Karakuri: Subtle Trickery in Device Art and Robotics Demonstrations at Miraikan

Based on museological participant-observation conducted at the Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo, this article considers the role of karakuri, or subtle trickery, referring to devices that evoke a sense of awe and wonderment through concealment of their inner workings. The author critically assesses Miraikan’s Tearoom of Zero/One gallery space as well as its ASIMO demonstrations in terms of their utilization of this quality.