Okemoto Factory
桶本製作所
Preserving Nature’s Moments: Sculpting the Essence of Life
The lifelike frog replicas created by Okemoto Factory are born at the foot of Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture, Western Japan. Kazuo Okemoto, the master craftsman of Okemoto Factory, and Junko Mizo are skilled modeling artists who create replicas of animals and plants displayed in museums. They meticulously observe living creatures and photographs to craft detailed wax prototypes. Using silicone molds, they cast replicas and hand-paint each piece. Their work captures the realism of animals as if frozen in a moment of nature’s movement.
"Toad and Nameko Mushroom Tree"
One of their signature pieces, "Toad and Nameko Mushroom Tree," portrays a captivating scene where insects are attracted to mushrooms growing on a fallen forest tree, while a toad lies in ambush. The lifelike expression of the toad, quietly eyeing its prey, is full of intensity and realism. The wood is sourced from naturally decayed forest logs, and every detail—from the toad's warts to its wrinkles—is meticulously handcrafted. In Japanese culture, the word for "frog" (kaeru) shares the same pronunciation as "return," symbolizing a wish for safe returns. Frogs are thus regarded as good luck charms, while geckos (often seen as house-protectors) are considered symbols of fortune, protecting homes from harmful insects.
Okemoto started his career at a company in Kyoto that specialized in producing replicas. Orders from museums ranged from small creatures to dinosaur fossils and large-scale forest dioramas, allowing him to acquire techniques for reproducing various flora and fauna with incredible detail. About 25 years ago, he and Mizo established their own workshop in Tottori, his hometown.
Their replicas are based on photographs or real-life specimens, aiming for life-sized, accurate reproductions. Each replica is completed only after receiving verification from museum researchers and specialists, ensuring an extraordinary level of detail and realism. Their works are not limited to single organisms but often encompass entire scenes from nature, capturing the vitality of the living creatures they represent.
