TOKYO. Transforming fallen leaves into intricate masterpieces, Japanese artist Lito has found solace and global admiration through his unique art form. From a frog holding a taro-leaf umbrella to iconic Ukiyo-e designs of Mount Fuji and giant waves, his leaf-cutting creations breathe new life into nature’s discarded fragments.
Lito, who began his artistic journey in 2020, posts his delicate works on social media almost daily, garnering fans worldwide. This craft has not only provided him with a sense of purpose but also helped him cope with personal struggles, including living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Using leaves treated with a wrinkle-free chemical, Lito selects one from a pile, places it on a cutting board, and begins outlining his design with a pen in his right hand. He carefully cuts out the delicate shapes with a design knife in his left hand.
During a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lito demonstrated the creation of a frog carrying an umbrella, a relatively simple design. However, more intricate pieces, such as those inspired by “Scrolls of Frolicking Animals” and “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” can take over eight hours to complete.
“I would rather finish it in one go when I am focused,” the 38-year-old artist shared.
Since childhood, Lito has shown exceptional patience and concentration. Yet, he faced challenges fitting into conventional settings at school and work. Struggles with understanding emotions and avoiding conflicts led him to seek help at the age of 30, when he was diagnosed with ADHD.
“The diagnosis explained why I have always done things differently,” Lito said.
Discovering leaf-cutting in 2020 felt like a natural fit, allowing him to channel his abilities into an art form that resonates deeply with people.
Lito’s intricate works have captured the attention of art enthusiasts on social media, and his popularity has paved the way for published books and solo exhibitions held nearly every month across Japan. Despite his growing fame, Lito remains focused on his goal: bringing happiness to others through his art.
“If I can make people happy by doing what I am doing, I want to do more. That’s my driving force for what’s next,” he said.
Through his mesmerizing leaf art, Lito proves that even the smallest, most overlooked elements of nature can be transformed into extraordinary expressions of creativity and joy.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
