I will be visiting Auburn, NY to offer the 3-Days Sashiko Workshop at @schweinfurthart next week. Thanks to their kind offer, I will have a small booth to display our Sashiko supplies (like thread, needle, thimble & fabric) for sale as well as some of our Sashiko Stitched Items as samples. As I do not have a studio as @Upcyclestitches , this is a wonderful opportunity to touch & feel the Sashiko we actually stitch. The time & days are Friday- Sunday Oct. 6-8 from Noon-1pm daily. Admission to the sale is free and open to the public. Please keep in mind that the sale & display will not be available before noon and after 1pm as I will be focusing on teaching Sashiko.
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I say Sashiko introduced in English is simplified, and missing important essence. I share the stories in the workshops, but I believe that watching & touching what we make can also explain what I mean. I often get the feedback saying “Wow, your & Keiko’s work speak for themselves”. I believe what we stitch are more talkative than us (better in communicating for that matter).
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「針目が揃っている」とか「針目の細かさ」等のお話をする機会が増えているのもあって、「で、結局刺し子って何なのよ?」というような話題に巻き込んで頂くことも、また実際に言葉にして表現する機会も増えてきました。日本に当たり前に存在した補修や補強を目的とした針仕事をいつからか総称して刺し子と呼ぶようになったという理解なので、絶対的な定義を作ることは難しいです。どれだけ丁寧に定義を重ねても、おそらく見落としてしまうこともあるだろうからです。だから、定義にこだわるというよりは、「好み」を考えるようにしています。(ちなみに、海外で日本のことを知りもしない人が勝手に定義するのは反対で、結果的にこのアカウントに英語での情報発信が多くなってしまっています)。
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私が好きな刺し子。当たり前の話かもしれませんが、それは「刺し子をしている人がしている刺し子」です。もう少し深掘りすると「刺し子そのものが好きな人がしている刺し子」が好きです。それ以外の刺し子なんて存在するの?という疑問を持たれるかもしれませんが、「刺し子をしている自分」だったり「刺し子をして得られるもの」が好きな人は存在していて、英語圏では日常的に出会ってしまうのです(繰り返しになりますが、だからこそのこのアカウントの存在意義なのですが)。
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刺し子に人生を捧げたような人の刺し子が世に出て評価される社会であって欲しいと思います。誰でもSNSで自分を表現できる時代だからこそ、不器用で愚直で、でも刺し子と真剣に向き合っている人の作品とこれからも出会っていきたいなと思っています。きっと、それは難しいことじゃないんです。もう少しだけ社会が変わっていけば。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
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Author: atsushijp
September 28, 2023 at 09:17AM
I say there is no such a thing as “Right or Wrong” in Sashiko. There are no rules for the size of stitches. It is ridiculous to judge someone’s stitches that they have to be the size of rice grains (The size of Rice Grain can be a benchmark to aim to, but not a rule one must follow). I teach Sashiko based on the same philosophy, and I enjoy seeing many people finding their own rules after learning the “Form” and “Rhythm”. However, it doesn’t mean that we have no pride. I have sincere respects to those who had spent their entire lives in Sashiko – and their stitches “happened to be” small & even. Stitching evenly with small stitches isn’t the rule, but I want it to be a goal/aim for Sashiko practitioners. For those who teach, it is one important qualification to have.
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Again, there are no rules to follow, and no right or wrong. It is all about preference, and interestingly, those “preferences” developed the culture. For that, the Sashiko in English is changing its forms very differently from the one I try to pass down. One day, unfortunately, we may have to distinguish 2 different style of stitching saying “Japanese Sashiko” and “Western Sashiko” – that’s how wide the trend is dividing the culture itself.
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Anyone can/should embrace their own stitches. However, it is very important to acknowledge that embracing the imperfection is not the Core of Sashiko. In this context, “Pride” represents Sashiko much better than “Imperfection”. When you learn Sashiko, please be mindful whom you are learning Sashiko from – the Sashiko introduced in English is greatly simplified and romanticized.
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「針目の揃う刺し子、揃わない刺し子」という先週の配信テーマには、しっかりとした結論を頂きました。「揃”わ”ないのと揃”え”ない」の違いで、残念ながら英語圏の刺し子は「揃”え”ない刺し子」を押し出して教えている人もいるというお話。
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針目の大きさや揃っているかに正解や間違いはありませんが、好みは存在します。細かい針目&揃っている針目が綺麗とされるのは、美意識もそうですが、刺し手の「誇り」でもあるからです。先人の誇りを感じるから文化を守ろうと思えるし、その誇りに少しでも近づく為に努力をし、また尊敬の念を覚える。そんな尊い過程を吹っ飛ばすような行為はやっぱり許せないのです。今週も同じような話になるかもしれませんが、また配信頑張りますー!
