
Japanese kirie master SouMa doesn’t believe paper-cutting needs to be so two-dimensional.
We’ve seen some amazing displays of kirie (picture cutting) mastery here on RocketNews24, but never before have we really seen someone not only intricately cutting the paper itself, but also folding it to give it depth.
That’s exactly what Japanese kirie artist SouMa does. The self-taught paper-cutting master shows off her masterpieces online, and here’s just a sampling of some of her amazing work:
▼ A glowing crown, cut and folded out
of a single piece of paper, just like all her works.
▼ A beautiful rose complete with magical streamers
that is OH MY GOD ALSO A SINGLE PIECE OF PAPER.
▼ Here’s a quick example of SouMa’s creative process.
First she cuts the basic design into the paper.
▼ Then she starts folding some of the more elaborate parts.
▼ And then it all comes together like magic.
▼ And voilà! The Eiffel Tower, made out of a single piece of paper.
No glue, staples, or anything else that would taint the final product.
When asked about how she first started doing 3-D kirie, SouMa responded: “It’s not that I decided one day to just start doing 3-D kirie. I just felt it was the way to make the pictures I imagined inside my head come alive.”
And come alive they have. One of SouMa’s biggest artistic themes is “freedom,” which can be seen in motifs she uses such as wings and feathers in her pieces.
▼ Nothing says freedom more than a clock
without any hands to tie you down.
▼ Or a flying dragon with that has
beautifully manicured paper-hair.
▼ But some of SouMa’s most impressive pieces are of people,
like this classy lady.
▼ Or this happy-looking one exploding with freedom symbolism.
▼The reason this woman is so happy? Not because of the flowers,
but because she’s doing 3-D kirie with her other hand.
▼ Hey, do you want to guess what this dress is made out of?
I’ll give you just ONE, SINGLE (piece of paper) hint.
If you’ve fallen in love with what you’ve seen and your eyes are hungry for more, check out SouMa’s official website and Twitter. You can purchase pre-made pieces or order custom ones at her website, meaning your dream of owning a life-size Goku made out of a single piece of paper can finally come true! (You could even order a paper Chi-Chi too and finally make them kiss for the first time.)
Source: Twitter/@SouMaNoKirie via NetLab
Featured/top image: Twitter/@SouMaNoKirie (Edited by RocketNews24)













Mastered origami? Try the next traditional Japanese paper art: kirie!【Photos】
Japanese artist shows amazing way to color illustrations: Let the fall leaves do it for you【Pics】
Japanese Twitter user makes unbelievable origami artwork out of a single piece of paper【Pics】
How to fold an entire origami schoolgirl, sailor suit and all, out of a single piece of paper
This isn’t an anime cel – It’s the greatest 3-D CG model of a Studio Ghibli character ever made
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
The Starbucks tumbler limited to one place in the world: Haneda Airport
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Hilarious Japanese commercial shows what happens when you beat the company president
Japanese gamer furniture company creates cabinets just for collectible trading card gamers【Pics】
Muji enters the tiny house game, showcases its line of wonderfully minimalist ‘Muji Huts’
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Samurai style for the rainy season! Wooden samurai bokuto sword umbrella goes on sale in Japan
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply