Origami
The Art of Paper Folding

(origami) is the art of paper folding in Japan. It started when the technique of paper-making was brought to Japan from China by way of Korea in the 6th century. At that time, paper was a rare and precious commodity, and a formal kind of paper folding developed for use in both religious and secular life. There is perhaps another reason for the importance of paper in Japanese life. The Japanese word kami can mean "paper" () as well as "God" (). This has given rise to a belief that paper is sacred. It has long been associated with the Shinto religion and the folding of human figures (hitogata) that are blessed by God.