Against the backdrop of rural revitalization and the shifting perceptions of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), exploring ways to inherit traditional crafts and realize youthful transformation as well as cross-border communication via Sino-Japanese co-creation has become an important research topic. Taking Yuxi Kiln blue and white porcelain and Bai ethnic group tie-dye from China, together with Arita porcelain and Awa indigo dye from Japan as comparative research objects, this paper constructs a three-dimensional transformation plus three-party linkage empowerment model for ICH animation IP. By summarizing and comparing the differences between Chinese and Japanese ICH in craft inheritance, IP branding and industrial ecology, this paper proposes the transformation path of “craft to IP to product” and the linkage mechanism of “artisans, consumers and markets.” Based on the trials of character design, AR interactive products and social media communication, this study explores the digital transformation paths for ICH. It provides a replicable cross-cultural digital empowerment approach for the revitalization of rural artisans.