Take our user survey and make your voice heard.
Origami is a beloved way to communicate in Japan, a way for children, parents, and grandparents to spend time together over cheerful conversation. Children give it to each other as a mark of friendship. Even adults give origami to supplement a main gift, writing a short message on it. Origami can be a heartwarming present for a sick friend in hospital, encouraging them to get well soon.
Many origami shapes have been handed down for generations, and there are certain figures that have been stylized, becoming simple, minimal shapes that can be easily folded. These are known as "densho origami" — "densho" meaning "heirloom" — a reflection of Japan's cultural traditions. Modern Japan has Westernized, but densho origami has spread all over the world, binding people together.
This book, containing 35 densho origami (including some new versions of traditional figures), shows how to enjoy origami, with over 500 detailed illustrations. Colorful, finely printed paper makes beautiful origami, but you can use a square of any paper, including yesterday's newspaper or a piece of copy paper, and fold densho origami anytime and anywhere.
© Japan Today
7 Comments
Login to comment
TSRnow
I love these origamis.
I played around with my serviette on a plane once, and the CA (American) offered me a free drink if I can make a couple for his children.
A good way to communicate, anywhere.
Noripinhead
I guess if a guy made those kinds of origami, he'd be a "Densho Otoko."
Gurukun
LOL!!!
seeker1
See, the whale is a traditional figure, it's in purple on the bottom. Just kidding, don't want to start anything. Origami is amazing, and these traditional ones are classic. There are some people who can make incredible things out of origami, like praying mantis and dragons. Here is an old article from Discovery magazine: http://discovermagazine.com/2006/jul/origami
seeker1
This guy would qualify as not only a Densho Otoko, but an origami master. http://www.folders.jp/
azurenote
I haven't been teached how to play origami by my parents and grand parents. So, I can make a crane and a plane only. I am ashamed because it is Japanese culture.
SayomiKimura
I think origami is beautiful! I'm just learning but have admired it for years. I just learned to make a kimono, well a beginner one. I'm going to start animals soon. One time I was in a Japanese restaurant and the waitress saw me making some and she wanted me to make her one. I did and it really made my day especially because i'm new to it :) I might have to get this book. Oh and you can also use origami to decorate a xmas tree, heck I plan on adorning my tree (its fake lol) with seasonal origami all year round :)