It was a long road to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but when the Games finally arrived, we were incredibly proud to be a small part of this historic event.

For the Tokyo 2020 Games, origami artist Taro Yaguchi designed a series of original origami athlete models in collaboration with the Olympic Channel. These designs were created specifically for the Games and incorporated authentic Japanese paper folding into the Olympic Channel’s social media content.

In total, 17 original origami models were designed by Taro Yaguchi, one for each day of the events. Each model was carefully conceptualized, test-folded, refined, and then filmed in time-lapse format in our studio before being delivered to the Olympic Channel for release.

Below you can see early developmental stages of the athlete body design. The first prototype helped us explore proportion and posture, while the second iteration significantly improved the clarity and dynamic stance of the figure.

           

Once the final sports and human figure designs were selected and approved, we moved into full production. Our team carefully test-folded each design, refined structural balance, set up professional studio lighting, and posed the figures to ensure each movement translated clearly on camera.

The completed time-lapse videos were then delivered to the Olympic Channel and released daily across their social media platforms throughout the Games.

We are deeply honored that Taro Yaguchi’s original origami designs were featured during such a globally significant event. It was a meaningful opportunity to share contemporary Japanese origami with an international audience.

After the Games concluded, we displayed the full collection of the original models created for the Olympic Channel. Below is a preview of some of the pieces that were released during the event.

 

 

 

 

 

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