Hirotoshi Ito is a stone sculpture artist, whose work has been known for its unique structures with a sense of humor.

After graduating from the distinguished Tokyo National University of Fine Arts, Mr. Ito was destined to take over his fatherfs masonry business in his hometown of Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture. He works out of his studio at home, creating his sculptures, while attending his family business.

While taking metal work courses at the university, he became fascinated by his own search for finding new ways to transform the hard and cold images that the metals have, into something soft and warm.

Although his metal work days are over, his search, now shifted to utilizing stones, continues. Mr. Ito collects his art supplies, the stones and rocks, along the river banks near by.

Hirotoshi Ito continues to find new and original ways to create sculptures that people would touch and feel the unexpected softness and the warmth of them. He would be honored if his work would add laughs and smiles to people who come in contact with them.

He is very active in promoting the growing contemporary craft traditions of Nagano area, and twenty years ago he and his friends initiated a grass roots project which has grown into an annual craft festival in Matsumoto City, for which he now serves as President.