a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan

the project replaces conventional bamboo or plastic ribs with a folded paper structure that provides rigidity, form, and functionality.

KUMAnoTE edited by christina vergopoulou June 17, 2026 3 min

KUMAnoTE Reinterprets paper fan through structural folding

ORIKAZE is a ribless folded paper fan developed by Tokyo-based design company KUMAnoTE in collaboration with Professor Jun Mitani of the University of Tsukuba. Reinterpreting the traditional Japanese paper fan, the project replaces conventional bamboo or plastic ribs with a folded paper structure that provides rigidity, form, and functionality. Through this approach, a single sheet of paper becomes a three-dimensional object capable of generating airflow while serving as both a handheld product and a sculptural form.

The design relies on a system of mountain and valley folds that transforms a flat sheet into a self-supporting structure. Rather than depending on an internal frame, the folded geometry creates the strength required for holding the fan and producing airflow. The resulting surface also generates changing patterns of light and shadow, highlighting the relationship between structure and form.

a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan - 1 — ORIKAZE paper fan collection includes three folded forms: SORA, KAZE, and TSUCHI | all images courtesy of KUMAnoTE / Hideyuki Kumagai

Flat-packed paper unfolds into a self-supporting fan, ORIKAZE

Before assembly, ORIKAZE remains completely flat, allowing for efficient packaging, transport, and storage. Once folded, the paper gains rigidity and volume while maintaining a lightweight construction. The project demonstrates how folding techniques can replace additional structural components without introducing other materials. The initial collection consists of three designs: SORA, KAZE, and TSUCHI. While each model is based on the same folded-paper principle, they differ in silhouette, surface geometry, and the spatial qualities created by their folded forms.

Studio KUMAnoTE’s project is also conceived as a platform for graphic and artistic collaborations. Printed patterns are transformed by the folded geometry, creating visual effects that differ from those of a flat printed surface. The first editions include collaborations with Japanese fashion brand SNEEUW and graphic designer COYA, whose design incorporates motifs inspired by Japanese yokai folklore. The fan is manufactured entirely from paper by Fukunaga Print Co., Ltd. ORIKAZE was presented at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2026 and is scheduled for release in summer 2026.

a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan - 2 — the fan turns a flat sheet of paper into a functional handheld object that generates airflow

a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan - 3 — the folds create both structural strength and sculptural shadows across the paper surface

orikaze-folded-paper-fan-kumanote-designboom-1800-2 — ORIKAZE is a ribless paper fan that gains its form and strength through folded paper structures

a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan - 4 — folding gives the paper volume while maintaining a lightweight construction

a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan - 5 — the project demonstrates structural performance through folding alone

orikaze-folded-paper-fan-kumanote-designboom-1800-3 — the series can be developed in different colors and graphic editions while keeping the same folded structure

a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan - 6 — graphic editions made in collaboration with graphic designer COYA, featuring Japanese yokai folklore motifs

a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan - 7 — graphic editions created in collaboration with Japanese fashion brand SNEEUW

a ribless circular folded sculpture reimagines the traditional japanese paper fan - 8 — before use, ORIKAZE is stored flat, making it easy to package, carry, and display

project info:

name: ORIKAZE

designer: KUMAnoTE / Hideyuki Kumagai | @kumanote_work

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