The Origami Forum

Does anyone have Maekawa's Genuine Origami Root 2? I just ordered it from OUSA and am waiting for it to come. Quote from site:

"GENUINE ORIGAMI ROOT 2
Author: Maekawa
In Japanese. 72 models using rectangular paper (A and B ratios). Instructions show how to fold and cut any rectangle or square to the proper dimensions. Models include CD holder, money envelope, houses with various roof types, peacock, carp, dragonfly, crab, mantis, hummingbird, maple leaf, ginko leaf, deer with antlers (a standing version of the Seated Deer from Viva origami), giraffe, giraffe, cubes and geometrics, rose on a stand, T-rex, Pegasus, and much more – a lot of models for your money. Models have clean lines and do not require artistic shaping to look amazing. Color photo index. 159 pp. PB. (I-C) (B20-604)"

I love Maekawa's models. They are very clean, elegant, and logical.

I have this book and I like it. The majority of the models are geometric ones.

i leafed through this book when i visited kinokinuya in NY.

it may not be obvious to the casual buyer, but the majority of the models are from rectangles, i believe.

in all honesty, if you live in the states, i would be patient and wait for an english translation, as there was with genuine origami. it is also likely to be cheaper.

Book is excellent, clear and methodical in the accustomed manner of Maekawa-san.

His diagrams are exact, and nothing is left to chance, every fold is explained and placed with a purpose.

However, if you are an interprative folder that likes to shape their models, and sculpt rather than fold paper you may be disappointed, as the diagrams lead you to a definitive final result - there is little "shaping" required, and to some point shaping a Maekawa model may be to miss the point.

I had no problem with any diagrams in the Japanese, but would recommend a translation if one arrives, as the incidental Origami Philosophy is always engaging and stimulating in Maekawa's books.

Not quite as good as "Genuine Origami" (the subject range is less diverse and well structured), but that would be something in my opinion.

Why that book is not more popular I can't understand - it is my favourite book, and has been for the last 18 months or so - every single model has multiple things in it's favour, and uniquely, I wanted to fold every model in the book - I didn't have to "make" myself fold any of them.