Paper art is a tradition long treasured in Japan. The ancient Japanese art form of origami creates form and wonder using a small number of folds to create objects. In more recent times contemporary paper art forms have emerged in Japan.

At this year's Design Festa we were pleasantly surprised by the number of new paper craft artists, both Japanese and International, displaying their fine art.

Yasutaka Matsumoto stood out from the crowd with his quirky and solid paper and card characters. Matsumoto's booth displayed his outstanding ability to create personality filled figures from diversely patterned and colored paper.

The new style of Japanese toy or figurine. Unlike his vinyl play mates, the paper figurine is hand constructed using a multitude of patterned papers and card. Precise connection of the colors, papers and shapes creates the playful forms and personality filled figures.

Each paper toy is a one of a kind personality. Yasutaka Matsumoto constructs 3D figures and characters using Illus board, bond, clue and various craft papers.