Main Index Page

Created 26/2/2024. Last updated 17/3/2026

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This page is being used to collect information about the history of the paperfolding design I call The Japanese Church. Please contact me if you know any of this information is incorrect or if you have any other information that should be added. Thank you.

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In Japan (and in books by Japanese authors)

1958

A Church appears in 'Origami: Book Two' by Florence Sakade, which was published by the Charles E Tuttle Company in Rutland, Vermont and Tokyo in 1958

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The design also appears:

1960

As 'Church' in 'Pop-Up Origami: Kitty Book' by Tatsuo Miyawaki, which was published by Biken-Sha in Japan in 1960.

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1964

In 'Happy Origami: Tortoise book' by Tatsuo Miyawaki, which was published by Biken-Sha in Japan in 1964. Note that in this version the roof of the central porch is not folded upwards.

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1965

As 'The Church' in 'Origami in the Classroom: Book 1: Activities for autumn through Christmas' by Chiyo Araki, which was published by Charles E Tuttle Co Inc in 1965.

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1967

As 'Church' in 'Origami Playtime' by Tatsuo Miyawaki, which was published by Japan Publications Trading Co in Tokyo, New York and San Francisco in July 1967. Note that in this version the roof of the central porch is not folded upwards.

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In Europe and the Americas

1968

A variant of The Japanese Church made from a dollar bill and attributed tgo Neal Elias appears in 'Folding Money, Volume Two' edited by Samuel Randlett, which was published by Magic Inc of Chicago in 1968.

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1970

A cut version of the design appeared as 'Church' in 'Origami Compendium No 1' by Robert Harbin, which was published c1970. The cross is obtained by cutting it out of the back layer.

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