Sep 11, 2015 | By Kira
While 3D printing technology is bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing and futuristic techniques we never thought possible, Rinkak Marketplace is using it to take a step back—way back—to Japan’s ancient Warring States Era. Their new DecoBobo 3D Maps offer history buffs, students, and tourism professionals the chance to recreate and customize realistic, tactile maps of eight famous battles, and to 3D print them in full-color sandstone.
Known as the Sengoku period, the years between 1467 and 1603 are known for social upheaval, political intrigue, and intense military conflict, ending with the gradual unification of Japan in 1615 by three warlords, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. While the individual stories of each battle are no doubt full of drama, heartbreak, violent clashes and tales of ultimate glory that would make even Game of Thrones look weak, getting students and young tourists to turn off their TV and tune-in to real-life historical events is always a challenge.
Part of the problem with getting people engaged with history is that for most, reading a textbook or watching a documentary just doesn’t cut it. With the growing number of visual, audio and tactile distractions surrounding us everyday, students need to feel stimulated on more than one level. That’s where 3D modeling and printing can make a difference.
Through Rinkak’s website, users can explore eight different battlegrounds, including a map of the Bloodsoaked Odani Castle, where Oda Nobunaga lost the battle of Onagawa River and was forced to commit suiced with his own sword in 1582, or the climactic battle of Sekigahara which determined the ruler of feudal Japan in 1600. The website provides a brief description of each battle and the armies involved, highlights of the geographical characteristics, and ‘behind the scenes drama’ detailing interesting and personal anecdotes that would otherwise be lost to the history books.
3D model of the Bloodsoaked Odani Castle
Once users have chosen their preferred battle, they can view the battleground map in 3D with 360 degree horizontal rotation and even modify the elevation, producing strong convex or concave elevations, or pursuing more realistic and historically accurate patterns. This level of customization could be useful for history teachers who want to emphasize particular geographical areas and how they affected the battle, or for students who just want to experiment. Once content with the final design, the map can be 3D printed in full-color sandstone, in either 5x5, 7x7 or 10x10 square centimeters. The prices for each print are around $17, $33 and $50 respectively.
Sengoku battle 3D map in which the Kawanakajima Fourth battle of fog on the theme
Sengoku battle 3D map on the theme of Mizuzeme of Bitchutakamatsu Castle by Hideyoshi Hashiba. images via Rinkak
The project could have wide-ranging applications for history buffs, in educational settings, and even as a fun activity for users to learn about 3D printing, geography and history all in one go. Rinkak’s easy-to-use website, affordable pricing and comprehensive 3D printing services ensure that even users of all ages and skill-level will learn something about this fascinating and important time in Japanese history—and, they even offer a similar servicethat allows users to view, modify and 3D print up-to-date maps of Japan for those more interested in geography than the historical angle.
Rinkak is a Japanese-based online 3D printing platform that allows both businesses and users to design 3D models on its network and sell 3D printed products through its marketplace. Recently, Rinkak’s managing company Kabuku, received a $3.3 million investment from Global Brain to boost their 3D printing marketplace.
Posted in 3D Printing Services
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