Because what better way to showcase an eye for precision than to build a miniature obstacle course for marbles?
Everyone in Japan knows PitargoraSuicchi, or Pythagora Switch, the educational TV show from national broadcaster NHK which includes a number of segments devoted to clever “Pythagorus devices” (also known as Rube Goldberg machines or Heath Robinson contraptions, depending on where you’re from). There’s something so captivating about the sight of a marble traversing a miniature obstacle course of paper cups, wooden blocks and paperclips, and Pitagora‘s devices are always so creative that it’s little wonder the show has run for more than a decade now.
But when it comes to timing and precision, it’s arguably the watchmakers who are the absolute masters. And the folks at Seiko—the Japanese company that’s been making timepieces since all the way back in 1881—have put together a short video to prove just that.
Aside from lingering just a second longer on each of the mechanical processes involved, format-wise, Seiko’s video doesn’t deviate too far from PitagoraSuicchi‘s own. Even so, we think you’ll agree that this is an incredibly soothing, immensely satisfying watch, and serves as a powerful reminder of the skill that goes into building analogue devices in a world of instant digital gratification.
Enjoy!
Source/screenshots: YouTube/Seiko Website AD Gallery
Now watch:
Japanese kids’ show a hit overseas for strangely moving Rube Goldberg machine story【Video】
Japanese kids’ show a big hit overseas for strangely moving Rube Goldberg machine story【Video】
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
What’s white and sweet and smells like your first love? This tart made from white strawberries!
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
Buddhist priest arrested for using health insurance card he found on the street
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Not a fan of dishwashing? Get yourself an electric, plate-scrubbing robot appendage
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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