Sori Yanagi: A Design Philosophy Shaped by Hand What if the simple, everyday objects you use – the cutlery in your drawer, the pot on your stove, the chair you sit in – could bring you a small moment of quiet satisfaction? Sori Yanagi (1915–2011) dedicated his life to this very idea. As one of Japan’s most celebrated industrial designers, his career successfully merged the nation’s Mingei (folk craft) tradition with the clean lines of Western modernism. He was the designer of enduring classics, from the monumental Olympic Cauldron for the 1964 Tokyo Games to the humble, perfectly balanced cutlery used in homes globally. Decades after their creation, his designs are not relics of the past. They are actively used and loved, feeling just as relevant today as they did when they were first conceived. The secret to this timeless, universal appeal lies not in a fleeting trend, but in his unique, hands-on philosophy. “Thinking with the Hands” Sori Yanagi’s approach was deeply influenced by his father, Soetsu Yanagi, the founder of the Mingei movement. Mingei champions the idea of “yo-no-bi,” or the beauty found in practical, everyday objects made by nameless artisans. Sori believed that true beauty was not found in ornate decoration, but in functionality and honest form. His design process was unconventional. He didn’t start with sketches on paper. Instead, he worked directly with materials like plaster, shaping and refining models with his own hands. He would create countless prototypes—sometimes taking over a year for a single product—testing each one, feeling its weight, its curve, its balance, until his hands told him it was right. “When you use your hands to make something, a natural form is born. Designs conceived only in the mind can often feel unnatural.” He truly “thought with his hands.” To create a single spoon, he would endlessly pursue the perfect weight for balance, the ideal curve for scooping, and the most comfortable shape for the mouth. This is the kind of human-centric beauty that a computer algorithm could never replicate. Objects That Reveal Their Worth Through Use Sori Yanagi’s designs are not meant to be admired from afar. Their true value is unlocked through daily use. The Stainless Steel Series (Kettle, Bowls, Tongs) Yanagi’s kitchenware is a masterclass in refining everyday tools. His design for the stainless steel kettle, for example, is now a beloved staple in design-conscious kitchens worldwide. It is celebrated not for being the first, but for its perfection of the form. The wide base allows water to boil quickly. The ergonomic handle fits snugly in the hand, providing excellent balance and control even when full. The perfectly calculated spout allows water to pour straight down with precision, making it a favorite for pour-over coffee enthusiasts. His mixing bowls and kitchen tongs are designed with the same care. They are not just durable and easy to clean; they are shaped to make the physical acts of cooking – stirring, tossing, gripping – feel effortless and intuitive. The Butterfly Stool Perhaps his most internationally recognized work, the Butterfly Stool (1954) is a marvel of simplicity. Made from just two pieces of moulded plywood joined by a single metal rod, it blends Japanese aesthetics – like the shape of a Shinto shrine’s torii gate – with modern manufacturing techniques. It is both a beautiful sculpture and a functional piece of furniture. Why Do Sori Yanagi’s Designs Never Feel Dated? Trends come and go. Yet, Sori Yanagi’s work remains untouched by the passage of time. This is because his goal was never to be fashionable. He pursued universality. By observing human life and focusing on the fundamental relationship between a person and their tools, he created forms that speak to a basic, shared experience. Because they were born from the hands, for the hands, they transcend time and culture to become a global standard of good design. Bring Authentic Design Into Your Life A Sori Yanagi object is more than just a product. It is a quiet companion in your daily life, designed to make small moments more pleasant and tasks more seamless. It is a testament to an honest, thoughtful approach to making things. At Japan Documented, we celebrate this philosophy by offering a curated selection of Sori Yanagi’s authentic, high-quality products. From his celebrated kitchenware to his elegant cutlery, we invite you to experience the enduring “beauty in use” for yourself. We are certain you will find a timeless piece of Japanese craftsmanship to cherish for a lifetime. → Explore the Sori Yanagi Collection here.