Nano is 37 years old and lives in  Lebanon, PA, USA he has been at the fore front of Orikane since it began and has helped influence thousands of people with his creative and unique designs. Nano is one of our favorite folders and we are very excited to be able to ask him some questions.

1) Can you tell us how you got started in learning the basics of Orikane

I have been doing traditional Origami using square paper since grade school. As a gag gift one year a friend got me an Origami book using money. Since then I’ve been hooked and almost exclusively use money for folding.

2) When you mastered the basic folds, how did you then go on to make
your own unique designs from a dollar bill?

Part boredom, part experimentation and part inebriation (having a few at the local pub).

3) What other folders have influenced you on your way and why.

Won Park; Exceptional attention to detail and absolute perfection. Robert Lang; THE master. Folds I can only hope to attempt some day. John Montroll; More diagrams than you can shake a stick at. Most are easy enough to pick up and great fun for tips.

4) Have you a favorite fold created by someone else that you would
like to share with us?

Tough one. There are many favorites and it depends on who is to receive it. For most women a simple butterfly (originally by Dokuohtei Nakano then adapted by Joe Gilardi). It’s quick, easy to make, looks nice and women love them.

5) What is your  personal favorite fold that you have designed.

Mini Scorpion because it’s cute and different every time. I love the Kangaroo Mouse but for the life of me I don’t remember how I did it.

6) Are you working on anything exciting at the moment?

Sadly, no. I’ve either been extremely busy or super lazy (mostly lazy ). I do have several dozen new items to post on my site some of which are my own design.

7) Have you ever left an Orikane fold as a tip, if so what did you make and where did you leave it.

All the time. I try to make it a point to. I’ve made everything and left them everywhere. For the places I frequent I only leave Orikane tips when it’s something new I’ve learned or there’s a new employee.

8 ) You are developing a rather loyal fan base, have you anything upcoming that you would like to share with them?

Really? I had no idea. I’m nothing close to the greats out there and just do this for fun and relaxation. I wanted to do one fold of everything I could find then have it available online (diagrams with permission). I thought an easy to navigate archive would be good for me to access regardless of where I was when someone wanted me to make them something.

Upcoming? As mentioned I have a bunch of new things to post. Hopefully I can find time and ambition soon. I may redesign my site; I’m not sure I like it that much.

You can see more of Nanos site here

Keep Folding….