The Queen of Unit Origami | Until March 23

The Mesmerizing World of Tomoko Fuse

If you’ve ever folded a paper crane or a hopping frog, then you already know a little something about the joys of origami. But beyond the playful animals and traditional creations lies a deeper, more complex art form. Few understand this better than Tomoko Fuse—known worldwide as the “Queen of Unit Origami.”

A Master of Unit (Modular) Origami
Born in 1951 in Niigata, Japan, Fuse has dedicated her life to exploring and expanding the possibilities of folded paper. Her signature style is unit (or modular) origami, where a larger three-dimensional shape is assembled from multiple smaller folded units. Often geometrically intricate, Fuse’s designs transform flat paper into grand, sculptural forms—from decorative spheres (kusudama) to twisting spirals and knot-inspired shapes. Her innovative folding methods have caught the attention of origami enthusiasts, museums, and art galleries across the globe.

Through dozens of published books, including classics like Unit Origami: Multidimensional Transformations, Fuse has inspired countless artists to experiment with paper folding in new ways. She is frequently featured at international conventions, leads workshops around the world, and continues to break boundaries with each new creation. Indeed, it’s no exaggeration to call her the premier figure in modular origami today.

Origami—A Pulse of Possibilities
Whether you are already a fan or are new to origami, you have a rare chance to immerse yourself in Fuse’s astounding paper universe at Tomoko Fuse ORIGAMI—The Pulse of Paper, an exhibition at the Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art in Shinsakae.

Walking through the display, visitors will witness an infinite range of shapes—spirals, hexagonal patterns, knot-based folds, large-scale floor installations, and more.

Highlights include:

“Red Snake,” “Silver Snake,” and “Golden Snake”:
Enormous floor installations occupy entire Art Nouveau–style rooms, revealing the dynamic, sculptural potential of paper.

“Dry Landscape Garden in Aoi”:
A breathtaking large-scale installation mimicking a traditional Zen rock garden, but entirely fashioned from specialty paper.

“Antlion” (Ari-jigoku) and Kusudama:
Exquisite examples of multi-piece assemblies that demonstrate the architectural sophistication of unit origami.

The strength and fluidity of Fuse’s work upend the idea that origami is “only for children.” Instead, paper becomes a transformative medium—capable of morphing into majestic, structural designs that inspire awe.