What age is this origami Hikoboshi 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 “ひこぼし” (彦星). 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 Japanese TraditionOriginal

How to make an origami HikoboshiひこぼしHikoboshi

Hikoboshi, the cowherd of the Tanabata star festival. He is folded the same way as Orihime, with a different color. Display them side by side.

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

How to fold

白い面を上にして、たて半分に折って折りすじをつける
Start with the white side up. Fold in half from side to side and unfold.
左のかどを、まん中に合わせて折る
Fold the left corner to the center.
着物のえりの形ができます。
右のかども、同じように折る
Fold the right corner the same way.
下のかども、まん中に合わせて折る
Fold the bottom corner up to the center, too.
上のかどを、うしろへ折る（頭）
Fold the top corner behind to make the head.
かたのかどを、少しうしろへ折る
Fold the shoulder corners behind a little.
できあがり！かみの毛と顔、おびをかいたら、ひこぼしのできあがり！
Finished! Draw his hair, face and belt, and Hikoboshi is finished!

Fun fact

七夕（7月7日）は、天の川をはさんだおりひめとひこぼしが、年に一度だけ会えるという日です。

Tanabata (July 7) is the day when Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way, can meet once a year.

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Hikoboshi 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 “ひこぼし” (彦星). 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.