I can make a boat, some kids can make frogs and others can make cranes.  When I used to teach ESL, I had both Korean and Japanese students in my classroom who, one day, decided to make origami on their own for fun.

They were significantly younger than me but the precision in their angles and folds were impressively accurate (and neat)! They told me that once you make a single mistake that you want to undo, you have to throw the paper because it will look messy. No wonder, mine always shows so many errors!

Origami simply refers to the traditional art of folding paper.  No cuts, no glue.  Just pure discipline and clean lines.  While in transit en route to San Francisco, we found this on-going origami exhibit at the Narita Airport.

Such works of art reflect skill, creativity and, I believe, patience.  While most of us make origami to make one object or figure, the artists of this show used probably hundreds of little pieces of folded paper put together to make a three-dimensional display.

Do these characters look a bit familiar?

Here is Cinderella’s glass slipper and her pumpkin carriage before midnight.

And precious Little Red Riding Hood off to see grandma.

Spot the big, bad wolf?

I think having an art exhibit in an airport is a neat idea!  While walking around, it seems Narita has also installed art glass panels near the gates.  I totally forgot to explore the space because I was more preoccupied with food — but these provide a relaxing but vibrant respite for weary (and sometimes, bored) travelers preparing for their long journey.