What age is this origami Carp Streamer (Koinobori) for?

About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 4 steps, and takes about 6 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 “こいのぼり” (鯉のぼり). 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 Seasons & HolidaysOriginal

How to make an origami Carp Streamer (Koinobori)こいのぼりCarp Streamer (Koinobori)

A carp streamer that swims in the sky on Children’s Day. Two points fold up and down to make the tail.

★★★Carp Streamer (Challenge) (Medium)

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

How to fold

白い面を上にして、左のかどを右のかどに合わせて、半分の三角に折る
Start with the white side up. Fold the left corner to the right corner to make a triangle.
上と下のふちを、まん中の線に合わせて折る
Fold the top and bottom edges to the center line.
右の先から折ります。左に 2つの先が出ます。これがしっぽになります。
右の先を、うしろへ折る（頭）
Fold the right point behind to make the head.
しっぽの先を、上と下へななめに折る
Fold the two tail points out, one up and one down.
上の先は上へ、下の先は下へ。しっぽが 2つに分かれます。
できあがり！大きな目とうろこ、口のわをかいたら、こいのぼりのできあがり！ちがう色で家族の数だけ作ろう。
Finished! Draw a big eye, scales and the ring of the mouth. Your koinobori is finished! Make one for each person in your family.

Fun fact

こいは、流れのはやい川をのぼる強い魚。子どもが元気に大きく育つように、とねがってかざります。

Carp are strong fish that swim up fast rivers. Families fly koinobori wishing their children will grow up strong.

Origami English in this model

corner角
edge辺（ふち）
center line中心線
white side白い面（裏）
triangle三角形
carpこい
streamerのぼり・ふきながし
scaleうろこ
tailしっぽ

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Carp Streamer (Koinobori) for?: About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 4 steps, and takes about 6 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 “こいのぼり” (鯉のぼり). 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.