# Folded Paper Fans The Orikaze Uses Origami Geometry Instead of Traditional Fan Ribs By Amy Duong | Published 2026-06-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orikaze References: [kuma-no-te.jp](https://kuma-no-te.jp/index.html)  Orikaze is a paper fan developed by KUMAnoTE in collaboration with Professor Jun Mitani that replaces the internal ribs found in conventional fans with a folded structural system. Created from a single sheet of paper, the design relies on a [series of mountain and valley folds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moleskine-and-issey-miyake) to generate rigidity and maintain its shape. The geometric pattern allows the paper to function as a self-supporting object without the bamboo, plastic, or wooden frameworks typically used in Japanese fan construction. The project draws on Mitani's research into [computational origami and structural folding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fungbedford) methods. The collection is offered in three variations named [SORA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sora-pendant-light), KAZE, and TSUCHI. Each version uses the same folded construction while presenting a different visual expression. Additional editions were created through collaborations with graphic designer COYA and Japanese fashion brand SNEEUW, introducing custom surface graphics while retaining the original structure. Image Credit: KUMAnoTE, Jun Mitani ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 78% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Ribless Paper Engineering:** Self-supporting fold patterns point to lighter consumer goods that reduce parts, assembly complexity, and reliance on plastic or wood frames. - **Computational Origami Design:** Algorithmic folding systems create opportunities for flat materials to become rigid, sculptural, and functional across compact product formats. - **Single-material Craft Objects:** One-sheet construction highlights a path toward recyclable accessories with simplified production, minimal components, and distinctive structural aesthetics. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Accessories:** Fold-based silhouettes introduce fresh possibilities for wearable and handheld goods that combine textile-like graphics with engineered paper structures. - **Home Goods:** Decorative functional objects can gain new differentiation through collapsible geometries, lightweight materials, and reduced hardware requirements. - **Sustainable Packaging:** Origami-informed paper systems suggest alternatives to inserts, frames, and supports by using geometry to create strength from recyclable substrates. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Easily Absorbable Anti-Aging Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevate-nad.md) - [3d-Printed Floor Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-lamp-1.md) - [Recycled Aluminum Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lilium-chair.md) - [Pleated Fashion Lamp Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/typexiii-atelier-o-project.md) - [AI E-Commerce Store Builders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-rocket-ai.md) - [Hillside Modular Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-modular-house.md) - [AI Landing Page Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gypsum-ai.md) - [Hillside Lakeside Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/counterslope-house.md) - [Science-Backed Cooling Bedding Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cooling-bedding-collection.md)