We’re Hiring! Join our team. Learn More>>

Children’s Day Origami Samurai Helmet

Kabuto origami
Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) is a Japanese national holiday created to celebrate the country's children and to wish for their happiness, health and good fortune. It is held every year on May 5th. It is held every year on May 5th.

Originally, Children’s Day was called Tango no Sekku, or Boy’s Day. For households with young boys, it is tradition to decorate homes with samurai armor (yoroi) and helmet (kabuto) miniatures, which represent the family’s wish to raise strong and powerful boys.

During the holiday, children often fold origami samurai helmets (kabuto), which can be worn or used as decoration. Learn how to make one by following the steps below.

If you’re using origami paper, start with the paper white side up. For a wearable samurai helmet, use a newspaper page cut into a square.

Fold the paper in half, forming a triangle.

Fold the paper in half again.

Open it back up to reveal the crease.

Fold one outer corner to the center corner while using the crease as a guide.

Repeat with the other corner.

Turn it around so the flaps are pointing towards you.

Fold both flaps in towards the top corner.

Fold both flaps outwards like shown

Fold bottom front flap upwards as shown.

Fold it upwards again as shown.

Fold the remaining flap upwards and inside the hat.

And it’s done!