If you’ve spent much time trying the Japanese folding-paper art of origami, you’ve probably noticed that not all papers are created equal. Sure, those starter kits you find in bookstores are great for teaching you techniques, but most come with slick, cheap paper that offers little of the tactile pleasure that keeps hobbyists going long after they’ve mastered the crane. Two brands dominate the market for good-quality mainstream use, being readily available in most hobby stores (and even the occasional bookstore): Yasutomo markets many of its offerings under the Westerner-friendly “Fold ‘Ems” moniker, while Aitoh packages are often simply labeled “Origami.” Both companies sell through their web sites, though Aitoh’s catalog (with a minimum order of $100) is geared toward retailers; specialty dealers like California Paper Goods (whose catalog ranges far beyond origami) stock a wide variety of colors and patterns from both manufacturers, with prices as low as $2.50 for 40 sheets. For enthusiasts ready to move on, though, few bulk-packaged papers can compare with the Hanko brand, which is well stocked by CPG and also sells direct. Ranging from crinkly, subtly mottled varieties to thickly embossed red-and-black ones (and, naturally, an array of familiar decorative patterns for nearly $1 per sheet) this is the kind of high-craftsmanship stuff I wished I could have stocked up on in Tokyo when I visited last summer.