Sonobe

The popularity of Sonobe modular origami models derives from the simplicity of folding the modules, the sturdy and easy assembly, and the flexibility of the system.

[2] Two possible creators are Toshie Takahama and Mitsunobu Sonobe, who published several books together and were both members of Sōsaku Origami Gurūpu '67.

[3] It does not reveal whether he invented the module or used an earlier design; the phrase "finished model by Mitsunobu Sonobe" is ambiguous.

[8] Since then, many variations of modified Sonobe units have been developed; some examples of these can be found in Meenakshi Mukerji's book Marvelous Modular Origami (2007).

The Sonobe unit has the shape of a parallelogram with 45º and 135º angles, divided by creases into two diagonal tabs at the ends and two corresponding pockets within the inscribed center square.

The system can build a wide range of three-dimensional geometric forms by docking these tabs into the pockets of adjacent units.

Numbers denote module count: [ 1 ]
1. One Sonobe module
3. Opened (left) and completed (right) Toshie's Jewel (triangular bipyramid)
6. Cube (triakis tetrahedron)
12. Triakis octahedron
30. Triakis icosahedron
An example of modified Sonobe units used in a 30-unit triakis icosahedron. Units were folded from 1.5 in x 1.5 in sheets of foil paper.
Folding a Sonobe module (1–10) and assembly into a pyramid (11–12); * denote tabs and # denote pockets [ 10 ]
Examples of modular origami made up of Sonobe units: an augmented icosahedron and an augmented octahedron, which require 30 and 12 units, respectively.
Shuriken kusudama made from 12 Sonobe units