August 24, 2023 at 07:07PM

(From yesterdays’ post). According to their reply, they felt intimidated because of the gap (they feel) between what they can/cannot do & what they see. The amount of stitching we do didn’t encourage them to enjoy Sashiko as they defined it would be “impossible”.

Please be advised that this account was small back then. I wouldn’t get this kind of comment now. However, the point is NOT about “how influential this account is”. The point is that they didn’t know “Anyone can jump over the (small) gap and become like us” when they learn properly. 10~15 years ago, I was hopeless of the future of our Sashiko. After 10 years of struggling, I am now confident that I am hopeful of our Sashiko with numbers of (rising) Sashiko Artisans who learned Sashiko with/from me as. It is “us” who decide what Sashiko will be there 20~30 years later. By learning what we do & how we do, anyone can complete the amount of our stitching much faster – and our Sashiko will be simply a “goal” rather than something to be scared of. I am now confident to say this – Anyone can do it. All I need is “open-mindness” to something completely new to them.

The photo is by @sashiko.reisaian





今になって振り返ると、目の前の事に一生懸命すぎて周りが何も見えてなかったなぁと笑ってしまうほどなのですが、10~15年前は真面目に深刻に「刺し子の未来」を憂いていました。家業としての刺し子だったので、当然のように「未来に向かって収益を上げ続けるか」が課題の根底にあったのですが、相当に悲観的だったように思います。今は亡き父親と「どうやって人々に迷惑がかからないところまで続けるか(つまりは10~15年後に向けた廃業計画)」を話し込んだのを強く覚えています。親父は私よりも悲観的だったから、なおさら。震災後、大槌刺し子に出会っていなかったら、今の私の刺し子は存在しないと確信できる程にギリギリでした。

当時の課題をまとめると「再現性と継続性」です。これは今も商売として刺し子をするのであれば、必ず最初に意識を持っていくところです。職人さんの高齢化により継続性が失われ、市場で求められる再現性とニーズの多様化には、時間のかかる「手仕事」はなかなかに難しいものでした。結局失敗してしまっているわけで、今どれだけお声がけ頂いても、チャンスだと諭されても、会社組織にしない理由はそこにあります。

ただ「収益」を最優先順位にしなくて良いとなると、「継続性」において、少しの光は見えてきます。当時は我武者羅で、今だから言える結果論ですが、「技術を(私達で)守る」という責任感から「伝えて結果的に守った事になる」と言う使命感に徐々に変わっていったのが良かったのかもしれません。結果、刺し子の未来は明るいと思うし、私が好きだと思う(これぞ刺し子だと思って頂ける)刺し子は残ります。それだけの刺し子好きな方に出会えましたし、運針はお伝えできたし、これからもお会いするだろうし、今いる皆様は各々の刺し子を見つけていくだろうし。伝統は守ろうとして守れる時代ではないのかもしれません。結果論で、どうも「私は運が良いだけ」と言う結論に辿り着きそうなのですが(笑)、今現在、私が憧れる刺し子をされる方が沢山いらっしゃいます。家業時代に囲まれていた刺し子。もう未来では見れなくなると思った刺し子。それが再現され、継続されている。刺し子と共に生きてきた人間としてこれほど嬉しいことはないのです。

写真は@sashiko.reisaian さんの作品です。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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August 23, 2023 at 08:28PM

Before this account became this big, I used to receive quite a lot of “aggressive” comments here. I have one unforgettably confused comment saying “Your Stitching is intimidating”. It is NOT my words or replies that is intimidating. They said that the amount of our stitching is intimidating and aggressive. I received similar comments from several about 4~5 years ago. When one acknowledges the story of Sashiko, I encourage them to enjoy Sashiko as they wish. This comment, though, explained to me that there is a gap between the “Sashiko Trend” and the Sashiko we have been practicing.

“Experience” and “Time” is important to be able to stitch like we do – but it won’t take decades, or even years. They have to learn the “Form” of how to use the tool as if one would improve their cooking skill when they learn how to use the cooking tools. Unfortunately, this “Form” wasn’t well introduced for a long time – and it is now “you” who can choose the future of Sashiko – Do we want to have Sashiko Stitchers who can make this type/amount of Stitching? Or just put Sashiko as a quick hobby to make a small cloth (There is Nothing wrong with a quick hobby & making a small cloth. I am saying it is wrong to define based on only one aspect of the culture).

