Founded in 2003, Cochae is an origami graphics unit which explores the possibilities of origami, giving a new twist to the traditional art form. The name ‘cochae’ comes from a folk song in Okayama called “Kochae-bushi.” Kochae is a slang term popular in the 1830s-40s, and amounts to multiple meanings such as “come on over” or “it’s great over here”.
the ‘elephant’ jeans
Collage: an early series by Cochae, where discarded magazines are collaged to make ‘paper Golems.’ It is an assemblage of origami, a highly geometrical medium, and the raw quality of photography. Just one sheet of paper will magically transform itself into a beautiful objet d’art.
koten: origami that combines the ancient Japanese art of origami with ukiyo-e patterns, and pays homage to the illustrated origami from the Taisho Period, known as Chieno Origami. Koten is a Cochae origami classic loved by all age groups.
Funny faces: the origami can be folded in different ways to make up different faces. There’s no wrong way to fold the paper, so the possibilities are endless.
orimato: a charming origami family inspired by the traditional Russian matryoschka doll. You can fold up their faces and store all of the family members inside the mother.
The ‘Ebisu 7 Happy Gods’ origami
Cochae’s first and original ‘free paper.’ The top right square is cut out to make the bird origami.
the ‘Hello Kitty House’ t-shirt
Oru t-shirt
the artists striking a pose
