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1taros origami studio
taro Yaguchi and masao donahue
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2Welcome to the World of OrigamiA Brief History of
OrigamiOrigami TodayTypes of PaperLearning Origami Using Taros
PhilosophyKyu SystemInstructions for FoldingSymbolsBasic Folds and
Bases Book Fold Blintz Base Cabinet Fold (or Cabinet Base) Diagonal
Fold Kite Fold (or Kite Base) Pleat Fold Rabbit-Ear Fold Square
Base Squash Fold Waterbomb Base Bird Base and Petal Fold Inside
Reverse Fold Flower Base Frog Base Outside Reverse FoldSamurai
HelmetNinja StarHeart PendantButterflyPinwheel and Flying
DiscCraneTwisted RoseChrysanthemumIrisFrogPeacockTurtle
468101214171819 19202122232425262728293031323334364044
4753566064687276
Table of Contents
A division of Book Sales, Inc.276 Fifth Avenue Suite 206New
York, New York 10001
RACE POINT PUBLISHING and the distinctive Race Point logo are
trademarks of Book Sales, Inc.
2014 by The Book Shop, Ltd.
This 2014 edition published by Race Point Publishing by
arrangement with The Book Shop, Ltd.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written
permission from the publisher.
Taros Origami Studio would like to give special thanks to Frank
Ling for his help with conceptualizing and editing models.
Additional thanks to our staffKenichi Matsumoto, Tomomi Tachibana,
Sumako Umezawa, and Justin West for their involvement in helping to
create this book.
Taros Origami Studio interior designed by Makiko Miyamoto Photo
credits: Sai Morikawa page 4, 5, and 11
COVER DESIGN Tim Palin
BOOK AND PAPER DESIGNS Eleanor Kwei
PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Werner Photography
ISBN 978-1-937994-52-5Printed in China
2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1
www.racepointpub.com 3
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54
Welcome to the World of OrigamiOrigami is the ancient art of
folding paperan art that has endured for hundreds of years in
Japan. In Japanese, ori is the root of the verb to fold and gami
means paper.
Part of origamis appeal lies in its apparent simplicity. To
begin, all that is needed is a single sheet of paper. From there,
however, the world of origami is as expansive as your imagination
can take you. As each fold and crease gradually transforms a
seemingly ordinary sheet of paper into something more recognizable,
origami inspires us all to take on new challenges to inch ever
closer to beautiful flowers, elegant birds, ancient weapons, and
more.
A practice that for many may begin as a hobby, origami has
applications that extend far beyond the creasing of paper. As new,
young folders delve into this creative and limitless world, they
will develop care, precision, and focus
alongside other key developmental skillsthat can easily be
applied to various aspects of their lives, including school.
Origamis benefits do not end there nor are they limited to
children. Its other advantages include nurturing the development or
maintaining of problem-solving skills, an understanding of spatial
relationships, increased cultural awareness, memorization,
discipline, hand-eye coordination, and imaginationjust to name a
few! In a group environment, origami has its advantages as
wellaiding development through cooperative learning. With origamis
surging international popularityespecially in recent yearspeople in
ever-increasing numbers are being hooked by this ancient art. At
Taros Origami Studio, a space dedicated solely to teaching and
promoting origami in Brooklyn, New York, it is our mission to make
origami accessible to folders of all ages. Taro Yaguchi, the
founder of the studio, has a clear visionnot only to help people
discover the thrills of origami but also to help establish a strong
fundamental foundation so that each student can become an
independent learner.
This book contains 12 varied modelsones that utilize specific
key folds and base forms that will act as the foundation of strong
origami skills. It is our sincere hope that this wonderfully rich
and rewarding tradition can continue to be passed down from
generation to generation so that the next wave of folders may take
origami to even greater heights.
Taro Yaguchi
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54
Welcome to the World of OrigamiOrigami is the ancient art of
folding paperan art that has endured for hundreds of years in
Japan. In Japanese, ori is the root of the verb to fold and gami
means paper.
Part of origamis appeal lies in its apparent simplicity. To
begin, all that is needed is a single sheet of paper. From there,
however, the world of origami is as expansive as your imagination
can take you. As each fold and crease gradually transforms a
seemingly ordinary sheet of paper into something more recognizable,
origami inspires us all to take on new challenges to inch ever
closer to beautiful flowers, elegant birds, ancient weapons, and
more.
A practice that for many may begin as a hobby, origami has
applications that extend far beyond the creasing of paper. As new,
young folders delve into this creative and limitless world, they
will develop care, precision, and focus
alongside other key developmental skillsthat can easily be
applied to various aspects of their lives, including school.
Origamis benefits do not end there nor are they limited to
children. Its other advantages include nurturing the development or
maintaining of problem-solving skills, an understanding of spatial
relationships, increased cultural awareness, memorization,
discipline, hand-eye coordination, and imaginationjust to name a
few! In a group environment, origami has its advantages as
wellaiding development through cooperative learning. With origamis
surging international popularityespecially in recent yearspeople in
ever-increasing numbers are being hooked by this ancient art. At
Taros Origami Studio, a space dedicated solely to teaching and
promoting origami in Brooklyn, New York, it is our mission to make
origami accessible to folders of all ages. Taro Yaguchi, the
founder of the studio, has a clear visionnot only to help people
discover the thrills of origami but also to help establish a strong
fundamental foundation so that each student can become an
independent learner.
This book contains 12 varied modelsones that utilize specific
key folds and base forms that will act as the foundation of strong
origami skills. It is our sincere hope that this wonderfully rich
and rewarding tradition can continue to be passed down from
generation to generation so that the next wave of folders may take
origami to even greater heights.
Taro Yaguchi
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3736
The ninja star, or shuriken in Japanese, is a razor-sharp weapon
thrown in battle. Made from various types of bladed metal, the most
iconic shape of the shuriken resembles a star. For maximum effect,
you will want to prepare two sheets of contrasting colored
paper.
StarBegin with two sheets of paper. With the color side facing
down, perform a Book Fold on both sheets. Unfold each
afterwards.
Perform a cabinet Fold on both sheets of paper.
Diagonal Fold the top points toward each other.
Diagonal Fold the bottom points away from each other.
cabinet Fold Diagonal Fold Book FoldFOLDs UsED
6
34
5
NinjaClose-up(top inside corners)
12
Book Fold both sheets in the same direction.
Diagonal Fold the top inside corners and the bottom outside
corners.
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1312
We have classified these basic folds, or katathe Japanese word
for formsaccording to difficulty so that students can logically and
gradually advance to more complex and varied models.
This system excels in helping students understand the
relationship between various folds and bases. Too often, origami is
tackled one model at a timecompletely independently from all
others. Through our teaching method, as skills develop, folders
will be able to conceptualize a model from beginning to end, to the
point where they can someday begin designing their own models.
The key to quality origami lies not in speed, but in the
accuracy of the basics.
We continually stress how origami requires and teaches both
precision and patience. This may result in some frustration, but
the rewards of origami are experienced every single time a tricky
fold or model is completed. Whether its the excitement that comes
from completing a model for the very first time or completing it
for the fifth time but finally nailing every crease and fold
perfectly, the results of your perseverance are always right in
front of your eyes.
Origami certainly has its challenges but that is part of what
makes it so fun and engaging. All folders have hit that wallwhere a
particular fold or instruction has left them scratching their heads
in confusion. Sometimes that roadblock feels insurmountable. It is
in these moments where we must remind ourselves that origami
presents roadblocks that may seem difficult to overcome; but with a
little patience, even the most unimaginably complex series of folds
can be completed.
The patience that is so key to origami is not limited to the
trickiest folds but to each and every crease that you apply to a
given sheet of paper. A rushed fold or a sloppy crease may very
well be noticeable when the model is complete, and its the extra
time taken for each fold, even the first ones, that separate good
models from exceptional ones. A simple book or diagonal fold acts
as the starting point to countless models, but this step should
never be taken for granted, no matter how many times you have
completed it. From your very first fold to the last, remembering to
take your time with each and every step will help ensure that your
models turn out crisp, pristine, and beautiful.
All origami begins with the same basic folds. They may seem
simple but learning the precision and
patience required to carefully complete them each and every time
is an invaluable skillone that is necessary for
folders who wish to someday tackle the most complicated shapes
and models.
At Taros Origami Studio, we stress the fundamentals of origami
so that everyone may
develop his or her skills over time in a systematic manner.
Presently, origami is taught hundreds of different ways, making it
difficult and confusing
for enthusiasts to advance.
This is where Taro Yaguchis Kyu System comes into play. Like
martial arts, the Kyu System relies
on progression through demonstration. Karate awards different
colored belts that represent a
students current levelor Kyu. Taros system relies on colored
wristbands that are given when students
demonstrate mastery of a specific set of techniques from their
current tier and those before it. (See pages 14-16.)
LearningOrigami Using Taros Philosophy
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3938
Repeat for the top flap. Turn over the model.
Place the unturned piece on top of the other.9 Tuck the
remaining two flaps into the pockets.
Completed Ninja Star!
11
21
0131
Step 11 in progress.
Diagonal Fold the bottom flap, tucking the point into the
pocket.
Step 10 completed.
Rotate the top piece 90 degrees counter-clockwise.
