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Five origami books by Shuzo Fujimoto are now public domain (origami.kosmulski.org)

620 points by mkosmul · 1416 days ago · 50 comments on HN

Article summary

Shuzo Fujimoto's five origami books are now in the public domain, allowing anyone to copy, distribute, and use their contents without restrictions. The books, which were self-published by Fujimoto, are available for free download in PDF format. The release of these books is a significant gift to the origami community, as physical copies are rare and hard to find. The books contain instructions and diagrams for various origami models, including some of Fujimoto's most famous designs.

Main themes

  • origami
  • public domain
  • book release
  • accessibility
  • translation
  • folding techniques
  • paper crafting
  • art and design

What commenters say

  • The release of Fujimoto's books to the public domain is a heartwarming gesture by his children, allowing his legacy to be shared with a wider audience.
  • The books' diagrams and instructions are sufficient for experienced origami enthusiasts to follow, even without translation.
  • Some commenters are having trouble accessing the PDF files due to Google Drive's download limits, and alternative hosting solutions are being suggested.
  • The lack of English translations for the books' introductory pages and theoretical sections may limit their accessibility to non-Japanese speakers.
  • The Fujimoto Cube is considered a particularly impressive and magical origami design, with a unique folding mechanism.
  • The availability of high-quality paper versions of the books is currently limited, but some commenters are offering to help with printing and distribution.
  • The documentary 'Between the Folds' is highly recommended as an introduction to the world of origami and its artists.
  • The best way to get started with origami is to find a good English-language source, such as books by Akira Yoshizawa or Michael LaFosse, and to practice with simple models before moving on to more complex ones.