There is something instantly nostalgic about a round paper fan — the kind you wave on a hot summer evening. The uchiwa is exactly that: a flat, paddle-shaped fan with deep roots in Japanese tradition, and you can fold your own from a single square of paper. It is a calm, satisfying little project that looks far more impressive than the steps suggest. Let us make one.

This guide shows you how to fold an uchiwa, a traditional Japanese fan that comes in handy when the weather turns hot.

The steps are shown in detail so that anyone can make one easily — give it a try.

How to fold a Uchiwa

STEP 1. Fold it in half and make a center crease.

STEP 2. Fold the left and right edges to the center crease.

STEP 3. Fold it diagonally as shown.

STEP 4. Turn it over and fold it so the part protruding from the bottom covers it.

STEP 5. Use the white part as a mark and fold it up.

STEP 6. Fold it down, leaving about 1.5 to 2 cm.

STEP 7. Make a crease along the dotted line.

STEP 8. Fold it so that it opens inside the crease.

STEP 9. Fold the left side in the same way.

STEP 10. Fold the dotted line back to complete the uchiwa.