What you're looking at is the handiwork of BSNY student and friend Andy Kaye. A veterinary surgeon and bonsai student, Andy has also been making wonderful automata, or kinetic sculptures.
After learning about Yuji Yoshimura and his history, Andy designed and built this wonderful sculpture over the course of eight months. Enjoy these videos; come see the real thing at Bonsai Shinsei New York.
The cams, gears and shafts that animate the automaton.
Close-up of the master at work.
Note the wonderful cartoon vintage Masakuni wire cutters, the real aluminum wire, and the real academia and lava particles used.
The full piece.
This really looks like the Yuji I remember. Andy really captured his working posture!
The dedication to my first bonsai teacher.
More of Andy's work can be seen on his YouTube channel.