A "Japanese trick": the art of origami left by the guests

Yuki Tatsumi started a road trip from one year in 2016 to ask for hundreds of noodle sushi restaurants Tipping restaurants is not standard in Japan, but Tatsumi came to see the little pieces of paper folded left by the customers as a "Japanese trick", and began to monitor different types.

He soon discovered that there was a great variety in the pieces left by customers, perhaps no surprise in a country where origami is a popular pastime and taught in schools .

"I discovered several of them tr" I also found a table decorated like an aquarium, with folded paper like fish and seaweed. "

Enchanted by his discoveries, he decided to diversify and ask other restaurants to donate pieces left by their customers to his collection.

Many origami pieces are simple, with dinners being formed. a baguette of fortune comes off the sleeve, but others are much more elaborate

In April 2016, he leaves for a one – year trip, asking hundreds of restaurants sushi restaurants to walking around noodles him

He meets The restaurateurs were disoriented by the curiosity and even the reluctance of the restaurateurs to the idea of ​​wanting something that took them to the trash.

But 185 places north of Hokkaido south of Okinawa promised to keep everything they found and send it to them. 19659005] – Better Than Money –

"Many restaurateurs who have helped me later say that they find it more rewarding than a real one. tip, "says Tatsumi.

Yuki Tatsumi now works as a researcher in an art museum and has about 15,000 pieces, each stored in his own little wooden box, as a precious jewel

"It may sound hh it's a very nice thing."

Currently a researcher at an art museum in Kameoka near Kyoto, Tatsumi has about 15,000 pieces. wood, like a precious jewel

Many are simple, with remains that form a makeshift wand in the sleeve.

But others are elaborate, like a black and white a patterned piece formed into one dress, or a blue envelope twisted into a snake, with the folds following the patterns on the paper.

He sees them as an unspoken message between customers and their waiters in restaurants, and worries more in addition to widespread in Japan, the "tips" that he recuei They will disappear

"When you enter a restaurant and do business only with a machine, I do not think you are doing these things. I really think these are products created only when people communicate in person. "

Tatsumi has already exhibited his collection in Japan and plans to present it at art events in Paris and South Korea later this year, and wants the collection to remind people to show appreciation and consideration for this collection. that they have.

"Japan is a very rich country, where you can find something to eat anywhere and anytime, but I think the people they have or who makes the food, "he said.

" Money is not the only way to show your hot feelings. "