Origami (折り紙)

Definition

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, where intricate designs and shapes are created by folding a single sheet of paper without using scissors or glue. It is not only a creative hobby but also has cultural significance in Japan.

Analogy

Think of origami as solving a puzzle with just a piece of paper. Just like how you carefully follow instructions to solve puzzles or complete challenges, origami requires precise folds and techniques to transform a flat sheet into something three-dimensional.

Related terms

Kirigami: This is similar to origami but involves both folding and cutting the paper to create more complex designs.

Tsuru (Crane): The crane is one of the most iconic origami designs and holds symbolic meaning in Japanese culture, representing longevity and good luck.

Modular Origami: This technique involves creating larger structures by interlocking multiple folded units together, like building blocks made from folded paper.