Culture “Changes”. However, there are so many who cannot stop themselves defending from something they imagine before learning. All I want is to preserve the Sashiko we practice. Unfortunately, Sashiko Teachers/Authors today in English probably won’t/don’t/can’t stitch this much… As a result, this ordinary stitching (for us) becomes intimidating to some of them. I sometimes feel my voice is way more “primitive (and simple)” than my understanding of Cultural Appropriation. It is disrespectful to define someone’s culture, pain, and “lives” without proper approach.





偶然か、あるいは流れに乗って下さっているのか、私が運針動画をあげると、他の方の運針動画も目に入ります。10年前は想像すらできなかった「運針が(家業の外に)広まること」を目の当たりにすることができて嬉しい限りです。相変わらず素敵な@na.na_45 さんの運針を是非ご覧ください。

刺し子にどんな未来があるにしろ、「できる人」、つまりは職人的な存在はあり続けて欲しいなと思うのです。大きな刺し子作品を作ることが正解ではありません。ただ、大きな刺し子作品を作れる人は存在し続けてほしいです。昔憂いた未来が、今杞憂に終わっている。だからこれだけ(日本語だと)のほほんとしているのでしょうけれど。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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August 23, 2023 at 08:28PM

Before this account became this big, I used to receive quite a lot of “aggressive” comments here. I have one unforgettably confused comment saying “Your Stitching is intimidating”. It is NOT my words or replies that is intimidating. They said that the amount of our stitching is intimidating and aggressive. I received similar comments from several about 4~5 years ago. When one acknowledges the story of Sashiko, I encourage them to enjoy Sashiko as they wish. This comment, though, explained to me that there is a gap between the “Sashiko Trend” and the Sashiko we have been practicing.

“Experience” and “Time” is important to be able to stitch like we do – but it won’t take decades, or even years. They have to learn the “Form” of how to use the tool as if one would improve their cooking skill when they learn how to use the cooking tools. Unfortunately, this “Form” wasn’t well introduced for a long time – and it is now “you” who can choose the future of Sashiko – Do we want to have Sashiko Stitchers who can make this type/amount of Stitching? Or just put Sashiko as a quick hobby to make a small cloth (There is Nothing wrong with a quick hobby & making a small cloth. I am saying it is wrong to define based on only one aspect of the culture).

Culture “Changes”. However, there are so many who cannot stop themselves defending from something they imagine before learning. All I want is to preserve the Sashiko we practice. Unfortunately, Sashiko Teachers/Authors today in English probably won’t/don’t/can’t stitch this much… As a result, this ordinary stitching (for us) becomes intimidating to some of them. I sometimes feel my voice is way more “primitive (and simple)” than my understanding of Cultural Appropriation. It is disrespectful to define someone’s culture, pain, and “lives” without proper approach.





偶然か、あるいは流れに乗って下さっているのか、私が運針動画をあげると、他の方の運針動画も目に入ります。10年前は想像すらできなかった「運針が(家業の外に)広まること」を目の当たりにすることができて嬉しい限りです。相変わらず素敵な@na.na_45 さんの運針を是非ご覧ください。

刺し子にどんな未来があるにしろ、「できる人」、つまりは職人的な存在はあり続けて欲しいなと思うのです。大きな刺し子作品を作ることが正解ではありません。ただ、大きな刺し子作品を作れる人は存在し続けてほしいです。昔憂いた未来が、今杞憂に終わっている。だからこれだけ(日本語だと)のほほんとしているのでしょうけれど。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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August 23, 2023 at 08:28PM

Before this account became this big, I used to receive quite a lot of “aggressive” comments here. I have one unforgettably confused comment saying “Your Stitching is intimidating”. It is NOT my words or replies that is intimidating. They said that the amount of our stitching is intimidating and aggressive. I received similar comments from several about 4~5 years ago. When one acknowledges the story of Sashiko, I encourage them to enjoy Sashiko as they wish. This comment, though, explained to me that there is a gap between the “Sashiko Trend” and the Sashiko we have been practicing.

