Tag Archives: Mitsuru Nikaido

Get caught in the grip of this biomechanical jellyfish

There’s something both unsettling and mesmerizing about this otherworldly LEGO jellyfish by Mitsuru Nakaido. It’s undeniably a machine, with its cool palette of light and dark bluish-gray, yet the tangled stalk of wirelike tentacles (woven from various cable, hose, and rope elements) gives it a smooth, organic feel. Is this creation the housing for some unknowable alien intelligence? Is it a relic of some advanced mysterious ancient civilization beneath the sea? Is it something else entirely? That’s up to you to decide.

LEGO Jellyfish mech_05

Do I make you itchy?

I love insects and spiders. Really, I do. Tops on my LEGO wishlist is the new 21342 Ideas Insect Collection but boy, does looking at insect photos make my skin crawl! I’m scratching as I type and that is a testament to how realistic this new flea creation by Mitsuru Nikaito is. “Associative itching” is a real thing and, according to the science-y types at the University of Pennsylvania, itchy associations crosses species because primates get it, too. It’s a sensation so good, I decided to pass it along to you all. Let me know in the comments if you’re feeling it too and, if you love creepy-crawlers, check out our insects archives for more skin-crawling goodness.

LEGO Flea mech_05

It’s probably a bit of ostrich but...

Japanese LEGO builder Mitsuru Nikaido has a knack for turning any beast into a mechanized creature. This time the mighty ostrich gets the mech treatment. I’m loving the quizzical expression of this leggy bot. As always, there are some amazing shapes and build techniques here. This prolific builder’s growing bestiary is truly a sight to behold. Check out our Mitsuru Nikaido archives to see what I mean.

LEGO Mecha Ostrich_01

This turtle is hard on the outside, slightly less hard on the inside

You say LEGO mecha animals, all I hear is Mitsuru Nikaido. Few builders have such a remarkably consistent style across so many builds. Some of my favourites in this series are deep-sea creatures; something about the exoskeletal style just really works for marine life. The venerable sea turtle is latest to be added to the menagerie. The white shell really pops against the dark grey of the turtle’s mechanical innards. Some of Nikaido-san’s creatures feature white heads to draw the attention that way, but in this instance I think the grey is a better choice. It emphasises the difference between the hard shell and the soft tissue underneath. Well, as soft as a mechanical turtle can be, anyway.

LEGO-Mecha-Sea-turtle_11

Mitsuru Nikaido’s creature mechs are as numerous as...well, rabbits!

I’m certain there’s a great joke in here somewhere about the abundance of Mitsuru Nikaido’s LEGO creature mechs and the mating habits of rabbits but damned if I can figure it out. While I may be tapped for jokes tonight, it makes me no less of a fan of this builder’s, by now, iconic color scheme and his amazing creatures both familiar and bizarre. Anyway, enjoy this cute bunny mech and check out our Mitsuru Nikaido archives to see what else this builder has miraculously sprouted. And if you have a better joke than what I’ve already stated then please let us know in the comments.

LEGO Mech Rabbit Mk2_06

These monochrome robots are monumental

When I think about unique LEGO creations, I usually picture them in vibrant colors, considering just how many colors LEGO elements come in these days. But like fine art and photography, sometimes using a more limited palette, or choosing to go black and white can introduce interesting design constraints. Builder Mitsuru Nikaido is known for creating stunning mechanical models of animals from around the world, both past and present. but with this recent series, they are taking their LEGO creations into the future.

Object-10_13

These two robot companions are full of interesting details like the two different sizes of ski sleds used for the feet, and the revolver used for the digits of the tall skinny fellow. But I think my favorite detail is the top half of the light gray turntable used for the shoulders, hips, and knees. There is another great robot in the series, which looks like it could be the next model from Boston Dynamics, but is surprisingly less creepy.

