What age is this origami Cicada for?

About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 6 steps, and takes about 5 minutes.

What paper do I need?

One sheet of square origami paper (15 cm / 6 in). No scissors or glue are needed.

What is it called in Japanese?

In Japanese it is “せみ”. The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.

Can I print the instructions?

Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.

★★Easy Birds & BugsTraditional

How to make an origami CicadaせみCicada

A cicada resting on a summer tree, with big wings and a striped head. A classic traditional model.

★★★★Cicada (Challenge) (Challenge)

6 steps
about 5 min
1 sheet of origami paper
Age 5+

How to fold

下のかどを上のかどに合わせて、三角に折る
Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner to make a triangle.
左と右のかどを、上のかどに合わせて折る
Fold the left and right corners up to the top corner.
2まいの先を、ななめ下へ折る（羽）
Fold the two flaps down at an angle to make the wings.
先が下のかどより少し下に出るように、少し外へひらいて折ります。
上のかどの1まいめを、下へ折る
Fold the top layer of the top corner down.
のこりの1まいも、少し上で下へ折る（頭）
Fold the next layer down, a little higher. This makes the head.
左と右を、うしろへ折る
Fold the left and right sides behind.
できあがり！目をかいたら、せみのできあがり。木の絵にとめて、ミーンミーンと鳴かせてみよう。
Finished! Draw the eyes, and your cicada is done. Put it on a picture of a tree!

Fun fact

せみは、何年も土の中でくらしてから地上に出てきて、大人のせみになります。

Cicadas live underground for several years before they come out and become adults.

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Cicada for?: About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 6 steps, and takes about 5 minutes.
What paper do I need?: One sheet of square origami paper (15 cm / 6 in). No scissors or glue are needed.
What is it called in Japanese?: In Japanese it is “せみ”. The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.
Can I print the instructions?: Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.