Behind every book lies a story

Behind every book lies a story.

An adventure often spanning several years, woven with passionate discussions, shared dreams, unexpected alliances, and friendships forged like comrades-in-arms on a shared quest. We know where we start: with a dream, still intangible. But we have no idea where it will take us. This story deserves to be told.

So here is the journey of a new book—an adventure I want to share with you as it unfolds.

• Summer 2024, at the Puyuan convention in China

I meet Kei Morisue, a living legend in the world of origami. His unique approach and technical mastery push the boundaries of this art. His models are recognized worldwide, yet few have ever folded them—Kei doesn’t create diagrams, only CPs.

Meeting him at last was deeply inspiring. And to my great joy, behind the legend was a man of incredible warmth and kindness. We quickly shared unforgettable moments together.

But conventions always come to an end, and with them, the risk of losing touch. So, I used my favorite way of keeping a newfound friendship alive: I proposed making a book together.

For me, this has always been the best way to stay connected with creators, to deepen our exchanges, and to step into their world.

Kei told me that publishing a book had always been his dream. But… he doesn’t diagram.

Luckily, we were surrounded by passionate Chinese folders, admirers of Kei, and—most importantly—talented diagrammers. We parted ways with hope.

• August 2024: First model selection

The selection process begins. There are many potential models. We remove those with copyright restrictions (manga, Star Wars…) and those too complex to have a clear folding sequence. We’re left with about twenty models.

• October 2024: Kei visits me

A week of deep discussions strengthens our friendship even more and convinces me of the importance of this project. But a major challenge arises: how do we turn such complex models into clear and accessible diagrams? And who will dare to take on this challenge with us?

• January 2025: The impossible becomes reality

A team of Chinese designers and folders comes together to create the diagrams. A WeChat group is formed.

But a new problem emerges: each diagrammer has their own style and uses different software. How do we unify everything?
Thanks to Kucha’s effective leadership, all the designers agree on a common direction, and we establish a unified style and layout. This is a major breakthrough—for the first time, multiple Chinese diagrammers are working together on a project with a shared vision. A new foundation is born.

• February 2025

The color profiles and graphic style have been validated. Everything is in place. The project is officially underway.

The story continues… and I can’t wait to share more with you.

Nicolas TERRY