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
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Explanation for Different Sashiko Classes We Offer
It has been 6 years since I started “teaching” Sashiko as my action to react to many requests. For me, Sashiko wasn’t something to “teach” so systematically. In the beginning of my teaching, I didn’t even know what to teach as I thought everyone knew what I call now as “Core & Essence”. While learning what I can offer, it has been my pleasure to share the Sashiko we practice. Over time, we established several kinds of Sashiko Workshops/Classes. This article is an explanation for Different Sashiko Classes we offer.
*I often receive a question about my recommendation for resources to learn Sashiko. Unfortunately, there are no books written in English that I can recommend to learn the Sashiko we practice. Because I don’t have any recommendation in books, I share so many Stories & information on the Internet. If you are new to Sashiko, please check them as it is quite rich content after years of accumurating. I summarized the list of links at the end of this page.
Different Sashiko Classes We offer
(As of September 2023)
As of 2023, I offer 4 different Sashiko Classes as I listed below. I used to offer other kinds of Sashiko Workshops such as “Invisible Mending”, “To-Be-Boro Making” and “Hitomezashi”. However, after 2020, I summarized those workshops into [Application & Practice]. Please take the 3~5 Days In-Person Workshop for the [Application & Practice] class. The [Core & Essence] Sashiko Workshop is prerequisite to join [Application & Practice].
*I am eager to make the [Application & Practice] online version. It will also have a prerequisite of [Application & Practice]. I appreciate your Understanding & Support!
List of Different Sashiko Classes (with Links)
- In-Person Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence]
- Sashiko Online Class [Core & Essence]
- 3~5 Days In-Person Workshop
- Introduction to Japanese Sashiko Stitching (Domestika)
Difference Between Domestika Course & [Core & Essence]
One of the frequesnt question I receive is about the difference between the [Introductory Japanese Sashiko] Couse on Domestika and Online Sashiko Class [Core & Essence]. Although there are a few contents over-rapping, the biggest difference between 2 classes are the “Goal” that I expect students to achieve.
I agreed to Domestika’s Course as I have the same “dream” in teaching. Regardless of where to live, what to have, and who they are, I would like them to learn the Sashiko We practice. Therefore, the pricing on the Domestika’s Course are very reasonable. When one decided to skip 2~3 Starbucks Coffee, they can take the Course – the easy access for as many people as possible was the Goal of this Introductory Class. As the result, unfortunately, I do not spend a lot of time in the [Core & Essence] of Sashiko that I want to pass down – it is Form of stitching & Understanding of Unshin. One can learn this [Core & Essence] by just watching me stitching on my Sashiko Live Streaming. However, to make sure that I pass down the Sashiko we practice, it is very important for me to know the students, their hands, their philosophy, thier approach to Sashiko & most importantly “Their Rhythm” in Stitching.
I strongly recommend taking the [Core & Essence] Class (either In-Person or Online) if your goal is to start stitching like us, with similar philosophy, similar technique, and toward the similar understanding. Try the Domestika Course. If you like what I offer there, then if you find it difficult to stitch like we do, please consider taking the [Core & Essence].
Why Do I create the Domestika Course if it doesn’t teach Core?
Ever since I started teacing Sashiko, I have been receiving the same questions very frequently. It is: [What is your recommendation for the resource of Learning Sashiko?] and [Where do I start learning Sashiko]? Until 2023, sadly, I had to answer those questions saying [There are no recommendation in books & resources. Please take my Workshop to start learning Sashiko]. However, for those who just discover Sashiko, taking the [Core & Essence] class would be a big commitment to make.
Sashiko introduced in English is quite simplified. It isn’t wrong, but missing great part of Sashiko. Therefore, I keep sharing Sashiko Stories on SNS – yet I wanted & needed to have a place where I can recommend anyone to. The Domestika Team understood my dream, and with agreeing to achieve their goal, I decided to make the Course, Introduction to Japanese Sashiko on Domestika.
*I elaborate my feeling toward the Domestika Course in the article below,
[Core & Essence] to [Application & Practice]
In order to explain the Different Sashiko Classes I offer, I would like to use an analogy with “riding bycicle”. Let’s say you have not seen the type of bycicle some Japanese ride. You want to learn how to ride neatly and safely.
