Leaf paper-cutting is a highly specialized form of art in which detailed images are carved directly into real leaves using an ultra-fine blade. Because leaves are thin, brittle, and uneven in texture, the process demands extreme precision and control, and even a small mistake can tear the surface and ruin the piece. Scenes of people, animals, and landscapes are cut into the natural veins of the leaf, which become part of the final composition. This rare craft is now on view in Yokohama through an exhibition by leaf artist Rito.
Rito was born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1986 and is entirely self-taught. He began working with leaves in 2020, using the medium as a way to channel intense focus and attention to detail. His work gained widespread attention online and has since been featured across major television programs and publications in Japan, as well as international media. Beyond exhibitions nationwide, he also established a private museum dedicated to his work in Fukushima and has collaborated on large-scale cultural projects.
The exhibition is held at Cross Patio Green Spot, a public green space in the Minato Mirai area surrounded by light and greenery. The venue emphasizes the exhibition's connection to nature and sustainability, as the artworks are created from fallen leaves.
Designed for visitors of all ages, the exhibition offers a clear and close view of a craft that is both technically demanding and inherently fragile, set within one of Yokohama's central waterfront districts.
Admission to the event is priced at 600 JPY for adults, and tickets can be arranged ahead of your visit here.