Object-12_1

As if Velociraptors weren’t scary enough before

If you have nightmares about being chased by dinosaurs, then this LEGO model may not be for you. But then again, it is a very good model, full of great part usage and excellent details. Mitsuru Nikaido is a master at creating mechanical creatures of land, sea, and sky, and this Velociraptor is one of the best mecha-dinosaurs I’ve seen in a while. I love the simple technique of attaching teeth to the 1×2 rounded plate. The robot arm used for the eyebrow adds the perfect texture, and those raised toe claws on the back legs look super-fierce. My favorite detail has to be the jet engine intakes on the back legs, which would allow the beast to jump high and deliver death from above.

LEGO Mecha Velociraptor_09

If you like this mecha-beast, be sure to check out some of the other great creations of Mitsuru’s we’ve featured before,

A Bathynomus giganteus mech for all your Bathynomus giganteus needs

By a show of hands, who here demanded to see a Bathynomus giganteus mech made with LEGO? Really, am I the only one? Well, frankly I didn’t ask for it either but now that I see this fantastic creation by Mitsuru Nikaido I’m compelled to share it with you all. The real-life counterpart is not some extinct dinosaur, but rather a living, breathing deep-sea creature common in cold waters. While they typically reach a length between 7.5 and 14.2 inches, some can grow up to 20 inches long. With that segmented complex carapace, compound eyes and seven sets of pereiopods what’s not to love, really? I am not doubting your intelligence (heck, I barely get by with the help of Google) but it is possible that just a moment ago you knew nothing of such a creature and now its likeness is forever burned into your posterior parietal cortex. You’re welcome, I guess? Nituru has a distinct style and a knack for building some very interesting creatures both familiar and bizarre.

LEGO Mecha Bathynomus giganteus_09

Chunky mech just wants a handshake

It’s time to have a look at another fantastic mechanical model built by the talented Mitsuru Nikaido. The mech is presented in a monochromatic style for the most part, the exceptions being the little hints of colour at the eye and pistol. A wide claw piece represents the head and its placement allows for the convenient position of a red axle to act as an eye. At the shoulders, shield pieces are attached to the model, with angled bricks placed upon them. The fingers have a humanoid look, conveyed by the rounded tips at the ends. Armed with a tough looking blaster, this mech could prove to be quite the adversary.

LEGO-Robot-Mk-18_02

This mechanical squid appears to be a fan of skiing

It might be difficult to add this one to a calamari dish. Mitsuru Nikaido has constructed an impressive version of a robotic squid in a black and white colour scheme. Flexible tubes and whip pieces represent cables along the outstretched limbs, adding to the mechanical aesthetic of the design. The squid’s tentacles are covered in a large amount of ski pieces which act as armor plating and are attached via droid bodies. The blank eyes of the creature are portrayed by tires and wheel rims. Being quite a large build, the model requires a stand which assists in conveying a sense that the creature is floating or is ready to glide through the water.

LEGO Mecha Squid_11

You wouldn’t want to be this fish’s dentist!

Mitsuru Nikaido has constructed this haunting model, taking inspiration from aquatic creatures found in the depths of the ocean. Specifically, this build is based on the strangely named footballfish, from the same family as the anglerfish. The body is covered in armour like plates, providing the model with a robotic aesthetic, until you get to the mouth. The twisted, organic looking teeth, recreate the horrifying appearance of the fish, along with the round gleaming eyes. Beware dear readers, I’ve heard that this model uses a golden bionicle orb to lure in unsuspecting LEGO fans…

Footballfish_06

My thoughts on unconnected tiger art? They’re grrrrrrrreat!

Who says you have to lock the bricks together to make something beautiful out of LEGO? Mitsuru Nikaido knows just how to pile up pieces to take things in a very different direction. Better still, they show you just how it was done with a great time lapse video! (Seriously. Go watch.)

LEGO Tiger_01

If you’re looking for more creative inspiration, be sure to take a stroll through our Art tag!