Both Seeing and Experiencing Are Fun! Folding Origami Challenge at “Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan”

“Origami” is a traditional Japanese art in which you transform a flat sheet square of paper into a finished sculpture through folding. Kawaii Asia crew Kumikky (Kumiko Funayama), Pikarin (Hikari Shiina), and An-chan (Anna Yano), who haven’t had a chance to fold origami for a while, visited “Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan” in Ochanomizu and studied origami!

Charming and cute hall director Kobayashi-san guided us inside the Origami Kaikan!

First, we went to the 2nd floor exhibition hall. The origami called ”Densho Origami”, which has been handed down from generation to generation changing its form from religious services and courtesy to play, was displayed. The three girls were astonished by the realistic and detailed origami of insects and animals!

Next, we were guided to the studio in the 4th floor. Here, you can watch the craftsman staining color on Japanese paper. We were lucky enough to see them staining a rare gold color! Staining the paper evenly in a regular speed is only acquired through experience.

Meanwhile, non-professional Pikarin challenged staining! Before trying it, she said, “It’s just staining so it’ll be alright!”, but when she actually tried it, it seemed difficult! The dye was concentrated in one place, and she had to repaint it again and again…It didn’t go well at all. You should not underestimate craftsmen. (*We specially got to experience staining for the shooting)

So, after studying a bit about origami, the 3 girls tried folding it! The hall director Kobayashi-san mentioned, “Origami have a wide variety of styles from easy ones you can make to difficult ones you spend time for hours and months . I personally never make things that people cannot fold. If there’s anyone who can’t fold origami, the person teaching it is not a good teacher. Actually I’m not good at making elaborated things (laugh)”. The 3 girls couldn’t stop smiling to Kobayashi-san’s this confession.

They made a ring, maple, and heart! The girls couldn’t stop laughing to the humorous jokes that the teacher made while teaching origami (laugh).

Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan is a place where you can not only observe the origami gallery, but also learn how to fold it. You can buy various colors and patterns of origami and books related to them in the shop in the first floor. Experience the world of origami that men and women of all ages enjoy at Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan!

Photos by kobadog 

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Author

Ayaya

Been working in girls’ fashion magazines for a long time and am now the chief editor of Tokyo Girls’ Update. I have more expertise in Japanese teen fashion than anyone else (probably)! I’m a huge fan of the Revolutionary Girl Utena and Bakemonogatari animes.

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