference for once!!!!)
#18
Abra Davis 3 years ago
I keep scrolling and with each swipe up I'm more amazed at what this awesome artist can do. It's brilliant and yet so simple.
#19
Cal🤘 (she/her) 3 years ago
I want a mini version of when Imagine Dragons walks on the crosswalk in the On Top of the World music video.
#20
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago
This is the hard-boiled private detective working on a case before he goes down to the docks for some strong liquor and a chat with his informant.
#21
#22
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago
Stapler in the background. Just in case you didn’t know what was going on. (This is no doubt a memorial to people who have died from staple injuries. May they Rest In Peace) 🙏
Private Caller 3 years ago
It's so like the killer to show up to the memorial smh
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#23
Kiki’sNotLookingBack 3 years ago
Just wait till you see the next post lol
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K- THULU 3 years ago
OK took me a sec to work it out.... But brilliant once i realized what they were!!!
Ann M Clinkscales 3 years ago (edited)
Isn't this Easter Island?! LOVE, LOVE this one!! He is a genius!!
Epona 3 years ago
Pretty sure it's a woman, though the face does look pretty masculine. The heels and outfit are a bit of a clue. Not that men can't wear halter tops or miniskirts or heels!
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#25
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago
I love the monkeys protesting the departure of their chef buddies! 😂
#27
Aamna Shah 3 years ago (edited)
I love the details. The woman in the center seems to be holding her stack of pages with not just her hands but using her chin to keep them from falling. One dude seems upset with a coworker. This is amazing!
#28
Obvious Decoy 3 years ago
Those pigeons on top of the loaf should look more like basketballs in a city like this.
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#30
Patti Wagner 3 years ago
Apparently this guy's mother never told him not to play with his food. Good thing too, since this is beautiful!
#31
Brooke Davis 3 years ago
Reminds me of a particular episode of "Midsummer Murders" ALL about bees.
#32
#33
Epona 3 years ago
Nope. Not the only one. I find it more than a little disturbing more than sad. I get that the adults are in white "lab" coats because the snow-people (equality) are pill tablets, but I don't understand why, buying into the story the picture is telling, they would still be in those lab coats, instead of a normal winter coat? Am I overthinking it? Probably
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Michelle Brandt 3 years ago
So THAT'S you have to smack the remote! Gotta wake up the vampire!
#35
#36
Epona 3 years ago (edited)
I'm confused. I get that this is actually a cutting board, but why does it have the ridges? Did the artist alter the wooden cutting board to better make it look like stairs? It looks more like a metal grater (as in cheese grater) but made of wood. Also, same female skateboarder from #20!
#37
#38
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago
You can tell its Japan because of the chubby rice. Japanese rice is so good!
#39
Jessica Bertram 3 years ago
I'm pretty sure those are steaks or pork chops. but i like your pancake style! 🥞
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#40
K- THULU 3 years ago
Brilliant!!! Where did he find those miniatures? Want some. Love "Laputa"!!!!
Jay Son 3 years ago (edited)
Not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if they (or similar ones) can be found at hobby stores that also sell products related to miniature train sets. EDIT: well, it looks like he actually 3D prints and paints then himself. There's a video showing him creating these: https://youtu.be/wJdjVKgbI5U
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#44
kitten levels tokyo 3 years ago
Symbolic of the relentless battle between left eye and right eye.
#49
Did you hear that? 3 years ago
This is cute but I really wish I had a mini person to make dumplings for me!
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#55
Kiki’sNotLookingBack 3 years ago
That’s some talent… I can’t even pick these out with my hands 😂
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Kiki’sNotLookingBack 3 years ago (edited)
Very creative! I like it. Makes me wonder how they made it…
#73
Michelle Brandt 3 years ago
Performer- Quick, I need a skirt! Costume department- I have just the thing.
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What do you think ?
Ellie Vanille 3 years ago
Now I want to see this guy's house/appartment. I'm sure there are so many boxes full of tiny people, tiny animals, tiny happy trees and other useful things. I love it.
Golden Cat 3 years ago (edited)
This persons first two creations are more creative then i will ever be
Aamna Shah 3 years ago
This is one of my absolute favourite articles. The artist is a creative genius and his attention to detail is phenomenal. I am in awe of his incredible talent and skill. I would love to see more from him in the future.
Ellie Vanille 3 years ago
Now I want to see this guy's house/appartment. I'm sure there are so many boxes full of tiny people, tiny animals, tiny happy trees and other useful things. I love it.
Golden Cat 3 years ago (edited)
This persons first two creations are more creative then i will ever be
Aamna Shah 3 years ago
This is one of my absolute favourite articles. The artist is a creative genius and his attention to detail is phenomenal. I am in awe of his incredible talent and skill. I would love to see more from him in the future.
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