Often, hobbies beloved by geeks sum uo to grownup version of child toys, we can find examples in outrageously priced Lego sets with retro or pop-culture themes, such as the Minecraft kits from a few years ago,
or in “grownup toys” that are quadcopters and other full catalogues of websites such as thinkgeek and other

But this is not an article on average geek’s infantilization, it’s causes and effects; it’s however a good pretext to compare 2 versions of a single system declined into an adult-er version:

NANOBLOCKS
Coming straight from Japan, the Nanoblocks combined the ever typical miniaturization of the rising sun land, and the ever so Danish brick construction.

There are the NANOBLOCK !

Different series exist, from the soft pocket of about 50 pieces depicting a singl object or animal, to deluxe sets up to 50cm high such as the Tokyo Skytree tower , those are the middle ones, the most average

top : Lego , bottom: Nanoblock.
and there we understand why the product isn’t advised under 12 years old : a single nanoblock cube is only 4mm wide.

These sets theme is architecture, either specifically Japanese, or worldwide such as this box wich depicts the Taj-Mahal, Easter Island’s Mohai,  the Eiffel tower or the Sagrada Familia.

These models are quite simplified, but recognizable, in a very geeky spirit of 3D pixel-art, their size allows them to be easily displayed on a desk or small shelf, quite a convenient size.

We may notice that the box is quite export-ready, displaying a CE certification and a full english translation, i have yet to spot one in Europe though.

Here is Kaminari-mon, once built. If this doesn’t remind you anything, it’s one must-see tourist place of Tokyo, the Thunder Gate as literally translated stands at the entrance of the largest temple of the capital, Senso-Ji, the Asakisa sanctuary, most traditionnal district of the megalopole, the scale makes it quite less impressive, as here’s the real one:

and that’s where you realize that’s a really big lantern ..

we can appreciate the tiny details such as the green barriers or sign over the lantern , th estatues are obviously much less recognizable to say the least, but they are there.

bonus: there always remains a noticeable amount of extra blocks in each setso much that after buying a few kits, it becomes possible to create a whole tiny scene with the extra blocks.

so, see you soon for more kits!