Toru Oba, born in rural Yamagata, Japan in 1945, is a master stonemason whose artistry merges Japanese aesthetics with European influences. After traveling across Siberia and Europe in 1967, Toru apprenticed in southern France, mastering ancient masonry techniques. Settling in the U.S. in the 1970s, he became renowned for crafting fireplaces, patios, and sculptures that blend functionality with artistic integrity. A founding member of the internationally known Stone Foundation, Toru’s recent work includes organic landscape features and contemporary sculptures inspired by Isamu Noguchi and Antonio Gaudí. Now based in Virginia, he continues creating bespoke designs for private and public commissions.