THE CHARM OF JAPANESE PAPER FOLDING

8:45 AM

One of my gorgeous Twitter followers asked me to publish another Tokyo posts, so this one is for you, Jules.

Paper-folding also known as Origami;
ori meaning "folding"
kami meaning "paper".

Origami is the art of paper folding which is often associated with Japanese culture. The charm of origami is the unlimited possibilities of a single square sheet of paper. Folded into a unique shape, each paper craft embodies the rich creativity of Japan. The goal is to transform a flat sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Modern origami practitioners generally discourage the use of cuts, glue, or markings on the paper. Last year, I had a chance to visit Origami Kaikan (read my post here
#MarinaBDOJapan Chapter 4 : At The Happiest Place On Earth). Before I go for whole Origami experience, let me take you to see my Tokyo's situation in the Autumn morning.

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Woke up around 7.30am. After having breakfast at the hotel, I decided to go to Family Mart located near Tokyo Grand Hotel.
I freaking love Japan's mini markets from Family Mart to Lawson ;p They provide everything I mean every food I need.
Origami Kaikan - A whole building dedicated to all things origami from mini exhibit, origami shop to origami paper making and classes. Origami Kaikan is listed as a Cultural Treasure of the Bunkyo Ward. It’s been in existence since 1858. The Kaikan also puts on frequent origami workshops for specific models.
In this world, there are artists who can fashion simple paper in unimaginable ways, using nothing but folds. Lucky for me that I had the opportunity to learn if from awesome ancient Sensei. I was able to sit down at a table with a man watching his amazing paper folding exercises. He was whipping out origami shapes with frightening speed. The class was mostly in Japanese but it was not difficult to follow, since you’re just watching someone fold paper. The lesson was in creating pencils, animals, heart-shaped and flowers. It's low stress and enjoyable.
I recall being surprised by the delicate paper, overwhelmed by the detailed instructions, and impressed by Mr. Kazuo Kobayashi’s finished products.
A-ha the ring I wore in Wanderlust In Style was a paper folding. Mr. Kazuo Kobayashi made this emerald green ring for me.
7 Benefits Of Doing Origami :

1. Origami is not only fun but also an innovative method for developing vital skills.

2. Learning through repeatable actions. To be successful, you must pay attention and listen carefully to specific instructions and then carry them out with neatness and accuracy. You’ve gained your patience, the ability to focus and increased self-esteem.

3. The pleasure of doing origami comes in recreating the beautiful and artsy result and sharing it with others.

4. Origami tends to eliminate the status associated with age differences, believe it or not from what I’ve heard from the staff, the younger children are often in a position to help the older children the steps, yes younger ones are often quick to learn origami.

5. Transforming a flat piece of paper into a three dimensional crane (or other origami figure) is a unique exercise.

6. In the world especially Asia, origami reflects the ingenuity and aesthetics of Japanese culture. It could be an opening doorway to further exploration and increased tolerance. By participating, I got a big appreciation of a different culture.

7. Origami builds perseverance and precision and it will enhance memory and retention. There’s something entrancing and meditative about the process, it also shapes our developing brains.

May the fold be with you!


*DETAILS*
ORIGAMI KAIKAN
1 Chome-7-14 Yushima, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan
Phone :+81 3-3811-4025

Open :
9:30am-6:00pm

Lesson Fee (Mini Course) :
It costs 525 yen, required time is 15 mins, some English-speaking staffs available

Website :

SOMETHING REAL SERIOUS

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11 COMMENTS

  1. Beautiful post, makes me miss Japan!
    xx Falasha,

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  2. The first time I did origami was way back in grade school as our project and I suck at it! It's fun though but it sometimes tests my patience! LOL. Back in college, a friend taught me how to make a paper crane and I got addicted in one day. I made lots of them. The next day, I forgot how to do it. I suck. HAHA!

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  3. This was wonderful. I learned a little Origami as a child from a teacher at school and always found it so fascinating!! All of these pictures are beautiful!! Hope you have a great week :) x

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  4. I love your posts about japan! I used to do simple origami growing up :) love the photos too :)
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  6. You make me want to go to Japan hahaha xD

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  7. Your pictures are so so nice :)

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  8. I love all your photos! Why did I not know of this when I was in japan

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  10. Oh~How interesting things made by paper!I eager to learn it~ lOVE~~~

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