Takuji Saito and Kensuke Saito are two generations of craftsmen who create fairytale-like worlds using only paper. They create intricate paper cutouts of insects that match the miniscule sizes of their real-world counterparts. Around it, they build environments that portray the insects in very human situations such as working jobs, playing instruments, partying, and going on all sorts of adventures.

Aside from the cuter depictions, the Saitos also create more realistic versions of insects, still using only paper. They do this to help introduce insects to people who aren’t big fans of them through an easier and controlled way.

Ultimately, this is their goal with their upcoming ‘Paper Insects Exhibition’ in Osaka. They hope that by creating something they love, more people will come around to appreciating insects -- whether in paper form or not.

Paper Insects Exhibition by Takuji Saito and Kensuke Saito

• Date: August 25-31, 2021
• Venue: Artglorieux Gallery of Osaka, Daimaru Shinsaibashi Main Building 8F, 1 Chome-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-8501
• Admission: Free
• Event website, Takuji and Kensuke Saito’s English website