Origami Day

What Is Origami Day?

November 11th is "Origami Day" in Japan. The date comes from combining four "1"s to form a square, the basic shape of origami paper, along with the day's association with World Peace Day. It was established by the Nippon Origami Association.

A Square That Symbolizes Japan's Origami Culture

Origami is a traditional Japanese art and pastime that transforms a single square sheet of paper into cranes, animals, flowers, and countless other shapes through folding alone.

• Origin: combining four "1"s forms a square, the basic shape used in origami
• Its connection to world peace: November 11th being World Peace Day, along with the association between origami cranes and the symbol of peace, are also part of the origin
• Purpose: to spread the educational and cultural value of origami and pass it on to future generations

The Depth of Origami, Connected to Math and Science

Beyond being a pastime, origami is drawing attention as an educational tool for developing geometric thinking and spatial awareness. In recent years, its principles have even been applied in space development and medical research.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Fold a crane or another origami piece, for the first time in a while
• Enjoy origami together with your kids
• Look into the history of origami and its spread around the world
• Fold a thousand paper cranes as a wish for peace

A Single Sheet of Paper Holds Infinite Shapes

Just one square sheet of paper holds endless possibilities, depending on how it's folded. November 11th is a day to rediscover the deep world of origami.