
As the technology grows, 3-D printing is starting to really come into its own. You can make nearly anything with it–from spaceship engines to incredibly ugly pistols. And while it’s still going through growing pains, the appearance of the 3Doodler, a handheld 3-D printing “pen,” signals that we might not be far from Star Trek-like replicators and holodecks. Okay, maybe that you won’t be able to go swashbuckling with Riker any time soon, but you might be able to join Luffy and the rest of the One Piece gang!
While many people were understandably skeptical of the 3Doodler, this video by Aimi Sekiguchi shows just what the device is capable of…and it’s quite a lot actually. Watch as she builds the entire Going Merry ship in miniature!
While the 3Doodler looked impressive in demonstration videos, we have to admit we doubted it could ever be quite as cool in reality. After all, in a lot of ways, it seems like a glorified glue gun–which is not to disparage the inventors, because, honestly, “glorified glue gun” sounds like an awesome toy! However, all of our skepticism has been washed away by Aimi, a model, idol, singer, talent, and, apparently, 3Doodler artist. With this single short video, Aimi proves that the 3Doodler is everything it was promised to be.
Cosplaying as Boa Hancock, Aimi whips up a pretty spectacular version of the Going Merry from One Piece. Even if you’re not a fan ofthe show, you’ll probably still find yourself wishing you could get your hands on that model…or at least commission one of your own.
▼As with most things in life, we start with the foundation.
Not exactly very merry-looking yet.
▼Here’s the basic frame. Heck, this is better than we could do with a regular
3-D printer and some support for NASA. And she’s doing it free-hand!
▼As a testament to how versatile the 3Doodler is, Aimi’s able to pick it up and
continue working without the whole thing collapsing in her hand!
▼It’s really starting to take shape now!
▼Working on the mast…
▼At this point, it looks like the project is two pieces: The mast…and everything else!
▼Adding the finishing touches…
▼And it’s finished!
▼A close up of the Going Merry…it kind of looks as if it were made out of yarn.
As impressive as these screenshots are, we have to admit that actually seeingher work on it is even more inspiring. Check the video out below!
If you’re interested in seeing more of Aimi’s 3Doodler videos, you can check out her playlist on YouTube. Here are few screenshot of her greatest hits.
▼Jiro-stlye ramen! The Ramen Jiro chain is known for their extra-large portions.
▼Jibanyan from Yokai Watch
▼Finally, the eternal favorite of Japanese children and adults: Doraemon!
In case you’re wondering who the heck this Aimi Sekiguchi is, the simple answer is that she’s an idol/model/singer/actor with a substantial online following. However, her first brush with fame came after she was featured on the news in a brief 2005 interview about the new women-only train cars. When asked which car she was going to ride, she replied, “Whichever is fine with me.” Netizens were apparently taken with her remark since she was a pretty young model while most of the other women who insisted on using the new, special cars were…not. However, her success seems to be almost entirely unrelated to the interview–in fact, she had apparently forgotten about the meme generated by the interview until she spotted it on Twitter in 2013. However, she has credited the meme with her increase in popularity online.
▼Five women explaining why they were taking the women-only car
and Aimi (bottom-right) just not giving a poop.
Memes and train cars aside, Aimi has clearly taken her 3-D pen art to a whole other level. And we’re not the only one’s impressed–her art will appear in an upcoming 3Doodler event hosted by the MOMA in Omotesando. The event will not be limited to the art of Internet personalities though–anyone from the public can submit entries as well!
If you think you have what it takes, you’ll need to get your submission turned in by July 10. It will obviously have to be made using a 3Doodler as well–which is unsurprising considering that the MOMA helped back the original creation of the 3Doodler and sells the device in its shops.
Now, we just have to figure out if “pile of melted 3Doodler sticks” counts as an entry…
Sources: ITMedia, YouTube, Wikipedia
Images: YouTube (Going Merry), YouTube (3Doodler playlist), Seesaa Blog














3-D printing in the palm of your hand! The 3Doodler comes to Japan
Fans in Japan don’t sound happy with Netflix’s One Piece live-action changes to the Going Merry
Exciting promotional campaign offers chance to win horrifying cat figure
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese dating site’s picture of ideally attractive woman: young, no sleeves, college education
Japanese vending machine sells just one thing at this station
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Sushiro celebrates a traditional Japanese holiday with this…sushi thing
What is Teru Teru Bozu? The tragic history behind the Japanese fine weather doll
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply