There are a lot of fascinating things about Japan that makes the country unique (every country has something unique to their cultures), but there are some things that are so big and influential that the rest of the world started embracing them as well. A few example of this is the Japanese street fashion that you won’t find anywhere else, Japanese animation or anime that has become a worldwide phenomenon in the entertainment industry, and then there’s Origami. This paper folding art that originated in Japan is one of a kind, who knew that you can produce something like a tiny sculpture by just folding a small piece of paper, like animals or flowers, but without cutting them or gluing them together.
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What is Origami?
It was derived from the Japanese words ori meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper". This is one of the most unique parts of the Japanese culture and has been there for centuries (The Edo period, 1603–1867) and is still widely practiced until present time. It lets you transform a square shape piece of paper (it comes with different colors and for some, patterns) into any mini sculpture by just folding. The most famous origami model would be the paper crane.
If this somehow caught your interest and you want to try and make origamis that are cute or kawaii in nature, well, we have a special list just for you. We have gathered 6 kawaii origami animals that are very easy to follow and do. They are so adorable that you would not be able to stop at just one, fill your bedroom or any part of your house with these kawaii creations, perhaps? Anyway, I know you’re very excited to do this, so let’s begin, shall we?
1. Kawaii origami penguin
Penguins and the word kawaii naturally go hand in hand, the real life version of this animal is very cute and cuddly by itself, just the way they walk, eat, drink, sleep, everything! Start your kawaii origami journey with this cute baby penguins. Creating this cuddly animal is very possible in the art paper folding, and this video tutorial will show you exactly how to do that. It’s very easy to follow and it will sure be worth your time.
2. Kawaii origami cat
Of course, who would forget to add cats to list, this animal is one of the cutest animals there is. But it’s not just cute in real life, the origami version of cats is just as adorable that you won’t stop at making just one! Try creating your own little paper cat heaven. This one just simple to do if you just follow the step by step guide below.
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3. Kawaii origami turtle
Have you ever seen a baby turtle before? It is undeniable that is it super cute and you just want to cuddle and kiss one the whole day. You can have turtles as pets, they are very easy to care for because they are mellow creatures, and cute which is a big plus. If you don’t have a pet turtle but you’ve always want one, that’s okay, try making these kawaii turtle origami and I’m sure it will make you really happy as if you already have your own pet. Try and follow the instructional video below.
4. Kawaii origami dog
Dogs are a man’s best friend, they are sweet, loyal, playful and energetic! Some bigger than the others and some some can sit inside on your bag (they’re that small), but we’re not talking about adopting real dogs here, you can adopt a paper version of this animal and look just how cute this is. Make one for your own so you can decorate your bedroom or any personal items if you’re a dog lover. Or maybe if you have a dog, you can try to make a mini paper version of your precious fur baby and isn't that the cutest? View the video below to follow to instructions.
5. Kawaii origami rabbit
Rabbits are naturally cute and cuddly that you just want to be with them and pet them all day long. Just the way their noses move or their whiskers wiggle, their eyes while they stare at you or their furry and round body. Don’t forget their little hops. So irresistible! You just can’t get enough of these fur babies. If you love bunnies so much, you can try to make them in paper folding art as well, using this very simple tutorial, you can perfectly achieve that. Watch the video below and make sure not to skip any of the steps!
6. Kawaii origami bat
Halloween is coming soon and these might come in handy for some spooky decorations, well, not really spooky but if you want something Halloween associated but still really kawaii, here’s an origami bat for you to try. Let’s be honest though, real life bats and cute don’t really mesh well together but by doing this paper art, it will be a different story. Follow all the steps in the video, draw a very cute face then you have the cutest bat in the world in the palm of your hand.
Conclusion
You might have thought that origami is quite complicated due to its nature because you can’t cut or glue them together in any way, but it is quite easy to understand and do, and if you keep on trying all the time, you’ll be able to do much more complex ones in the future.
This hobby will surely test your attention to detail, patience and most of all, your passion in doing something you want and the desire to be better at it with practice. These origami how-to vides above will be your foundation or starting point in doing so much more. I hope you'll be able to achieve them with great results, if you don't get it on the first try, even the second, or third, don't lose hope. Keep on believing, don't be hard on yourself because you know you can do it and remember to always have fun. Good luck!
Which if these kawaii origami animals did you like best? Share it with us in the comments below!