![[Respect for the Aged Day] Mural decorations to brighten the celebration. Simple handmade ideas to try](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/mjkftJMupJY/maxresdefault.webp)
[Respect for the Aged Day] Mural decorations to brighten the celebration. Simple handmade ideas to try
How about spending a fun time together while creating wall decorations for a Respect-for-the-Aged celebration? This time, we’re sharing lovely mural-making ideas that you can create together with older adults.
Using familiar materials like construction paper and newspapers, you can make vibrant pieces featuring cranes and turtles—the symbols of longevity—as well as seasonal flowers.
The process naturally sparks conversation and fills the space with smiles.
Once the artworks are displayed, the entire facility will be wrapped in a brighter atmosphere.
Please use this as inspiration for creating warm, heartwarming memories.
[Respect-for-the-Aged Day] Wall murals to brighten the celebration. Introducing simple handmade ideas (1–10)
minogame (a mythic turtle with a long tail of algae in Japanese folklore)
A minogame turtle with algae growing on its shell.
Because it lives long enough for algae to grow, it’s also a symbol of longevity.
Let’s make this minogame in colorful origami.
Prepare four sheets of origami paper—two each in different colors.
Cut all the origami into rectangles and fold them into long, narrow strips.
Fold each one into a shape like a musical note, then combine them to form the turtle’s shell.
Next, use the leftover ends to make the turtle’s head, legs, and tail, and draw on the eyes to finish.
Make lots of minogame turtles in various colors and display them!
Three-dimensional chrysanthemum flower
Chrysanthemums, whose flower language includes “nobility,” are considered auspicious flowers symbolizing longevity and said to bring good fortune.
Let’s decorate your Respect-for-the-Aged Day gathering with chrysanthemum ornaments! First, cut origami paper into thin strips about 1 cm wide.
Fold each strip in half and round off the ends.
Once done, apply glue to the center and arrange the pieces radially to form a flower shape, layering them as you go.
Next, use a pencil or other thin stick to curl the tips.
Make another one the same way, then stack and glue them together to finish.
Create chrysanthemums in various colors to brighten up the room!
Daruma doll, rising-sun fan, and adonis flowers (fukujusō)
How about a wall decoration packed with lucky symbols: a daruma for prosperous business, a fan that spreads good fortune, and Adonis flowers (Fukujusō) whose floral language signifies happiness? First, make the daruma by combining two sheets of accordion-folded paper to form the body, then layer a single sheet of accordion-folded white paper for the face.
Add the eyes, mustache, and the pattern on the belly to finish.
Make the Japanese-flag fan the same way, using accordion folds.
For the Adonis flowers, cut yellow paper into flower shapes and combine it with finely slitted yellow and green paper.
Once you’ve made plenty of each part, arrange them thoughtfully and decorate the wall!
Mural of a Crane and a Turtle
https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2AK4_lFVQ/How about making a lucky wall decoration featuring cranes and turtles, symbols of longevity, perfect for Respect for the Aged Day? If you craft cranes from colored paper using white as the base with black on the wings and red as an accent on the head, and turtles with green as the base, your wall will instantly look lively.
Adding elements like green pines and pink plum blossoms around them will make it even more festive.
You could also put up name tags for groups such as those celebrating their 70th (Koki), 77th (Kiju), 88th (Beiju), 80th (Sanju), and 90th (Sotsuju) birthdays, or include a longevity ranking chart to create a cheerful atmosphere.
Crane diamond ornament
Here’s an idea for making a “Crane Diamond Ornament” using five sheets of origami in different colors.
It may look difficult, but the folding steps are simple, so please give it a try.
Fold the origami into a triangle and unfold it, then fold the adjacent edges along the crease.
Turn the paper over, fold a crane using the white area at the remaining corner, and create the connecting section using the yellow area.
The crane only includes the head and wings, so it’s easier than it looks; just fold the head slowly to make a clean shape.
Fold all five pieces in the same way and connect them to complete the ornament!
red-and-white Daruma
Would you like to make red-and-white daruma dolls to brighten up your celebration wall? Prepare two balls made by crumpling paper, then cover each from the top with red and white origami paper and glue them on.
Attach a paper face and patterns made from yellow origami, and you’re done.
You can make a large daruma to display, or create small ones and arrange them to form characters like “祝” (congratulations) or “おめでとう” (best wishes).
In addition to red and white, making a gold daruma will also look festive.
They’re easy to make, so give it a try!
Colorful garland
Colorful garlands are items that instantly brighten the atmosphere just by being displayed.
Let’s decorate with garlands to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day! Fold several sheets of origami into accordions and combine them.
To make them easy to hang, attach small pieces to the ends, and you’re done.
Choosing color combinations is where your sense of style shines.
The method is very simple, so it should be fun to make together with seniors.
Add origami flowers and other decorations to enhance the festive mood for Respect for the Aged Day!
