“Cherry Bark Articraft—Master Craftsmen of Our Times
In 1947, the Ministry of Labor instituted an award for master craftsmen. The award was given to masters of “techniques and knowledge as well as the heart,” in other words, those who achieved an excellent level of knowledge and techniques, and worked hard to train the next generation. A number of Kakunodate cherry bark articraft craftsmen received the award, and each piece they produced is an expression of their soul.”