[Washington, D.C.] Certified Taro’s Origami Artists Featured in AAPI Heritage Month Special Program

Origami Connecting Hearts and Culture:
Certified Taro’s Origami Artists Okuma and Kamioka Featured on AAPI Heritage Month TV Special

In May, Get Uplifted, a morning news program in the Washington, D.C. area, aired a special feature celebrating AAPI Heritage Month (Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month). Certified artists from Taro’s Origami Studio, Michiko Okuma and Naoko Kamioka, were invited to appear as guests.

The segment introduced the history and cultural significance of origami, emphasizing how it serves as a tool to foster creativity, focus, and mindfulness in both children and adults.

During the interview, Okuma shared, “I started teaching origami after I met Taro Yaguchi, the founder of Taro’s Origami Studio, and learned how to teach from him” (around 5:39 in the video). Their efforts to share this traditional Japanese art with local communities in the U.S. have created a deep emotional and cultural connection across borders.

Today, they actively lead origami workshops at local schools, art centers, and events such as the National Harbor Cherry Blossom Festival, introducing people of all ages to the joy of origami.

The program also included a live demonstration on how to fold classic origami models such as the crane and heart, highlighting how “a single sheet of paper can become a work of art that moves the heart.”

The Power of Origami: An Art That Connects Culture and Spirit

During the program, Okuma explained that the crane in Japanese culture symbolizes longevity and peace. She also spoke about the tradition of folding a thousand cranes (senbazuru) as a gesture of healing and hope. Kamioka emphasized that origami nurtures creative thinking, problem-solving skills, emotional well-being, and social development, especially in group settings.

Together, they conveyed the message that origami is far more than just folding paper—it is an art form that links hearts and culture.

SJA: A Grassroots Bridge to Japanese Culture in the Local Community

Okuma and Kamioka are also active members of Study Japanese in Arlington (SJA), a nonprofit based in Arlington, Virginia.
Website: https://www.sjastudy.org

SJA was established in response to a crisis in 2018 when Japanese language programs were at risk of being eliminated from public schools in Arlington County. Students, parents, and members of the Japanese community came together to launch a grassroots movement.

Today, SJA continues to promote Japanese language and culture through free Japanese classes, cultural events, and origami workshops, engaging the broader community in meaningful cross-cultural experiences.

The origami workshops organized by SJA are led by certified instructors from Taro’s Origami Studio. Through seasonal-themed projects, participants are introduced to traditional Japanese culture and language. In addition, Okuma and Kamioka conduct origami demonstrations and workshops at public libraries, community events, and schools throughout Arlington County, helping to spread the beauty and appeal of origami to a wider audience.

The Connection with Taro’s Origami Studio

Okuma and Kamioka began teaching origami after becoming certified instructors through Taro’s Origami Studio. Under the guidance of founder Taro Yaguchi, they learned how to teach origami effectively and how to engage with the broader community. Today, beyond their activities with SJA, they also participate as certified instructors in corporate events and origami production projects hosted by Taro’s Origami Studio. Their work aims to connect people through origami and to serve as a cultural bridge between Japan and the United States.

Teaching Origami at Online Corporate Events

Okuma and Kamioka continue to promote the charm of Japanese culture through origami and deepen their ties with the community. Their dedication and outreach embody the mission of Taro’s Origami Studio—to inspire and connect people through the art of origami.