Flip the left piece over.8
Rotate each piece 45 degrees as indicated.7
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6968
With the color side facing up, perform two Diagonal Folds.
Unfold between each fold.
With the color side facing down, perform two Book Folds,. Unfold
between each fold.
Collapse downward, completing the square Base.
squash Fold the remaining flaps, completing the Flower Base.
kite Fold two flaps.Unfold afterwards. Repeat behind.
Petal Fold, using creases from Step 7.
6
3
45
21
Book Fold Diagonal Fold kite Fold square Base FOLDs UsED
Frog squash Fold Inside reverse Fold Petal Fold Frog Base
squash Fold.
Step 8 in progress
87 Perform two kite Folds. Unfold afterwards.
The origami frog will be a terric indicator of the progress you
have made up to this point. Its thin, elongated legs are highly
intricate and delicateoffering a realistic depiction of these
amphibians. The limbs alone require twelve Inside reverse Folds.
This provides a great opportunity to master these folds while
making a model youd almost expect to hop away when completed!
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7170
Inside reverse Fold legs once more. Then blow air into model,
inflating like a balloon.
Inside reverse Fold arms again.Inside reverse Fold legs once
more.
3
12 Completed Frog!
11
101 Perform two kite Folds.Repeat on the four remaining
sides.
Step 10 completed.
Pleat Fold the three remaining sides, completing the Frog
Base.9
Inside reverse Fold arms once more. Inside reverse Fold
legs.
Inside reverse Fold two underside flaps, forming arms.
41Blow air into this hole.
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7372
The peacock is another elegant bird but requires some trickier
folds than the crane. These foldsthe rabbit-Ear Fold, the Outside
reverse Fold, and the Pleat Foldshould become staples of your
origami skills as you advance. Patterned paper will mimic the
bright colors and variation that the bird is so well known for.
Using creases from previous step, perform a rabbit-Ear Fold.
Fold ear to the right.
Fold diagonal edges of top flap along horizontal base. Stop
creasing at vertical center crease.
Book Fold behind the model.
6
3 4
5
Peacock
12
Book Fold Diagonal Fold kite Fold Pleat FoldFOLDs UsEDRabbit-Ear
Fold Outside reverse Fold
With the color side facing up, perform a Diagonal Fold and then
unfold.
Perform two kite Folds.
Perform two additional kite Folds.
7
Book Fold the model so that opposing tips meet.
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7574
Repeat Steps 10 and 11.
3 Lightly spread the pluage and fold back top tip to smooth
edge.
Completed Peacock!
1
21
Fold at a slightly diagonal angle to create plumage.
Step 9 completed.
Pleat Fold so plumage resembles an accordion.
Step 11 completed.
Step 12 completed.
1101
8
9 Outside reverse Fold to form head. For ease, Diagonal Fold
first, then use creases for Outside reverse Fold.
Outside reverse Fold to form neck. For ease, Diagonal Fold
first, then use creases for Outside reverse Fold.
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2Welcome to the World of OrigamiA Brief History of
OrigamiOrigami TodayTypes of PaperLearning Origami Using Taros
PhilosophyKyu SystemInstructions for FoldingSymbolsBasic Folds and
Bases Book Fold Blintz Base Cabinet Fold (or Cabinet Base) Diagonal
Fold Kite Fold (or Kite Base) Pleat Fold Rabbit-Ear Fold Square
Base Squash Fold Waterbomb Base Bird Base and Petal Fold Inside
Reverse Fold Flower Base Frog Base Outside Reverse FoldSamurai
HelmetNinja StarHeart PendantButterflyPinwheel and Flying
DiscCraneTwisted RoseChrysanthemumIrisFrogPeacockTurtle
468101214171819 19202122232425262728293031323334364044
4753566064687276
Table of Contents
A division of Book Sales, Inc.276 Fifth Avenue Suite 206New
York, New York 10001
RACE POINT PUBLISHING and the distinctive Race Point logo are
trademarks of Book Sales, Inc.
2014 by The Book Shop, Ltd.
This 2014 edition published by Race Point Publishing by
arrangement with The Book Shop, Ltd.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written
permission from the publisher.
Taros Origami Studio would like to give special thanks to Frank
Ling for his help with conceptualizing and editing models.
Additional thanks to our staffKenichi Matsumoto, Tomomi Tachibana,
Sumako Umezawa, and Justin West for their involvement in helping to
create this book.
Taros Origami Studio interior designed by Makiko Miyamoto Photo
credits: Sai Morikawa page 4, 5, and 11
COVER DESIGN Tim Palin
BOOK AND PAPER DESIGNS Eleanor Kwei
PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Werner Photography
ISBN 978-1-937994-52-5Printed in China
2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1
www.racepointpub.com 3
