Sori Yanagi (1915–2011) was one of Japan's most influential designers. The son of Soetsu Yanagi, founder of the Mingei folk craft movement, he believed that the best everyday objects should be simple, practical and a pleasure to use.

Rather than designing for fashion or novelty, Sori Yanagi focused on refining familiar household tools. Many of his designs have remained in continuous production for decades and are still manufactured in Japan today.