Japan’s relationship with paper is unlike anywhere else in the world. For over a millennium, Japanese artisans have transformed washi (和紙, Japanese paper) into art, architecture, and everyday objects. From the precision of origami to the bold patterns of chiyogami, from the delicate knots of mizuhiki to the intricate cuts of kirigami, Japanese paper crafts represent a living tradition that remains vibrant and accessible today.
Living in Japan, we’ve participated in paper craft workshops, visited washi-making villages, and accumulated a collection of specialty papers that fills an entire shelf. Here’s our guide to the major Japanese paper craft traditions and the supplies you need to get started.
Origami (折り紙) — Paper Folding
The most recognized Japanese paper craft worldwide. Origami transforms a single flat sheet — traditionally a square — into three-dimensional sculptures through folding alone. No cutting, no glue, just folds.
Getting Started
Paper: Standard origami paper (kami) is thin, colored on one side and white on the other, and available in 6-inch (15cm) and 3-inch (7.5cm) squares. For beginners, larger sheets are easier to work with.
Recommended starter paper: Toyo Tant origami paper — slightly thicker than standard kami, holds creases well, and is available in 100 colors. About $8 for a 50-sheet pack.
First projects:
- Crane (tsuru) — The iconic origami figure. A rewarding first challenge that teaches fundamental folds.
- Jumping frog — Fun and functional (it actually jumps when pressed)
- Boat — Simple and satisfying, good for children
- Box (masu) — Practical origami that produces a usable container
Tools needed: Just your hands. A bone folder (or ruler edge) helps create sharp creases. Good scissors for cutting paper to size if needed.
Advanced Origami
As skills develop, explore:
- Modular origami — Multiple folded units assembled into geometric structures
- Wet-folding — Using slightly dampened paper for organic, curved shapes
- Complex models — Insects, dragons, and realistic animals from single sheets
For advanced work, use specialty papers: tissue foil (metallic film laminated to tissue paper), elephant hide paper, or handmade washi for wet-folding.
Chiyogami (千代紙) — Patterned Paper
Chiyogami paper features traditional Japanese patterns — chrysanthemums, cranes, waves, geometric designs — printed or woodblock-stamped on handmade or machine-made paper. Originally used for wrapping gifts and decorating boxes, chiyogami is now used for craft projects, bookbinding, collage, and journal decoration.
How to Use Chiyogami
- Book covering — Wrap journals, notebooks, and planners with chiyogami for custom covers
- Card making — Cut chiyogami elements and adhere to greeting cards
- Decoupage — Apply chiyogami to boxes, trays, and small furniture with adhesive
- Origami — Fold cranes and models from patterned sheets for decorative display
- Gift wrapping — See our Japanese gift wrapping guide
Recommended chiyogami paper: Yuzen Washi chiyogami from Daiso or specialty retailers. Authentic handmade chiyogami from Isetatsu (Tokyo) is the premium option.
Kirigami (切り紙) — Paper Cutting
Kirigami adds cutting to origami’s folding vocabulary, enabling more complex and detailed designs — snowflakes, pop-up cards, architectural forms, and decorative panels. The combination of folding and cutting creates symmetrical patterns impossible with cutting alone.
Getting Started with Kirigami
Supplies needed:
- Quality paper (standard origami paper or card stock)
- Sharp scissors or an X-Acto knife
- Cutting mat (for knife work)
- Pencil for marking cut lines
First projects:
- Symmetrical snowflake — Fold paper into sixths, cut patterns, unfold
- Pop-up greeting card — Simple internal folds create standing elements
- Paper flowers — Folded-and-cut petals assembled into bouquets
Mizuhiki (水引) — Decorative Knotting
Mizuhiki are thin, cord-like strands made from twisted washi paper, coated with starch for stiffness. They’re traditionally used to tie gift wrapping and envelopes, with different knot patterns signifying different occasions — celebration, sympathy, gratitude.
The craft of tying mizuhiki knots has evolved into artistic expression, with contemporary artisans creating jewelry, ornaments, and decorative pieces. The cords come in dozens of colors and metallic finishes.
Basic Mizuhiki Knots
- Cho-musubi (butterfly knot) — For celebrations that can happen multiple times (birthdays, promotions)
- Awaji-musubi — For general celebrations and formal gifts
- Musubikiri — Tied once and not easily untied; for weddings and events that should happen only once
Mizuhiki supplies: Available from Japanese craft retailers. A starter set with 20+ color cords costs approximately $10-15.
Washi (和紙) — Japanese Handmade Paper
Washi itself is a craft — the handmade paper that serves as the foundation for all other Japanese paper crafts. Understanding washi enhances appreciation for every paper craft:
- Kozo (楮) — Mulberry bark paper. Strong, long-fibered, and used for calligraphy, printing, and conservation
- Mitsumata (三椏) — Soft, smooth paper with a natural sheen. Used for fine printing and correspondence
- Gampi (雁皮) — The finest washi. Translucent, smooth, and naturally insect-resistant
Washi paper is available from specialty retailers in various weights and textures. For craft projects, look for medium-weight kozo paper.
