Crafts refer to activities that involve making things skillfully by hand. This encompasses a wide range of creative and manual skills used to produce functional and decorative items. Crafts can include areas such as woodworking, pottery, sewing, knitting, jewelry making, and various forms of visual arts. Practitioners, known as crafters or artisans, often use traditional techniques and materials, sometimes incorporating modern tools and innovations. The essence of crafts lies in the creation process, emphasizing the use of tangible materials and the value of handmade items, often conveying personal expression and cultural significance. Crafts can be pursued as hobbies, professions, or means of artistic expression, and they often foster a sense of community and heritage among those who engage in them.
The 2023 Yanase Takashi Cultural Award celebrates the creativity of leaf-cutting artist Lito. Inspired by the renowned creator of "Anpanman," the award highlights exceptional children's literature and artistic work. Lito…