Origami , the art of paper folding , was developed in Japan over a period of some fifteen centuries . The term 'origami' is composed from the Japanese word "oru ," meaning " to fold ," and " kami ," meaning " paper " . It actually originated in ancient China . However , it was the Japanese who made this art survive and flourish .

          Origami has long been closely associated with the Japanese culture and is highly regarded and welcomed by the Japanese people . Today , origami is widely taught throughout the primary schools of Japan and is strongly supported by the government . They believe the idea that paper folding is an effective means of building good co-ordination between the hands and brain .

          Though simple paper- foldings were to be found in the East and West , the evolution of origami into something beyond simple toys began in Japan only in the last century . Not until the late fifties , did such innovative work catch on the West . And this served as an inspiration and catalyst for the growth of a new generation of origami masters outside Japan . They mainly come from America and Europe and have contributed enormously to the development of modern origami .

           During the past few decades , together with the great efforts by origamists all over the world , the artistry of modern origami has grown to previously undreamed-of levels of sophistication . The most fascinating fact is that those highly complicated models , which could be beyond your imagination , are all folded from a sheet of 'uncut' square paper .

          Unfortunately , many people today still hold the misconception that origami is only some sort of recreation for children only . Indeed , it would be quite a demanding and challenging job even for most adults to complete an advanced level model . But the satisfaction of successfully completing a beloved model by yourself will definitely pay for your every effort and may be also beyond your imagination .