What age is this origami Samurai Helmet (Kabuto) for?

About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 7 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 “かぶと” (兜). 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 TraditionTraditional

How to make an origami Samurai Helmet (Kabuto)かぶとSamurai Helmet (Kabuto)

A samurai helmet with two proud horns. A traditional Japanese model.

★★Newspaper Samurai Helmet (Easy)★★★Samurai Helmet (Another Way) (Medium)

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

How to fold

三角に折る
Fold in half to make a triangle.
左右の角を、下の角に合わせて折る
Fold the left and right corners down to the bottom corner.
前の2まいの下の角を、上の角に合わせて折る
Fold the bottom points of the front flaps up to the top corner.
上の角を、ななめ外へ折って角（くわがた）をつくる
Fold the top points out at an angle to make the horns.
下の角を1まいだけ、上の角の少し下まで折り上げる
Fold the bottom corner of the top layer up, almost to the top.
もう一度、まん中の線で折り上げる
Fold it up again along the middle line.
のこりの1まいを、うしろへ折る
Fold the last layer behind.
できあがり！かぶとのできあがり！新聞紙など大きな紙で折ると、本当に頭にかぶれます。
Finished! Your samurai helmet is finished! Fold it from a big sheet, like newspaper, and you can really wear it.

Fun fact

5月5日の「こどもの日」（たんごのせっく）には、子どもが元気に大きくなるようにねがって、かぶとやこいのぼりをかざる習わしがあります。

On Children's Day (May 5) in Japan, families display samurai helmets and carp streamers to wish for their children's health and growth.

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Samurai Helmet (Kabuto) for?: About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 7 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 “かぶと” (兜). 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.