[Introduction to Japanese Sashiko] is a course that you can learn about the bycicle. How it is different from your knowledge of riding a bycicle. Why it is so different from what you know. What kind of items you need to enjoy bike riding. Where to get them with as many samples as possible. Unfortunately, this introduction course doesn’t include the support on actual “How to Ride the bicycle”. Some may be able to ride it without support with their own style, or the other may experience the difficulty to ride the bycicle like they see on videos and photos.
[Core & Essence] is the actual workshop/class to teach you “How to Ride a Bike (in Sashioko, How to stitch with Unshin while learning the proper Form)”. Explaining each step carefully, asking them to strickly stitck with the form & approach I offer no matter how uncomforatble it is to them, I am confident that everyone can learn how to ride a bycicle like we do (how to stitch like we make Sashiko). As everyone has different hands & condition, some may need extra help & adjustment. Also, there may be (is) some philosophical understanding we have to be on the same page in learning. To help you fully to accomplish the Goal, I share “Live Session” for the Online Sashiko Class, and one-on-one time over In-person Sashiko Workshop.
The Goal & Contents of [Core & Essence] classes are the same both Online & In-Person. Each style has different advantages, and you may have your preference as well. Some strongly prefer to In-Person workshop as I will “force” you & you can get direct support on site. Others prefer Online as they can proceed learning with their own pace. Either way, I will do my best to support your learning.
*One of the advantage of In-Person workshop is to see, touch, and feel the Sashiko we make directly. Over online, it is difficult (impossible) to do so. Therefore, when I have a workshop nearby you, when the organizer allows, the Online Class Students are welcome to visit me & touch the Sashiko We make. At the same time, one of the advantage of Online is that you can start learning “Right away”. As what I teach is the startline of the Sashiko We practice (equivelant to how to ride a new bycicle), it is a good idea to start learning before installing other “habit”, especially when your goal is to learn the Sashiko we practice.
[Application & Practice] is, in the same analogy, the workshop I take you to the bike park to enjoy many kinds of attractions such as Time-Attack, Climing Hills, Jumps, and such. [Application & Practice] is an opportunity for you to learn how to apply “the Sashiko we have been practicing”. It would be sad & difficult for one to enjoy Bike Park if they do not know how to ride a bycicle. With the same logic, therefore, I set the [Core & Essence] as the prerequisite. Some of the information I share are over-rapped with Domestika Course. However, we will actually do it together in the [Application & Practice] workshop.
3~5 Days Sashiko Workshop

Thanks to many Art studios & Museums all over the world, I occasionally offer the 3~5 days Sashiko Workshop (In-Person). This is a combination of [Core & Esence] and [Application & practice]. On the 1st day, we cover how to ride a bike. On the 2nd to 3rd/5th day, we jump into many possible application of the Sashiko we practice. The difference between 3-Days to 5 days are the page & depth of the contents. 3-Days (2 Days of Application & Practrice) would be enough to cover the contents I can offer. However, I receive feedback that they would appreciate more time to engage in each process. It is very much up to the budget & goal of the Art Studios & Museums.
As I am trying to reduce the frequecy of In-Person Workshop for 2023~2024 in order to focus on my own Sashiko, I would recommend booking it when you find the availability.
[Application & Practice] Online
I am eager to create the [Application & Practice] Online Class as a follow-up Online Class for the [Core & Essence]. Your feedback from the Google Form below would be very much appreciated.
https://forms.gle/m8RwcHJ7iDngHu9X6
Platform Links to Support our Different Sashiko Classes
My goal is to share as many Sashiko Stories (information, knowledge, wisdom & techniques) as possible. In order to achieve the goal, as well as the form of follow-up of the Sashiko Classes we offer, we keep sharing Sashiko Stories on different platform. Please find the major account we offer.
- Instagram:
- @SashikoStory is the main platform for me to share the Sashiko We practice. It is more than just stitching.
- Facebook Group:
- Unlike other Sashiko Groups on Facebook, this group has very strict rules to preserve the “Japanese Sashiko”. Anyone can join & posts. However, please read the Group Guideline Carefully before joining the Group
- Youtube Channel: (Sashiko Story)
- It is important to share unedit & unmodified version of me stitching for the next generation. For that, I share it every week as Sashiko Live Streaming. Also, I upload many Tutorials & Webinar regarding the Sashiko We practice.
