Tokolo Asao [CONNECT] – ORIZURU×NURI-E Origami and Colouring-in Workshop

Experience the geometric patterns of Tokolo Asao in two and three dimensions in a series of Orizuru x Nuri-e origami and colouring-in workshops at Japan House London. During each workshop, participants enjoy colouring in a variety of patterns and learn how to fold orizuru or origami cranes using worksheets created specially for Japan House London by Tokolo Asao, the designer of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic emblems.

Nuri-e (lit. 'colouring pictures') is the simple technique of colouring within outlines. The nuri-e worksheets used in each workshop have countless colouring-in possibilities. By folding these two-dimensional coloured worksheets to create orizuru or origami cranes, the patterns will 'connect' in three dimensions.

Orizuru (lit. ‘folded crane’) is one of the best-known designs of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. In Japan, the crane is considered a symbol of long life representing one thousand years longevity. Many orizuru (usually a thousand) strung together are called senbazuru (lit. ‘thousand cranes’). Senbazuru are often made in Japan to wish for good fortune, recovery from disease, long life and peace. 

2021 marks 20 years since the terrible loss of life on 11 September 2001, which inspired Tokolo Asao to start making patterns with the theme of tsunageru, ‘to connect’. It is also the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Tokolo would like to remember these tragic events by folding origami cranes with people in London to wish for peace and hope for the future.

Each workshop is led by Kawahara Akane and includes a special video message from Japan from Tokolo Asao.

This workshop coincides with the exhibition Tokolo Asao [CONNECT] Individual and Group which is on display at Japan House London until 16 November 2021. The exhibition features examples of Tokolo's work from the past 20 years, all with the characteristic of 'connection'.

 Booking tickets

Please choose a date below and click on the button to book your free ticket.

About the Workshop Leader

Kawahara Akane is an artist and designer based in Tokyo and London who has worked with Tokolo Asao for over a decade. Influenced by Tokolo's cross-disciplinary practices, her work is based on interdisciplinary research, and she is currently working on research about future bodies and sensory perception.