A 1/170,000-scale model of Fukuyama Castle is seen in this photo provided by Castem Co. The 0.217-millimeter miniature model is almost as narrow as a strand of hair, left. A 1/170,000-scale model of Fukuyama Castle is seen in this photo provided by Castem Co. The 0.217-millimeter miniature model is almost as narrow as a strand of hair, left. FUKUYAMA, Hiroshima -- Tiny enough to sit on a strand of hair but with the same elaborate exterior design is a 0.217-millimeter model of Fukuyama Castle, all but invisible to the naked eye, made by a precision metal parts manufacturer in this western Japan city.

Fukuyama Mayor Naoki Edahiro, foreground, is seen looking at the miniature model of Fukuyama Castle under a microscope at Fukuyama City Hall in Hiroshima Prefecture. (Mainichi/Shinji Kanto) Fukuyama Mayor Naoki Edahiro, foreground, is seen looking at the miniature model of Fukuyama Castle under a microscope at Fukuyama City Hall in Hiroshima Prefecture. (Mainichi/Shinji Kanto) Castem Co. in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, created the miniature model on a scale of 1/170,000 of the actual castle tower, which measures 33.5 meters high, using a special 3D printer in cooperation with Kyoto University of Advanced Science in the city of Kyoto.

Yuki Toda, 34-year-old general manager of the company's new business division, explained, "We infused manufacturing's playful side into the world's smallest model of Fukuyama Castle."

Castem boasts advanced metal casting and fine processing technology, and has used 3D data to reproduce stainless steel models of paper cranes folded by the late Sadako Sasaki, who was exposed to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It also made a 1/250-scale Fukuyama Castle key chain.

For about the past two years, the company has been working together with Kyoto University of Advanced Science to develop technology in the fields of 3D scanning and materials, and produce medical supplies.

The miniature Fukuyama Castle model was made to be about the same size as the thickness of a strand of hair using the university's 3D printer and special resin, and its surface was coated with platinum. When looking at the model under a microscope, it is evident each of the tiles and the stone walls have been precisely crafted.

If the material is processed further, it is apparently possible to reproduce Fukuyama Castle with a height of 0.2 micrometers, which is 1,000 times smaller than the current miniature model. Fukuyama Mayor Naoki Edahiro looked impressed after observing the model under a microscope and said, "It is encouraging to see the display of Fukuyama's high-level technology. I want to exhibit it at Fukuyama Castle Museum, which will open following renovation 400 years after the castle was built."

(Japanese original by Shinji Kanto, Fukuyama Bureau)