Tokolo Asao [CONNECT] – Orizuru Origami Workshop

Experience the geometric patterns of Tokolo Asao in three dimensions in a series of workshops in which participants learn how to fold orizuru or origami cranes using Tokolo pattern origami paper.

Orizuru (lit. ‘folded crane’) is one of the best-known designs of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. It represents a Japanese red-crowned crane, an auspicious bird in Japan, which, as legend has it, lives for a thousand years. Many orizuru (usually a thousand) strung together are called senbazuru (lit. ‘thousand cranes’). Senbazuru are often made in Japan to wish for recovery from disease and peace.

2021 marks 20 years since the terrible loss of life on 11 September 2001, which inspired Tokolo Asao to start making patterns with the theme of tsunageru, ‘to connect’. Tokolo would like to remember these tragic events by creating a collection of 100 origami cranes with people in London to wish for peace and hope for the future.

Cranes created during the four workshops will be connected together and displayed at Japan House London throughout September.

Each workshop is led by artist and designer Kawahara Akane and includes a special video message from Japan from Tokolo Asao.

This workshop coincides with the exhibition Tokolo Asao [CONNECT] Individual and Group which is on display at Japan House London until 7 November 2021. The exhibition features examples of Tokolo’s work from the past 20 years, all with the characteristic of ‘connection’.

Tokolo Pattern Origami paper, printed with Tokolo Asao’s distinctive geometric patterns, is also available for purchase at the Japan House Shop.

Japan House London is a COVID-secure venue. Please visit our COVID-19 webpage for more information about the measures we have implemented to ensure your safety.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Japan House London, Kensington High Street, London, United Kingdom