Origami and Yin Yang Copy Cats!
Hello friends! Today’s post is a special treat that is sure to spark joy! Allow me to introduce my friend, Tomo!
Everyone loves Tomo! He is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and I have never heard an unkind word spoken about him. I met Tomo while working at a bar, checking IDs and charging covers. He played saxophone in several professional bands. One of those bands, Volifonix, had 400 gigs in 4 years across 8 states and abroad, including Bumbershoot and many other music festivals!
Tomo also played on the streets of Eugene, Oregon, and would often pop in to say “Hi.” It was common for him to give me an origami gift, my favorite being the dragon.
In addition to being a talented origamist and saxophonist, Tomo is a lover of cats, a family man, and speaks two languages, Japanese and English. He can also read some Spanish and Chinese! I hit Tomo up for an interview to get a glimpse into his fascinating life, and I’m honored to share his story and photos with you! Enjoy!
Where Did You Grow Up?
I was born and grew up in Tokyo, Japan. Today, my neighborhood, Nishitokyo, is full of houses and other buildings, but when I grew up in the mid-70s to 90s, it was filled with vegetable farms, empty fields, and chestnut and fruit orchards. (Today there are still small farms, but much less.) I also lived in Nishitokyo between 2000 and 2001 and in Setagaya, Tokyo between 2018 and 2020 with my amazing wife, Liliana.
What Made You Want to Move to the United States?
Education, adventure, and rock’n’roll. I migrated to Oregon alone with a suitcase, backpack, and a saxophone case five months after my high school graduation in Japan.
How Long Have You Been Making Origami?
42 years. I started on my mom’s lap when I was 4 years old. Her first origami lesson was an airplane. She matched the corners and edges for me, and I pressed in the creases.
What Do You Like About Making Origami?
Everything. Origami helps people of all ages make art and gifts without spending much money and using any fancy tools. It practices our dexterity and patience. After getting used to the basics, it rests most parts of our brains and calms our hearts down. Crafting also helps people’s rehabilitation physically and mentally.
What is Your Favorite Thing About Making Origami?
Origami supported my relationship with the world. When I made and taught origami, I could communicate with many different people all over the world non-verbally. Not so many people believe that I have social anxiety, but I do, so I like to use art and music during in-person communication. I bring origami paper everywhere just like some people’s fidget toys and/or companion animals.
How Long Have You Been Teaching Origami?
30 years. My first origami lesson booth was at one of the YMCA buildings in Seattle. I mostly teach origami at schools, libraries, and other awesome community events.
What Are Your Yin Yang Cat's Names?
Pepito (aka La Pantera Blanca) and Tefari Luna (the Tuxedo Ninja Girl). They are both fabulous indoor rescue cats.
How Did It Go When You Put Them on a Leash?
Pepito was extremely natural. He did not struggle when we put harness and leash on him, and he started leading us outdoors since Day 1. On the other hand, Tefari stops moving if we put a harness and leash on her, so she uses them only when we hang out in our front yard.
What Follow Links Would You Like Me to Share?
I would like to introduce Owl Kitty on YouTube and @kirieya on Instagram. Owl Kitty is a world-famous parody cat. I think most people have seen his short video clips at least once on social media.
My wife and I found Kirieya (Ryo Takagi)’s art in a cat art exhibit in Shibuya, Tokyo; and later found him coincidentally at a craft event in Setagaya, Tokyo. We saw his paper-cutting demonstration, and it was marvelous. His art is delicate, cute, melancholic, a little sad, and beautiful.
Also, feel free to check out my cats, Pepito and Tefari on Instagram!
What is Your Favorite Quote?
There are so many, but the first quote I remembered at this moment was, “A man who cuts his own tree warms himself twice.” I think it’s a Chinese proverb.
Does Tomo Mean "Friend?"
Yes and no. 友 (Tomo) means friend, but my name 智 (also Tomo) means wisdom. There are thousands of homonyms in Japanese. Homonyms have the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings and origins. My full name, 鶴見智彦 (Tomohiko Tsurumi) means Wiseman Watching Crane (or, alternately, Crane Watching Wiseman). I think the name suits an origami artist who loves teaching Japanese language and culture around the world. 😉
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