Origami Comes to Life: Stage Performance and Workshops by Higashi Katsukawa

On April 12, as part of this year’s Guam Japan Festival – Haru Matsuri, we were honored to welcome Origami Artist Higashi Katsukawa, whose mesmerizing stage performance and interactive workshops brought the magic of Japanese paper art to life.

Mr. Katsukawa captivated the festival audience with a live transformation of the traditional crane into a dragon, showcasing his signature technique that combines tradition and innovation. Without using scissors or glue, he demonstrated how a single sheet of paper can unfold into a world of imagination. His unique performance, set to music, was a celebration of precision, creativity, and cultural artistry.

At our cultural booth, participants had the unique opportunity to fold Guam’s iconic Ko Ko Bird under the guidance of Mr. Katsukawa. Families, children, and origami enthusiasts engaged in a creative hands-on experience while learning about this special local bird and the beauty of Japanese paper-folding.

On the morning of Saturday, April 12, Mr. Katsukawa also held a special demonstration and workshop at the Kids Activity Tent during the Ko Ko Kids Road Race. Young runners and their families stopped by to enjoy origami after their race, creating their own Ko Ko Birds and experiencing the joy of Japanese culture in a fun and active setting.

The origami experience continued the following day with special outreach workshops:

• At a St. John's School, high school students first learned to fold the Ko Ko Bird, connecting with local symbolism through Japanese artistry. Building on this, Mr. Katsukawa introduced them to the mathematical side of origami, guiding them through the folding of hexagons using geometric principles. The session beautifully blended culture, creativity, and critical thinking.
• Later, at a spring kids’ camp in Sinajana, Mr. Katsukawa led elementary school children through a fun and engaging introduction to origami. They began by folding a traditional crane, and then used those newly acquired skills to create their own Ko Ko Bird—a delightful step into both art and imagination.

These workshops and demonstrations deepened participants’ cultural understanding while celebrating creativity, learning, and the strong connection between Japan and Guam through the shared symbol of the Ko Ko Bird.