Dear MMDers,

I would like to explain the further schedule of the International
Karakuri Contest in which some MMDers are participating.  The Japanese
word "karakuri" means basically "mechanical device."  The origin of
Japanese robotics is in the karakuri, which flowered from the 17th
century to the middle of the 19th century.

The definition of "karakuri" in this contest is contraptions borne of
unique imagination and creativity, as well as an impish sense of fun,
that are made to move by some kind of mechanism or system.  The point of
the contest is not to compete with other devices to see which has the
superior or higher-precision mechanism, but rather for its workings to
cause enjoyment, surprise, laughter, and fun among the audience.

Entries for the International Karakuri Contest were closed at the
end of May.  We are now in the primary examination stage.  The primary
examination will be finished at the end of June, and those who
successfully pass the primary examination should complete their entries
at that time for consideration in the secondary examination.

Production-assistance grants of 100,000 yen (about $950 US) will be paid
to those who successfully pass the primary examination.  Participants
must send a video image of their completed works by July 31, 2005, along
with their descriptions.  Participants will be notified of the results
of the secondary examination in the middle of August.  Those who
successfully pass the secondary examination will demonstrate their
entries on September 18-19 at the Expo venue, during the public
examination part of the contest.  Organizers will arrange airfares and
accommodation for them.

I will report here the results of the contest and I hope MMDers who have
participated in this contest will win the prize!

Murakami Kazuo
Japan