“Experience” and “Time” is important to be able to stitch like we do – but it won’t take decades, or even years. They have to learn the “Form” of how to use the tool as if one would improve their cooking skill when they learn how to use the cooking tools. Unfortunately, this “Form” wasn’t well introduced for a long time – and it is now “you” who can choose the future of Sashiko – Do we want to have Sashiko Stitchers who can make this type/amount of Stitching? Or just put Sashiko as a quick hobby to make a small cloth (There is Nothing wrong with a quick hobby & making a small cloth. I am saying it is wrong to define based on only one aspect of the culture).

Culture “Changes”. However, there are so many who cannot stop themselves defending from something they imagine before learning. All I want is to preserve the Sashiko we practice. Unfortunately, Sashiko Teachers/Authors today in English probably won’t/don’t/can’t stitch this much… As a result, this ordinary stitching (for us) becomes intimidating to some of them. I sometimes feel my voice is way more “primitive (and simple)” than my understanding of Cultural Appropriation. It is disrespectful to define someone’s culture, pain, and “lives” without proper approach.





偶然か、あるいは流れに乗って下さっているのか、私が運針動画をあげると、他の方の運針動画も目に入ります。10年前は想像すらできなかった「運針が(家業の外に)広まること」を目の当たりにすることができて嬉しい限りです。相変わらず素敵な@na.na_45 さんの運針を是非ご覧ください。

刺し子にどんな未来があるにしろ、「できる人」、つまりは職人的な存在はあり続けて欲しいなと思うのです。大きな刺し子作品を作ることが正解ではありません。ただ、大きな刺し子作品を作れる人は存在し続けてほしいです。昔憂いた未来が、今杞憂に終わっている。だからこれだけ(日本語だと)のほほんとしているのでしょうけれど。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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August 21, 2023 at 08:31AM

Some misunderstand us for being “stubborn to the Change”. Some even “advise” me that I need to accept change in Sashiko. Well. Trust me. I am the one who tried the “changes” in Sashiko the most in this world. Color. Pattern. Application. Design – even mindset – I tried to change so that we can pass down this practice to the future. In fact, I have been trying.

“Change” is a process of making “it” different, or altering “it”. It means that there is a “form” before change toward a “form” after. Under this definition, I completely accept the change in Sashiko. When a person shouts for the “freedom of change” in Sashiko, I wonder how much of the “previous form” of Sashiko they is aware of. How can they “change” without even knowing what it was like before?

I am stubborn to identify the “upstream” of this culture – it doesn’t change itself. I am encouraging the world to change Sashiko (if they want to) by sharing Stories – Don’t be fooled by words of “traditional” and “changes”. Try to learn the upstream where it comes from, and you will find the “flow of the stories”.





「伝統だ」の「文化だ」のと文章にしていますが、決して変化を否定している訳ではありません。「(刺し子の)本質は…」などと偉そうな文章を書くときもありますが、本質そのものも変化の対象です。諸行無常。刺し子をしていた人等が信じていただろう仏教の根本思想の一つです。海外に出て日本をみて思うのは、良くも悪くも「受け入れる」ことが根底にあり、痛みや混沌すらも飲み込んだ変化の中で、時間をかけて整理され「納得され、根付き、日常化された」ものが日本文化なんじゃないかと思うのです。そういう意味では200年前に存在しただろう刺し子と私達が生きる現代の刺し子は、形も型も本質も違ってくるはずです。変化が当たり前なのだから同じ方が不思議です(巡り巡って同じになるということはあるかもしれませんが)。本音を言ってしまえば「伝統的な刺し子」と比較することすら違和感を覚えるし、「どちらが刺し子の本質か(昔の刺し子が生きる為だとしたら、今の刺し子は刺し子の本質をついていないのではないか)」などと答えを求めようとすることそのものが無意味であり、また現代に生きるが故の驕りなんだろうなと思ってしまうのです。

