In modern days, the art has changed. Everyone makes it for "fun" or because they think its "cute". It is seen as an activity, not a skill. It is a pastime for women and children. Anyone can make an origami frog or crane, but the real skill is not used often.

Origami is commonly used for entertainment and school purposes. Many children make them in classes and at home. It takes one sheet of plain paper. It is square and colored on one side only, unlike the historical washi. Then the paper is folded into the crane or object that is desired. Origami is also used in daily life. They can be made into small boxes, bags, cartons, and wrappings. People wrap presents in the paper to make it more decretive. Children are given certain origami to be used as toys. Because of its weight and texture some origami can be seen in Japanese plays. There are many different animals that are used such as the frog, mouse, bear, and the global peace symbol, the crane.

The traditional way of making origami is still around. Akira Yoshizawa of Japan is a "master paper folder". He is known as the "father of modern origami". He has made a set of symbols and words that are used in the world in written instructions. Washi is still made in the world. Ogawa-machi in Saitama Prefecture is close to the center of Tokyo and is known as the "suburban town". The town continues to make the ancient hand-made paper, but they have newly developed paper.

Today the interest is still around in schools and at home. Origami is used for many household and teachings. The ancient techniques of washi for the paper and using the wet folding technique is not used as much today, but the idea and the focus are still here today.

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