National Origami Day 2026
Fold a crane on National Origami Day! This November 11 observance is for the craft of origami — turning a single sheet of paper into an animal, box, or flower through precise folds — and it is a calm, hands-on break in a noisy month.
About National Origami Day
History & origins
National Origami Day falls on November 11 in many U.S. day calendars. It is an informal craft observance rather than a U.S. federal holiday, and a single American “founder” of the food-calendar-style label is unclear.
Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding (ori = fold, kami = paper). Classical models use one square sheet without cuts or glue; modern origami includes complex designs and sometimes multiple sheets. Japan observes related November dates connected to origami culture — including associations with World Origami Days spanning early November and recognition tied to master Akira Yoshizawa’s birthday (March 14 is his birth date; November events are separate promotional/cultural windows). Treat U.S. “National Origami Day” on November 11 as an informal craft day aligned with that season, not as a congressional act.
Pocky Day and Veterans Day also use November 11; keep the pages separate.
Why it matters
Origami teaches patience, geometry, and focus without a screen. A named day is enough reason to sit down with one sheet and finish one model.
How to celebrate
Fold a simple crane, boat, or fox from a square sheet. Use real origami paper if you have it; cut a square from printer paper if you don’t. Watch one clear diagram and slow down. Teach a child a beginner fold. Display the finished model; recycle the failed ones without drama.
Facts
- Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes, classically from one uncut square
- U.S. National Origami Day on November 11 is an informal craft calendar date
- Japan has a rich origami tradition and related November cultural observances
- A single U.S. founder for the November 11 label is unclear
- It is not a U.S. federal holiday
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Thursday, November 11, 2027
- Saturday, November 11, 2028
- Sunday, November 11, 2029
- Monday, November 11, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Origami Day in 2026?
National Origami Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Is today National Origami Day?
No. National Origami Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, not today.
What is National Origami Day?
It is an informal observance for practicing origami, the art of paper folding.
Who started National Origami Day?
A single U.S. founder for the November 11 calendar label is unclear. Origami itself is a Japanese paper-folding tradition.
How do you celebrate National Origami Day?
Fold one model from a square sheet. Start simple and finish it.
Is National Origami Day an official holiday?
No. It is not a U.S. federal holiday.
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