Folding Creates Wind. "ORIKAZE," a Folding Structure Fan Developed with Professor Jun Mitani of the University of Tsukuba, Announced. Limited-Time Sale at Daikanyama T-Site Starting July 1st.

KUMANOTE Inc. (Location: Nerima-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hideyuki Kumagai) has announced "ORIKAZE (Orikaze)," a folding structure fan developed in collaboration with Professor Jun Mitani of the University of Tsukuba.

ORIKAZE is a new paper fan that creates strength and form through folding paper, without the need for bamboo or resin ribs.

By adding folds to a flat sheet of paper, we create a shape for holding, a surface for fanning, and a structure for generating wind. The shadows created by the folds serve as both a functional element and a decorative expression, allowing it to be enjoyed as a tool or as a product to be displayed and admired.

The first series will feature three models: "SORA," "KAZE," and "TSUCHI." Additionally, collaboration patterns with fashion brand SNEEUW and graphic designer COYA have been produced.

ORIKAZE was presented at "Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2026" held at Tokyo Big Sight in June 2026, and was viewed by domestic and international buyers and museum shop representatives.

Furthermore, to commemorate the start of general sales for ORIKAZE, the first sales event will be held from July 1, 2026 (Wed) to July 10, 2026 (Fri) on the 1st floor of Building 2, Magazine Street at Daikanyama T-Site. The venue will feature an exhibition and sale of the SORA / KAZE / TSUCHI series, as well as collaboration models with fashion brand sneeuw and a series by graphic designer COYA featuring yokai motifs.

Blowing a New Wind into the World of Paper Fans

Paper fans, often distributed during the summer, are frequently treated as advertisements or novelties, with little significant updates to their form, texture, or the experience of using them.

However, amidst recent severe heatwaves, the fan as a tool remains a familiar and necessary item.

ORIKAZE was born from a re-evaluation of such paper fans, not as "mere giveaways," but as paper products that can be enjoyed for holding, using, and displaying.

ORIKAZE in its packaging. It is flat before use, taking up little space.

Folding Creates Wind.

ORIKAZE's characteristic is its structure created by folding, rather than by ribs.

By combining mountain and valley folds in the paper, it achieves supple strength and a three-dimensional surface.

The folded form serves as a surface for fanning, a structure for holding, and a design that creates shadows when illuminated.

Through joint development with Professor Jun Mitani of the University of Tsukuba, we have achieved a balance of mathematical folding design, usability as a daily item, and aesthetic appeal as a product.

Three Models, Three Winds

The first series will feature three models with different shapes.

SORA KAZETSUCHI

While all are "folding structure fans," the differences in shape create distinct impressions when held, different shadow patterns, and varied fanning sensations.

A Format Amenable to Collaboration with Graphics and Artists

ORIKAZE is not only a standalone product but also a format that allows for collaboration with various graphics and artists.

The folded surfaces and shadows that stand up give new expression to printed graphics, creating a different visual appearance than a flat sheet of paper.

In addition to the basic SORA / KAZE / TSUCHI series, the first release includes collaboration patterns with fashion brand SNEEUW and graphic designer COYA.

Collaboration design with fashion brand SNEEUW Collaboration design with graphic designer COYA

Design Variations

Product Overview

Product Name: ORIKAZE (Orikaze) Types: SORA / KAZE / TSUCHI Contents: 1 Paper Fan Material: Paper Size: Approx. 254 x 254mm Manufacturer: Fukunaga Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd. Distributor: KUMANOTE Inc. General Sale Price (Planned): 1,650 yen (tax included) Release Date: Sales begin July 1, 2026 Initial Sale: Daikanyama T-Site, Building 2, 1st Floor, Magazine Street Sales Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) - July 10, 2026 (Fri)

Company Overview

Company Name: KUMANOTE Inc.

Location: Nerima-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Hideyuki Kumagai, Representative Director Established: July 7, 2025 Business Activities: Planning, Design, Branding, Product Development

Website: https://kuma-no-te.jp/