“Is that a sweet potato?” you may be thinking. And yes, yes it is. Miniature & Mitate Artist and Photographer Tanaka Tatsuya wows the world by using everyday objects to create a new world of miniatures.
Meet Tanaka Tatsuya (田中達也) who shares his unique perspective of daily life with us through miniature dioramas made with everyday objects. His work includes recreations of daily life, favourite characters from movies and shows, places and buildings, scenery, etc. all in miniature form and masterfully photographed bringing life to them.
The “MINIATURE CALENDAR” Project
The first Miniature Calendar post on April 20, 2011 (Wednesday).
In 2011, Tanaka Tatsuya started a project called “MINIATURE CALENDAR” in which he would create and photograph miniature dioramas using everyday objects on a daily basis. The photos would be uploaded on the Miniature Calendar website as well as other social media.
Broccoli and parsley may sometimes look like a forest of trees and tree leaves floating on the surface of water may sometimes look like boats.
- From Miniature Calendar
Sounds very poetic? This is how Tanaka Tatsuya views ordinary objects around him. It’s fun and makes life interesting. Wanting to share his way of thinking with the rest of the world through photography is the entire reason for the “MINIATURE CALENDAR” project.
It would be great if you could use it to add a little enjoyment to your everyday life.
- From Miniature Calendar
As of November 2022, his Instagram account has 3.6 million followers which goes to show how many people appreciate his work!
Writer's Pick
Favourite Characters and Beautiful Scenes in Miniature
The greatest charm of Tanaka Tatsuya’s miniature creations are his imaginative usage of different day-to-day objects in ways we can never imagine.
Harry Potter Steak and Fork Broomsticks
Accio steak!
Candy Chainsaw Man
So… Candy Man?
Dr Strange’s Magic Circles with Biscuits
Wong is eating one!
Comb Lightsabers
“May the fourth be with you”. Since 2015, Tanaka Tatsuya has released a Star Wars miniature every May 4th for Star Wars Day.
“Spa-hero & Super-ghetti”
Would you like a slice of justice with your spaghetti?
Museum MINIATURE LIFE × KOBE AIRPORT
If you are interested in Tanaka Tatsuya’s work, then follow his social media and check in on Miniature Calendar everyday. But that’s not all, you can visit his museum too and see some of his creations in real life!
On September 30, 2022, Tanaka Tatsuya’s「MINIATURE LIFE × KOBE AIRPORT」museum opened its doors at Kobe Airport in the Hyogo prefecture, Kansai Region. The museum is based on the concept, “a theme park where you can ride aeroplanes, see aeroplanes, and can be enjoyed by adults and children”. And is open to all visitors free of charge.
Image Credit: PR Times
There are 2 exhibition rooms; one with an airport and aircraft theme including a recreation of Kobe Airport in miniature, and the other a miniature world of Kobe’s landscapes. On the rooftop space, there is a giant broccoli.
Why not pay a visit when visiting Kobe?
Tatsuya Tanaka’s creativity and imagination is truly admirable. Looking at his sometimes cute, sometimes hilarious miniature works really lights up one’s day. Not only does it change one’s perspective, it also makes us appreciate the little things in life more.
Follow Tatsuya Tanaka’s social media for more of his great works and get updates on merchandise and exhibitions. We all could use a little more fun in life.
Photos provided courtesy of Tatsuya Tanaka 田中達也 (Miniature Calendar, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube)
