What age is this origami Randoseru (School Backpack) 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 “ランドセル”. 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 Vehicles & ThingsOriginal

How to make an origami Randoseru (School Backpack)ランドセルRandoseru (School Backpack)

A randoseru, the backpack Japanese elementary school children carry. You make the big flap by folding two layers together.

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

How to fold

右半分を、うしろへ折る
Fold the right half behind.
上を、2まいいっしょに下へ折る（ふた）
Fold the top down, both layers together, to make the flap.
下に 2cm くらい、からだがのこるように折ります。
ふたの下の角を、うしろへ折る
Fold the bottom corners of the flap under.
ふたの角だけを、内がわへ折ります。
上の2つの角を、うしろへ少し折る
Fold the two top corners behind a little.
できあがり！金具（かなぐ）をかいたら、ランドセルのできあがり！すきな色で作ってみよう。
Finished! Draw the clasp, and your randoseru is finished! Make one in your favorite color.

How to play

入学（にゅうがく）のお祝いカードにはったり、時間わりをかいた紙にかざったりしよう。

Glue it on a card for a child starting school, or use it to decorate a class schedule.

Fun fact

ランドセルは、日本の小学生が6年間つかう、じょうぶなかばんです。「ランドセル」は、オランダ語の「ランセル（せおうかばん）」から来たことばです。

A randoseru is a strong backpack that Japanese children use for all six years of elementary school. The name comes from the Dutch word "ransel", meaning backpack.

Origami English in this model

corner角
flapフラップ（動かせる一枚）
layer（重なった紙の）一枚
school bagランドセル（かばん）
school学校（がっこう）
carryせおう・はこぶ

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Randoseru (School Backpack) 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 “ランドセル”. 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.