- Patreon Support Page:
- I try to be as honest as possible on SNS – however, I learn the risk of being so volnourable where anyone can read & react. To keep my safety & sanity, I share more honest stories on Supporter Only Page – here Patreon Page.

September 27, 2023 at 08:31AM
I am glad that the conversion about [Appreciation vs Appropriation on Culture] with JACL was a good summary of my message. (Check our Youtube for the archive if you missed it). When I talk about Cultural Topics, some often accuse me of “Dividing The Group”. The more I learn about this issue, the clearer this message becomes. Talking about Cultural Issues is the only way to connect each Culture. “Enjoying Culture” itself may look like uniting people within a specific group, yet it can exclude(ignore) those who carry the deeper experience.
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My Story here may actually divide some groups, especially when the group is made on someone’s comfort or profit. When a group is united outside of the culture, with only those who care for their own “fun”, Voices from the origin can dismiss the group. However, accepting the uncomfortableness & trying to learn more is the only way to connect in respectful form. When one concludes their fun while ignoring others’ voices, then the “Cultural Appropriation” occurs.
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I speak up with confidence on this: I am trying to include everyone. I may divide some groups initially, but it is the only way to connect us by including “Cultural Contexts” together. Sashiko is more than just making even stitches. Sashiko isn’t the practice to embrace imperfection. Please do not leave us (Japanese who practice Sashiko) behind in this trend. Please support the Sashiko’s Sustainability on thin ice.
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時に私の話は、米櫃に砂を撒かれているようなものなのかもしれません。既存する非日本語圏での「刺し子の定義」へ矛盾する形で物語を書く場合、その定義を宣伝文句にしている人は面白くないでしょうし。だからこそ、時に、「お前は(既存の楽しい)グループを壊そうとしている。不協和音を生み出すな」と非難されることもあります。「日本?知らない。でも刺し子って流行ってるし楽しいよね」という表面的な集まりであれば、私の話を聞いて離れる人もいるかもしれない。つまりは、分断を作り出している可能性は否定しません。(日本では分断は作りたくないと思っているので気を遣ってはおります)。
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ただ、本当の意味で文化を残す場合、「気持ちが良いこと」だけを押し通すのは不可能です。同一文化内であれば可能かもしれません。ただ、これだけ違いが明確な異文化間で、ある文化を残す場合は、相当の勉強が必要なわけで。その大切な過程を吹っ飛ばして「文化が大切だ」というような人にはなりたくないのです。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
via IFTTT
September 24, 2023 at 07:12PM
The photo is Sashiko done by my friend @sashiko.reisaian and her works are now exhibited in Tokyo between 9/22 to 9/30 (Please check her Account for the Details of Location & Hours). She took my Sashiko Unshin Workshop in Japanese although she has her own experience in Sashiko for more than 30 years. She is my student, yet my teacher, and most importantly, she is one of my good friends who enjoy Sashiko together very closely. (She taught us Sashiko on our Sashiko Japan Trip Spring 2023).
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We have quite a different approach to Sashiko. The difference comes with our own story, and sometimes what we discuss can sound like we have complete “disagreement”. In fact, it is “understanding the difference” instead of “proving which is right”. We are connected on one fact – we do Sashiko. She is the actual Sashiko Master who should be teaching, publishing, and acknowledged by the world. Therefore, I keep saying, Sashiko introduced in English isn’t wrong, but is missing something important – as Her work, words, and Sashiko are very important parts of Sashiko.
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作品展のお知らせです。といっても、私や恵子さんの作品は展示されないのですが、@sashiko.reisaian (玲子さん)の作品が展示されている「キルトスタジオ布細工」様と小山先生の作品展が9/22~9/30の日程で六本木にて開催されています。運針会で運針をお教えした生徒さんでありながら、且つ私にとって先生のような存在の玲子さん。大先輩というか、アプローチは違えど同じ方向を見ている同志というか、もっと世界に知られるべきと思っている作家さんの一人です。この春に夢叶ってご挨拶できた玲子さんの先生の吉浦さんもご参加されている展示のようです。
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「アプローチが違う」と先に書きましたが、おそらく私と玲子さんのお互いの話を聞くと、「あれ?対局じゃね?矛盾してない?」と思われることもある程に、刺し子に対する向き合い方が違います。だからといって歪み合うということは決してありません。それは、「そもそも違うこと」が刺し子の本質だからです。他の運針会の皆様にも共通して言えることなのですが、違っても一点の共通点があるから、ご縁を引き続き頂けています。それは「実際に刺し子をしていること」。「刺し子好き」という共通点から派生するのでしょうが、嫌いになる時があっても良いのです。何より大切なのは、刺し子そのものと向き合っていること。つまりは刺し子をしていることで、どんな違いがあっても繋がれることができる…それが「当たり前・日常」の素敵なところなんじゃないかなと思っています。
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日常と書きましたが、玲子さんの作品は非日常を感じる大作です。芸術です。場所等の詳細は玲子さんのアカウントよりご確認下さい!
