What age is this origami Lion Dance Face (Shishimai) 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 “ししまい”. 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 Lion Dance Face (Shishimai)ししまいLion Dance Face (Shishimai)

The face of a shishimai lion, which dances at New Year. Use red paper: the white side becomes its big mouth.

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

How to fold

色の面を上にして、下のふちを折り上げる（口）
Start with the colored side up. Fold the bottom edge up to make the mouth.
白いところで段折りをして、あごを作る
Make a pleat in the white part to make the jaw.
上をうしろへ折って、少しもどします。口が上下に分かれます。
上の2つのかどを、うしろへ折る
Fold the two top corners behind.
下の2つのかどを、うしろへ折る
Fold the two bottom corners behind.
できあがり！大きな目とまゆ、はなと歯をかいたら、ししまいのできあがり！ぱくっとかまれると、えんぎがいいよ。
Finished! Draw big eyes, eyebrows, a nose and teeth. Your shishimai is finished! A bite from the lion brings good luck.

Fun fact

ししまいに頭をかんでもらうと、わるいものを追いはらって、1年元気にすごせると言われています。

People say that if the shishimai bites your head, it chases away bad luck and you will stay healthy all year.

Origami English in this model

pleat段折り
corner角
edge辺（ふち）
colored side色の面（表）
lionしし・ライオン
danceおどり・まい
teeth歯
biteかむ

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Lion Dance Face (Shishimai) 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 “ししまい”. 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.