Yanagi was initially interested in sculpture and studied art philosophy at Tokyo University. However, he was later drawn to industrial design and began working in this field in the 1940s. His unique approach was to design functional objects that were both aesthetically pleasing and accessible to all.
One of his most iconic creations is the Butterfly chair (also known as the Sori Yanagi chair), designed in 1954. This molded plywood chair has become a modern design classic, renowned for its simplicity and timeless elegance.
Sori Yanagi also designed many other everyday objects, such as kitchen utensils, cutlery, trays and gardening tools. He constantly sought to create simple, functional designs that reflected the natural beauty of the materials used.
Over the years, Sori Yanagi has received numerous awards and distinctions for his work. He was also involved in teaching as a professor at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music.
Sori Yanagi passed away on December 25, 2011 at the age of 96, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of industrial design. His creations continue to inspire many designers and are exhibited in museums around the world, testifying to his influence and significant contribution to design.