Popular characters that are easy to make with origami. A collection of creations you can enjoy with children.
How about making characters loved by all ages, from children to adults, with origami? Popular characters from TV anime and games can be easily made with familiar origami paper! You can create adorable pieces like Pikachu, Hello Kitty, and Anpanman—so cute you’ll want to show them off.
Origami play not only nurtures creativity but also sparks communication.
Try making them with friends and family, enjoying original expressions and personal touches as you go!
Popular characters (1–10)
Myaku-Myaku
That trending character! Here are some ideas for Myaku-Myaku.
Myaku-Myaku is the official mascot created as the symbol of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Its striking contrast of red and blue leaves a strong impression, and its one-of-a-kind form is part of its charm.
This time, let’s make Myaku-Myaku with origami.
You’ll need two sheets of red origami paper and two sheets of blue origami paper.
You can also use double-sided origami paper.
Some steps are a bit tricky, so it could be extra fun if children make it together with a teacher or a guardian!
Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty is beloved by children and adults in Japan, and her popularity has spread around the world.
This origami can be completed with simple folds.
First, fold a white sheet of origami paper into a triangle and fold the corners toward the center.
Fold the left and right corners.
Next, fold down the top corner, then lift the bottom corner upward to form the ears.
Fold the tips of the ears to make small triangles.
Turn it over, then fold back the cheek areas to adjust the shape.
Add a ribbon made from red origami paper, and enjoy drawing the face together with your child.
Doraemon
Let’s try making a popular character from a beloved national anime! Here are some ideas for Doraemon.
When it comes to “Doraemon,” it’s one of the famous characters adored by both children and adults.
While it may seem tricky to capture the cute, round shape with origami, let’s give it a try.
What you’ll need: one sheet of blue origami paper, stickers or paper cut into eye shapes, double-sided tape or glue, a black pen, and a red pen.
The folding method is simple, so be sure to give it a shot!
Pikmin
How about trying the Nintendo game character, Pikmin? Divide it into three parts: the face and body, and the leaf at the top of the head.
For the face, first fold the origami into a triangle to make a crease, then fold the left and right sides toward the center.
Next, fold down the top section, sharpen the bottom corner to form the head, and adjust the sides to shape the face.
Add the characteristically large eyes using white paper or stickers.
The body also involves many fine folds, so it will likely be an adult-led task, but let your child enjoy helping with combining the parts and attaching the eyes!
Kirby of the Stars
Kirby from the Kirby series is a popular game character loved by both children and adults.
This time, we’ll challenge ourselves to make this character with origami.
Its simple shape makes it easy to fold, and its cute look will surely delight kids.
Origami offers the fun of creating many forms and helps develop creativity through hands-on activity.
It can also be a great opportunity for parent-child communication.
It might be even more fun to finish your Kirby with a variety of expressions.
Minion
Big round eyes are their trademark! Here are some Minion ideas.
When you think of “Minions,” their yellow bodies, overall-like outfits, and those big, round, sparkly eyes come to mind—they’re so cute.
Their distinctive voices and stories are fun too, so many kids probably love Minions.
This time, let’s make a simple version with origami.
You’ll need one sheet of yellow origami paper, one sheet of blue origami paper, two white round stickers, and a black permanent marker.
Feel free to add your own creative touches as you make them!
Pikachu
Doesn’t making Pikachu out of origami sound exciting? The joy you feel when it’s finished is something special.
It could be fun to play around with Pikachu’s expression and create a one-of-a-kind version of your own.
Time spent making an origami Pikachu can really spark children’s imaginations.
It’s also recommended for preschool and kindergarten teachers.
Why not fold together and create some fun memories?