According to Japanese legend, whoever folds a thousand origami cranes (千羽鶴, senbazuru) will have a wish granted by the gods. Senbazuru are often made in Japan to wish for good luck, healing from illness, long life and peace.

The Orizuru (折鶴 ori- “folded”, tsuru “crane”),is one of the most famous origami motifs, the Japanese art of paper folding. It represents the Japanese red-crowned crane, and is considered a good luck charm.