あるいは結果的に私等の刺し子は地味に見えることでしょう。他の方々のカラフルな刺し子の写真を見ると華やかだなぁと思います。ただ、これは好みの問題です。紺と白の組み合わせが心地良いのです。白米に梅干しをのせる感覚です。お味噌汁とご飯を並べる感覚です。だからと言って「心地よさ」から飛び出る刺し子が間違っているなんてことはこれっぽっちも思っていません。色使い、柄、布、仕立て。全てにおいて変化の対象であり、混沌すら飲み込んで、様々な人の手を通って整理され、また文化になれば素晴らしいなと思っています。

だからこそ、今の海外の「刺し子という言葉の一人歩き」が嫌なんだろうと思います。混沌は飲み込む準備もあるし、一緒にその道を進みたいとすら思っています。ただ、大前提として「変化とは前と後ろがある過程」である以上、「前」を知ってほしいのですよ。知らないのであれば学べばいい。今の英語圏の刺し子はその「前」を無視されていると強く感じるので、こうして情報発信をしています。伝統は古いものだけではありません。伝承を根底においた未来に繋がる今こそが伝統なんだろうと思うのです。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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August 17, 2023 at 08:10AM

I very much appreciate those who left positive reviews in Sashiko Workshops in the previous QuiltCons – thanks to them, I can offer it again. I also appreciate those who signed up for the coming-up workshop

It is an honor to revisit & offer Sashiko Workshop & Lecture at #QuiltCon2024. It looks like Sashiko Workshop (Core & Essence) are full for now (Thank you!), but please keep your name on the waiting list as the availability can change often in such a big event like QuiltCon. For 2023~2024, I decided to focus on my own stitching rather than teaching – so this is one of a few opportunities I teach in-Person. I hope to meet/see you there in Raleigh, NC.

I also received a fortune to offer a Lecture again. QuiltCon is a festival for Quilting & Quilters – and in relation to Sashiko, the most popular question is “What is the difference between Quilting and Sashiko”? I don’t think any Sashiko Teachers have come up with concrete answers to that as they aren’t really “different”. However, by studying what Sashiko is from a cultural perspective, there may be a big of “categorization” I can offer as “difference”. Acknowledging this difference will be a great bridge between Appropriation to Appreciation, and I hope that understanding another culture will enrich their Quilting Creation. Lecture is on Friday night… which may be the time for participants to “party”, but I hope to share an interesting hour there.

Big Thanks to @themqg for organizing this! I will start preparing workshop & lecture so that I can offer the “very best” for the moment.





来年もまたキルトコンにて刺し子をお伝えする貴重な機会を頂きました。ほぼパニック状態に陥ってしまった講演も好評を頂いたようで、少しテーマを変えてお話させて頂くことに。私がお伝えできることは「刺し子」だけなので、いつかお役御免の時はくるのだろうなと思いつつ、申請を通して下さる限りは一生懸命お伝えしてこようと思っています。2024年キルトコンはノースカロライナ州の州都、ローリーでの開催です。

他のキルトのイベントに比べて、キルトコンには日本から参加される方があまり多くない印象ですが、自由に旅行ができるようになった今、日本から(あるいは世界に住んでいらっしゃる日本の方)のキルトコンへのご参加もあるのかなーと思ったりしています。もしご参加される場合は是非お声がけ下さいませ!ワークショップも講演も全編英語ですが、合間の時間でご挨拶させて頂くことは可能かなーと。日本語では「運針会」としてオンラインで刺し子で一番大切(だと思っている)なことをお伝えしておりますので、そちらもご検討頂けたら幸いです。

実は会場までの移動が車になりそうなのです(笑)。片道約800kmの運転になりますが、それでも飛行機を乗り継ぐよりは時間が短かったりして。田舎町に住むことのデメリットです。ただ、運転なので途中で配信等もできるかなと思っています。(800kmの迷子配信はきついので、ナビに頼りますが)。

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August 15, 2023 at 05:10PM

In Japan, the term between August 13th to 16th is known as “Obon” (slightly varies on yearly calendar, and it can be in July based on Area). While Obon, we offer ceremonies/rituals to have our ancestors back to us (to the house). The story originated in Buddhism, and as a result of mixing with Japanese local customs, we have these days for a family gathering while thinking of ancestors and deceased (Kuyou – 供養). Because of this tradition, I usually recommend my friends not to travel in Japan this term… especially the beginning & ending as the transportation will be crazy there (This year is way crazier due to Typhoon…).

