Banpresto in Japan will soon release the Twinkle Pict, a digital version of the zoetropes our ancestors used to spend their spare time with. The Twinkle Pict creates animation-like shadows in a room through a light that’s being projected on little figures spinning inside it.

Marketed as a “relaxation item”, the small device (weight: 160g) is available in three different versions (“moving” dolphins, dogs and butterflies) and comes with two modes of animation.

People living outside Japan may be able to purchase the Twinkle Pict at the Japan Trend Shop when it comes out later this month (the shop’s official blog is already mentioning the device).

Via Kaden Watch [JP]