What age is this origami Koi Fish for?

About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 5 steps, and takes about 8 minutes.

What paper do I need?

1 sheet of red origami paper (white on the back) No scissors or glue are needed.

What is it called in Japanese?

In Japanese it is “こい” (鯉). 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 Sea LifeOriginal

How to make an origami Koi FishこいKoi Fish

A red and white koi swimming in a pond, seen from above. The red front and the white back of the paper make its pattern.

5 steps
about 8 min
1 sheet of red origami paper (white on the back)
Age 5+

How to fold

白い面を上にして、左と右のかどを合わせて半分に折り、折りすじをつける
Start white side up. Fold in half, left to right, and unfold.
下の2つのふちを、まん中の線の近くまで折る（赤いもよう）
Fold the two lower edges in, close to the center line. This makes the red pattern.
下の先を、上へ折る
Fold the bottom point up.
先を下へ折りかえす（尾びれ）
Fold the tip back down to make the tail fin.
上のかどと左右のかどを、うしろへ折る（頭と体をまるく）
Fold the top corner and the side corners behind to round the head and body.
できあがり！目をかいたら、こいのできあがり！青い紙の池に、何びきも泳がせよう。
Finished! Draw the eyes, and your koi is finished! Make a few and let them swim in a blue paper pond.

Fun fact

にしきごいは日本で生まれたこい。「泳ぐ宝石」とよばれ、世界中で人気があります。

Nishikigoi (fancy koi) were first bred in Japan. They are called "swimming jewels" and are popular around the world.

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Koi Fish for?: About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 5 steps, and takes about 8 minutes.
What paper do I need?: 1 sheet of red origami paper (white on the back) No scissors or glue are needed.
What is it called in Japanese?: In Japanese it is “こい” (鯉). 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.