The Early Origins of Paper Folding and Origami in Japan

High School student Wataru Takada studies at the Bronx High School of Science. He is taking rigorous Advanced Placement courses and is especially accomplished in math. Outside of his schoolwork, Wataru Takada folds origami for fun and relaxation. 

Details of origami's history are subject to much debate. Paper degrades quickly, so paper goods are rarely found among other ancient artifacts. Historians do know that paper was first introduced to Korea and Japan sometime in the 6th century. 

Paper was expensive in Japan during this time. Paper folding rituals soon developed, but they were largely restricted to religious rituals and highly formal ceremonies. Some of the first folded paper artifacts were known as “shide.” They were used on wooden staffs for purification ceremonies and strung on a rope to create “shimenawa” for altars.

In later years, Japanese cultures developed a series of etiquette rules for the giving of folded paper. By the 17th century, paper was commonplace, and origami for fun and recreation had begun to take root. The first-known book on recreational paper folding was published in 1797.