Today marks 70 years since Honda was first incorporated so here’s an epic origami video to celebrate.
When it comes to making memorable ads that stand the test of time, next to VW’s witty ads, Honda takes the cake for its charming and creative techniques when it comes to said videos. And this time is no different. As per Honda on their official YouTube earlier today (Sept. 24,2018) to celebrate 70 years as a company, Honda of Japan commissioned an origami video of epic proportions. Every single shot in this two-minute-plus video is made from origami. Check out the video for yourself below and then look at the behind the scenes video showing how painstakingly hard it was to make each scene.
The Origami tells the company’s history from its inception as a motorbike company to its feature yet to be written (or folded.) The video highlights Honda as more than a car company with its boat engines, the Honda Jet. and gas-powered tillers being a large focus. And although Honda killed off Asimo, he does make an appearance towards the end in paper form, of course. The ending shot is one of Honda’s global slogan’s, “The Power of Dreams” on a blank piece of paper with multiple origami folds already embedded.
Origami is a wonderful analogy to symbolize a car company that literally started from a nothing, or to put another way, a blank piece of paper. Born from the rubble of a major earthquake, as the video shows, Honda started off as an engine company, making engines for bikes. The popularity of the Honda Cub, a Vespa-like scooter, thrust Honda into the global spotlight and less than 15 years after they were incorporated, Honda was already making its first car.
The next 70 years for Honda holds great challenges for the relatively small Japanese company, one that will see great change faster than the first 70 years.
We already see this with Honda’s game-changing Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle, the confirmed for production Urban and Sports EV concept, and the push for hybrid powertrains that still deliver the driving experience we come to expect from Honda, in a purely Honda way of doing things.
This quote from founder Soichiro Honda sums up how Honda will tackle the next set of challenges,
“We have consistently chosen a most difficult path filled with hardships. We must possess the will to challenge difficulties and the wisdom to create new values without being bound by established standards. We do not wish to imitate others.”
—Soichiro Honda, Founder
Happy 70 years, Honda!!!
I’m genuinely happy about your continued success and look forward to seeing what you have in store for the world in my lifetime.
