The Origami Paper Crane: A Japanese Symbol of Peace, Hope, and Resilience
In August 2025, Japan marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki— shocking events that forged the direction the shape of the 20th century. Each year, memorials in these cities honour those who lost their lives and renew a global commitment to peace. Among the lanterns, flowers, and solemn ceremonies, one image stands out: the origami paper crane. Delicate, intricate, and filled with meaning, this small folded bird has become a powerful international symbol of hope, resilience, and the dream of a world without nuclear weapons.
Sadako Sasaki and the Paper Crane as a Symbol of Peace
In Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park there is a statue of a young girl, Sadako Sasaki. Her story is a moving call for peace and a reminder of the toll inflicted on innocents.
The origami crane’s role as a peace symbol is tied to the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl exposed to radiation from the Hiroshima bombing at age two. Years later, she developed leukaemia and began folding paper cranes, inspired by the senbazuru tradition, with the wish to live. Though she passed away at twelve, Sadako’s story captured hearts around the world.
The Cultural Meaning of the Crane in Japan
In Japanese culture, the crane (tsuru) has long been considered a sacred creature representing longevity, good fortune, and fidelity. Folklore says cranes live for a thousand years and mate for life, making them enduring symbols of love and loyalty. Cranes often appear in traditional wedding kimono designs, family crests, and seasonal artworks. Folding a paper crane (orizuru) through the ancient art of origami is not only a creative act—it is a gesture steeped in history and symbolism.
The Tradition of Senbazuru: One Thousand Paper Cranes
One of Japan’s most well-known traditions involving cranes is senbazuru—the practice of folding one thousand paper cranes to grant a wish or bring good luck. These colourful strings of cranes are displayed at weddings, the birth of a child, or as a gift to someone recovering from illness. The process is slow and meditative, with each fold carrying a prayer for health, happiness, or peace. The visual impact of a thousand paper cranes is stunning, but their true value lies in the dedication and intention behind them.
Gifting an Origami Crane in Japanese Culture
Giving a paper crane is more than offering a handmade origami creation—it is a gift of intention. It can mean a wish for recovery, a blessing for long life, an expression of love, or a gesture of solidarity. For those facing challenges, receiving a crane is a message of encouragement: “You are not alone.” In peace movements, gifting cranes symbolises the hope for “no more Hiroshimas or Nagasakis.”
The Lasting Legacy of the Paper Crane
It bridges Japanese tradition, peace activism, and personal expression, reminding us that even in the face of devastation, beauty and hope can take flight. Folding a paper crane today is more than an act of art—it is a timeless gesture of compassion, resilience, and the universal wish for peace.
White cranes by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Coloured garland of cranes by Kevin Lanceplaine on Unsplash
Pink crane photo by Lia Schmidt on Unsplash