Where Washi Is Made
Japan’s most celebrated washi-producing regions include Echizen (Fukui Prefecture), Mino (Gifu Prefecture), and Ogawa (Saitama Prefecture) — each with their own distinct paper character developed over centuries. Echizen washi is particularly prized for its strength and durability, making it popular for conservation and bookbinding. Mino washi has a refined translucency that lends itself to lampshades and window panels. If you’re interested in the full story of Japanese paper, our Japanese paper guide covers varieties, weights, and sourcing in depth.
Tsutsumi-Origami (包み折り) — Wrapping Folds
Beyond decorative folding, traditional Japanese culture developed tsutsumi-origami — wrapping folds designed to enclose and present small items. These functional folds are used for presenting gifts, herbs, medicine, and lucky charms. The principles overlap with Japanese gift wrapping but use paper rather than cloth.
- Noshi-bukuro — A formal envelope fold for gifts of money or small items at ceremonies
- Yakusen-tsutsumi — A pharmacy-style fold historically used to wrap powdered medicine, now revived by crafters for sachets and seeds
- Sanpō-tsutsumi — A three-directional fold that creates a standing gift presentation
These folds require no tape or glue, relying entirely on precise folding geometry to stay closed. Practicing tsutsumi-origami is an excellent bridge between decorative origami and functional paper craft work.
Project Ideas for Beginners
Washi Paper Bookmarks
Cut strips of chiyogami or washi paper, fold the edges under, and laminate with clear packing tape. Simple, beautiful, and useful in your reading journal.
Origami Crane Garland
Fold 20-30 small cranes, string them on thread or fishing line, and hang as decoration. Traditional for celebrations and believed to bring good luck.
Paper-Covered Journal
Cover a plain Kokuyo Campus notebook with chiyogami paper using Japanese glue. The result is a custom, one-of-a-kind journal cover.
Gift Envelopes (Pochibukuro)
Fold small envelopes from patterned paper for holding gift cards, cash, or small notes. These are traditional in Japan for New Year’s gifts (otoshidama) and are useful year-round.
Essential Paper Craft Supplies
| Supply | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Origami paper (100 sheets) | Folding projects | ~$5 |
| Chiyogami paper (20 sheets) | Decorative projects | ~$8 |
| Craft scissors | Paper cutting | ~$15 |
| Japanese glue | Adhering paper | ~$5 |
| Bone folder | Crisp creases | ~$5 |
| Cutting mat | Safe knife cutting | ~$10 |
| Ruler | Straight cuts and folds | ~$4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between origami paper and regular paper?
Origami paper (kami) is thinner than standard paper, folds crisply, and holds creases well. It’s typically colored on one side and white on the other. Regular printer paper is too thick for complex folds and too stiff for clean creases. For best results, use dedicated origami paper.
Can children do Japanese paper crafts?
Absolutely. Origami is taught in Japanese schools from kindergarten. Simple models (boat, airplane, box) are appropriate for children 5+. Kirigami with scissors is suitable for children 7+ with supervision. Mizuhiki knotting is appropriate for ages 10+.
Where can I learn origami techniques?
YouTube has thousands of origami tutorials at every skill level. Books by Tomoko Fuse (modular origami) and Robert Lang (complex origami) are excellent. Local Japanese cultural centers often offer origami workshops.
Is washi paper the same as washi tape?
Washi tape is made from washi paper but is a different product — thin paper tape with adhesive backing, used for decoration. Washi paper itself is the raw material — sheets of handmade paper used for crafts, calligraphy, printing, and bookbinding.
How do I preserve paper craft projects?
Display in frames with UV-protective glass to prevent fading. Keep three-dimensional pieces (origami, mizuhiki) in display cases away from direct sunlight and humidity. Flat pieces (chiyogami, kirigami) can be laminated or framed.
What tools do I need to cut washi paper cleanly?
A sharp pair of dedicated craft scissors makes the biggest difference — washi fibers can shred if cut with dull blades. For straight cuts, pair a steel-edged ruler with a craft knife on a self-healing cutting mat. Our guide to best Japanese scissors covers the top options for paper work. For curves and freehand cuts, Kai or Olfa scissors designed for washi give the cleanest results.
How much paper do I need for a beginner project kit?
A beginner kit needs surprisingly little: one pack of standard origami paper (100 sheets), one pack of chiyogami paper (10-20 sheets), and a small roll or sheet of plain washi. This is enough to try origami, kirigami, pochibukuro envelopes, and basic decoupage. If you want to explore everything at once, consider a Japanese craft gift set that bundles multiple paper types together.