If you have a Japanese friend & have a chance, please ask them what their religion is. Some may name the major religions like Christianity and Buddhism (I believe Islam is quite minor in Japan). At the same time, I assume, many Japanese would answer that they do not have any religion. I used to answer the question when I came to the US for the first time. This answer doesn’t mean that the Japanese are Atheists… it is more like an answer from accepting the other religions & beliefs – as we have “a small house Shinto shrine” and “Buddhist altar” in the same house.

One of the significance of Japanese Characteristics is “Acceptance” – and therefore, I am very much against the current trend of “defining what is Right and Wrong” in Sashiko based on the Western Dualism. After all, I accept the change of Sashiko in any form – I just want the change to be respectful, mindful, and more “peaceful” way. For that, one has a big responsibility in teaching. As Sashiko is an ordinary stitching, a teacher should be able to explain what “Obon” is like… at least, I hope.





お盆。日本にいる頃は当たり前だったことで、日本を離れてから懐かしく思う言葉の一つです。きゅうりとなすで精霊馬を作ってみたり、暑い中、盆踊りを踊り続けてみたり。これまた暑い中、山を登りお墓の掃除をしたのも思い出です。「お盆は先祖様をお迎えする行事だよ」と言われ、日本中の大多数の人がそのしきたりに従う。実際にご先祖様が霊体で現世にお越しになるかは別として、当たり前として受け入れる。日本から離れると、「素敵だなぁ」と思ってしまうわけです。暑いのは苦手なのですが、日本の夏の夜は好きだったりします。酸いも甘いもかみしめて。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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August 14, 2023 at 06:07PM

In interviews, I often receive the question: [What about Sashiko attracts you?]. In other words, it is a similar question I often ask here: [What do you like about Sashiko?]. There are many answers to this question – all of the answers each has are “Right” and “True” to them, yet I am still in search of the “Reasons” why I am into Sashiko this much.

As technology makes our lives more convenient and logical, we may have forgotten some of the “ability” we (as human being) used to have. We live in a society where the answers are in numbers – we live in a programmed society. When A.I. gets bigger, the “Normal” will be under the numbers. I cannot live without IT, yet I would like to acknowledge the power we (at least our ancestors) had. The power isn’t something “fancy” – more like our grandma cooks without measurement cups. Driving without Navigation… I feel the Sashiko we practice is the way to reconnect as if I am resurfacing the old, rusted treasure. I respect not only “vintage result” but also the “vintage humanity (ability)” we used to have as the ordinary.





刺し子のお話をする毎日の中で、沢山のご質問や取材の依頼を頂きます。頂く質問への私なりの答えを探すことが勉強となり、引き出しの中にお話ができるテーマが増えていくことになります。その中でずーっと私なりの答えが定まり切らない質問があります。それは、「刺し子の魅力とは?」という質問です。沢山ありすぎて答えられないのは事実なのですが、同時にまだしっくりとくる回答に出会えていないのも事実です。だからこそ、ふと思いついたことはメモを取り、文章化することで思いに落とし込んでい供養にしています。

皆様にとっての刺し子の魅力とはなんでしょうか?正解や間違いがある質問ではなく、各々が向き合うことで完結する質問です。私にとっての刺し子の魅力とは…ふと、最近思っているのは、刺し子はもしかしたら「人間が(便利になるにつれ)失ってしまった能力を思い出させてくれる作業」なのかもしれないと。原始的な手作業であれば同じ効果は得られるかもしれません。私にとってその媒体が刺し子だったということで。「人間が失ってしまった能力」もまだ言語化はできていません。俗に言う第六感のことかもしれません。スピリチュアル的なことかもしれません。効率、生産性、そして数字が何よりも重要視される現代において「証明できないから必要ない」とされた能力のことかもしれません。刺し子をしていると、何か「繋がっている」感じがするんです。私にとっての「能力」は、この繋がりを感じることなのかもしれません。ま、意味を見出すこと(意味を付加すること)が人間的な行動だと笑って頂ければ幸いです。

