This origami design is based on helmets (kabuto) worn by Japanese warriors including samurai.
Every year on 5 May, in celebration of Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day), many families in Japan decorate their homes with ornamental kabuto and gogatsu ningyō (‘May dolls’ typically dressed as warriors). These decorations derive from the holiday’s roots as a festival for boys known as Tango-no-sekku and represent the family’s wish for their children to grow up strong and brave.
Make your own miniature kabuto using origami paper and display it in your home or use a page of newspaper cut into a square to make one big enough to wear.
Share your completed kabuto on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using #japanhouselondon and tagging us using @japanhouseldn.
