FUNDEDANIMATIONanimationorigamijapanmagical-realism
Paper Cranes
A lonely origami crane comes to life in a Tokyo paper shop and embarks on a journey to find the child who folded her — before she unfolds forever.
About This Film
In Yanaka, Tokyo, an origami crane named Tsuru awakens on a dusty shelf. She learns from the elder origami that paper creations have a limited lifespan before they unfold. Her only hope: reunion with the person who folded her with love. Armed with a fading memory of small hands and cherry blossoms, Tsuru sets out across Tokyo.
Production Milestones
1
Story & Concept Art
CompletedFull storyboard, character design, art direction.
Target: $1,000,000Completed: 11/1/2025
2
Animation Pipeline
CompletedAI-assisted animation rigging and style transfer.
Target: $2,000,000Completed: 1/20/2026
3
Animation Production
In ProgressFull production of 85 minutes.
Target: $2,000,000
4
Sound & Music
PendingOriginal score, Foley, voice acting.
Target: $1,000,000
Project Updates
Y
Yuki Hayashi· Oct 4, 2026First Act Complete!
Act 1 is fully animated! The AI-assisted origami folding simulations brought our team to tears. The rain sequence is magical.
Y
Yuki Hayashi· Sep 7, 2026Funding Goal Reached!
We did it! Thanks to this incredible community, Paper Cranes is fully funded. Every vote, every share made this possible.
Created by
Yuki Hayashi
Paper Bird Animation
Award-winning animator. Every frame is a love letter to origami.
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