The ancient Japanese art of origami (folding paper stencils), origata, is gaining attention in Paris. MIWA, which opened in Saint-Germain-des-Prés last fall, offers this traditional Japanese gift wrapping service. The membership-based service was founded by Takeshi Sato of Lightning Co., Ltd., known for his work on the cypress mobile phone "Touchwood," released by Sharp in 2011 and garnering much attention.

Origata, a Shinto ritual used to present offerings to the gods, dates back 1,300 years and 700 years to the samurai era. Guests are greeted at the entrance of the MIWA store at 12 Rue Jacob, resembling a small shrine. Members who arrive bearing gifts purify themselves before entering. Following a ceremony beginning with a sencha tea ceremony, they receive their gifts wrapped in washi paper and mizuhiki cord. The origata ceremony was devised for MIWA by Ogasawara Keishosai, head of the Ogasawara school of etiquette. The sukiya-style space, built by a Japanese carpenter, features a counter made from solid wood from a 300-year-old tree, and the air is filled with the scent of cypress.

The membership fee is 1,000 euros, and the annual fee is 1,000 euros. Membership is made up of many businessmen and aristocrats, with the majority of members being Japanese people living in the area and French people with a deep knowledge of Japanese culture.