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August 13, 2023 at 10:32AM

From the “Teaching” perspective, it is easier to offer the “Answers” as rules to follow. For example, if I were to set the rules saying each stitch has to be 0.5mm, I can rest after “teaching” what is the “rule”. This isn’t the teaching style I pursue. If the goal is to get money by making them feel good about themselves, this would be an easy style – my goal is to pass down the Sashiko we practice. For that, I want my students to surpass me, and they need to find their own “Answers” to do so. Offering instantaneous answers is easy & satisfying in the short-term, yet it can limit the possibility of its practice from a cultural perspective. [Shuhari – 守破離] is one of the philosophy explaining how “teaching” is like in Japan.

“Teaching” now has become a form of entertainment. My workshop is following the same route as the teaching won’t be accepted if it is entertaining (I watch so many stand-up comedy to be funny in the workshops). There is nothing wrong with having fun learning. We should enjoy learning itself. However, as a student, we need to know that there is “more” than the entertainment we enjoy. Otherwise, the one who really can “teach” will be erased from the practice itself. I want to be funny, yet I do not want you to just consume Sashiko as entertainment because there are other sides to the joy of Sashiko by learning more. I am doing my best to be the best “teacher” in Sashiko – so please be mindful of whom you are learning Sashiko from. At this point, I am probably the only one who can do so in English.





何かを人様に教える際、「正解」を明記すると教えることが楽になります。正解が数字で表現されるものであれば尚更です。「針目は0.5mmに統一してください」と教えれば、あとは生徒さんの努力次第という、ある意味で「教えること」の完了になるからです。ただ、正解を目的にしてしまうと、その生徒さんは先生を超えることが難しくなります。日本の「見て学べ」というのは、確かに「技術を取得する」という観点では非効率ではありますが、師匠を超える(技術を継承する)という意味では理に適っているのかなと思うのです。教えられたことだけできても師匠は超えられませんから。

私が刺し子をお教えする運針会では、「型」のみお伝えして、正解はお伝えしません。「型」も自分で学べというのが厳しい方の意見かと思いますが、私は「型は教えても良い(教えるべき)」と判断して運針会を開催しています。人生には限られた時間しかありませんから。8月26日に運針会を開催します。興味を頂ける方はプロフィールの詳細よりお問合せ頂けましたら幸いです。

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August 08, 2023 at 10:37AM

The word “Acknowledge”. I use it very often as if this word will solve most of the issues. I even said in the video: [There is no Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko when one “acknowledges the stories behind”]. Not the word itself, but the concept of “acknowledgement” can really change someone’s life. At least, it did to me.

In my youth, I always wanted to “win”. The college degree in foreign country was one form of “winning” after layers of effort (It isn’t easy to get a degree in another language). Success. Accessory. Title… Everything was a subject to acquire, and I justify my hard work for “winning”. I even believe that “Happiness” is a subject to get after “winning”. As a result, I was always searching for “Happiness” and something to fulfill myself.

Now, I have a different approach in life. For me, “Happiness” is something to “acknowledge” around me. It doesn’t have to be in the dualism of “Win” or “Lose”. I probably consider myself as a “loser” from my previous criteria, yet I am happier than ever with my daughter & wife.

It is true that we sometimes “have to” work hard to “win”. Winning (Competition) is the foundation of development. However, it is also important to acknowledge something outside of the dualism they believe. Here, in Sashiko, the most important element exists outside of Western Value – and I am here to share it. Please acknowledge what you have & see – then, you will get closer to the answer I am trying to share.





ここには昔の、2011年以前の私を知っている人はそれほど多くないと思うのですが、昔と今を比べると、ほんと180度と言っても良いほど考え方や行動原理が変化したなと思います。あれだけ変わらないと思っていた価値観ですら変わって、ある意味では「両極に近いものをみたことがある」から、どれだけでも話を掘っていけるんだろうと。

私が思う日本の素晴らしさの本質は、西洋の価値観では測れません。体重計で身長が測れないように、対象が違う。どちらが良い悪いではなく、まずは「違う」ことを認識する必要があります。それを無視して価値を押し付けようとするような刺し子が存在する以上、役目はずーっと続くんだろうなと思っています。

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