Soetsu Yanagi was a prominent Japanese philosopher and writer, born in 1889 and passing away in 1961. He is best known for his role in the Mingei movement, which celebrated traditional Japanese crafts and folk art. Yanagi believed that everyday objects, made by anonymous artisans, held deep cultural significance and beauty. In addition to his advocacy for folk art, Yanagi wrote extensively on aesthetics and the philosophy of beauty. His works often explored the relationship between art and society, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and functionality in design. Yanagi's ideas have had a lasting impact on the appreciation of traditional crafts in Japan and beyond.