Apr 24, 2025

JOURNAL • KYOKO KIMURA MORGAN

Kyoko Kimura Morgan is a multidisciplinary artist based in a tranquil, mountainous suburb on the False Bay coastline in Cape Town, South Africa, the country she’s called home since emigrating from Japan in 1992. She’s known as an origami teacher and the founder of Origami For Africa, a non-profit organisation that teaches children in under-resourced schools the mathematical and meditative art of paper folding. Kyoko’s creative projects always aim to create jobs and upskill her community. Driven by the environmentalist Japanese philosophy of Mottainai, Kyoko is passionate about waste reduction: she’s most satisfied when she can use existing (or better yet, discarded) materials to create something new.

You have an impressive range of artistic skills, from origami to ceramics, sewing and mosaic. What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by other people’s creativity and handcrafts: the beauty of the things that have already been carefully created, and the potential they still hold to become something else. I am unable to throw away a piece of worn out clothing or even broken plates, especially if they’re made from natural materials or by hand.
As for origami, I like the simple models, and I am inspired by the infinite possibilities of what we can do with them.
I am driven by the need to take action against poverty in South Africa. I believe that by using creativity, we can transform our society.

What are the benefits of teaching origami

We encounter lots of smiles and see the "ah-ha" moments when learners realise that they can do magic with a piece of paper. It enriches my heart to witness those moments.

What has the process of founding and running Origami for Africa taught you?

It taught me to take each step with care and intention, and trust the actions (or creases, as I like to call them) | have taken.
I have encountered so many wonderful people. These connections create a beautiful network in my life.

Back to Kyoko, what culture are you consuming and enjoying at the moment?

One of my offspring and I like watching documentaries about social issues. We just watched The Radical about Muhsin Hendricks who was recently murdered. He was considered the world's firstly openly gay imam. It was very moving and inspiring.
I listen to podcasts featuring Adrienne Maree Brown. I enjoy her wisdom very much.
I love South African music. I like to go to The Commons in Muizenberg for live music.
The book on my bedside table is The Stars Say ‘Tsau’ by Antjie Krog.

Which Girls of Dust piece is your favourite and why?

I love well-made, simple and strong fabrics, and all Girls of Dust clothing are like that.
I love the haori-style jacket, made with beautifully woven fabric. It is comfortable and elegant. It is modern and ancient at the same time. It has something universal about it.