What age is this origami Kokeshi Doll for?

About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 4 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 “こけし”. 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 Kokeshi DollこけしKokeshi Doll

A kokeshi doll with a round head and a slim body. The white side of the paper becomes the face.

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

How to fold

白い面を上にして、下のかどを上のかどに合わせて折る
Start with the white side up. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner.
上のかどを1まいだけ、下へ折る
Fold the top corner of the top layer down.
白いひし形ができます。これが顔になります。
左と右を、うしろへ折る
Fold the left and right sides behind.
からだが、ほそいぼうのようになります。
頭の3つのかどを、うしろへ折る
Fold the three corners of the head behind.
頭がまるく見えるように、小さく折ります。
できあがり！かみの毛と顔、きものの花もようをかいたら、こけしのできあがり！
Finished! Draw the hair, the face and some flowers on the kimono. Your kokeshi doll is finished!

Fun fact

こけしは、木でつくる日本の人形です。東北地方のおみやげとして有名です。

Kokeshi are Japanese wooden dolls. They are famous souvenirs from the Tohoku region.

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Kokeshi Doll for?: About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 4 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 “こけし”. 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.