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 #Kimono
via IFTTT
September 24, 2023 at 07:12PM
The photo is Sashiko done by my friend @sashiko.reisaian and her works are now exhibited in Tokyo between 9/22 to 9/30 (Please check her Account for the Details of Location & Hours). She took my Sashiko Unshin Workshop in Japanese although she has her own experience in Sashiko for more than 30 years. She is my student, yet my teacher, and most importantly, she is one of my good friends who enjoy Sashiko together very closely. (She taught us Sashiko on our Sashiko Japan Trip Spring 2023).
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We have quite a different approach to Sashiko. The difference comes with our own story, and sometimes what we discuss can sound like we have complete “disagreement”. In fact, it is “understanding the difference” instead of “proving which is right”. We are connected on one fact – we do Sashiko. She is the actual Sashiko Master who should be teaching, publishing, and acknowledged by the world. Therefore, I keep saying, Sashiko introduced in English isn’t wrong, but is missing something important – as Her work, words, and Sashiko are very important parts of Sashiko.
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作品展のお知らせです。といっても、私や恵子さんの作品は展示されないのですが、@sashiko.reisaian (玲子さん)の作品が展示されている「キルトスタジオ布細工」様と小山先生の作品展が9/22~9/30の日程で六本木にて開催されています。運針会で運針をお教えした生徒さんでありながら、且つ私にとって先生のような存在の玲子さん。大先輩というか、アプローチは違えど同じ方向を見ている同志というか、もっと世界に知られるべきと思っている作家さんの一人です。この春に夢叶ってご挨拶できた玲子さんの先生の吉浦さんもご参加されている展示のようです。
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「アプローチが違う」と先に書きましたが、おそらく私と玲子さんのお互いの話を聞くと、「あれ?対局じゃね?矛盾してない?」と思われることもある程に、刺し子に対する向き合い方が違います。だからといって歪み合うということは決してありません。それは、「そもそも違うこと」が刺し子の本質だからです。他の運針会の皆様にも共通して言えることなのですが、違っても一点の共通点があるから、ご縁を引き続き頂けています。それは「実際に刺し子をしていること」。「刺し子好き」という共通点から派生するのでしょうが、嫌いになる時があっても良いのです。何より大切なのは、刺し子そのものと向き合っていること。つまりは刺し子をしていることで、どんな違いがあっても繋がれることができる…それが「当たり前・日常」の素敵なところなんじゃないかなと思っています。
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日常と書きましたが、玲子さんの作品は非日常を感じる大作です。芸術です。場所等の詳細は玲子さんのアカウントよりご確認下さい!
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 #Kimono
via IFTTT
September 24, 2023 at 07:12PM
The photo is Sashiko done by my friend @sashiko.reisaian and her works are now exhibited in Tokyo between 9/22 to 9/30 (Please check her Account for the Details of Location & Hours). She took my Sashiko Unshin Workshop in Japanese although she has her own experience in Sashiko for more than 30 years. She is my student, yet my teacher, and most importantly, she is one of my good friends who enjoy Sashiko together very closely. (She taught us Sashiko on our Sashiko Japan Trip Spring 2023).
☆
We have quite a different approach to Sashiko. The difference comes with our own story, and sometimes what we discuss can sound like we have complete “disagreement”. In fact, it is “understanding the difference” instead of “proving which is right”. We are connected on one fact – we do Sashiko. She is the actual Sashiko Master who should be teaching, publishing, and acknowledged by the world. Therefore, I keep saying, Sashiko introduced in English isn’t wrong, but is missing something important – as Her work, words, and Sashiko are very important parts of Sashiko.
☆
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☆
作品展のお知らせです。といっても、私や恵子さんの作品は展示されないのですが、@sashiko.reisaian (玲子さん)の作品が展示されている「キルトスタジオ布細工」様と小山先生の作品展が9/22~9/30の日程で六本木にて開催されています。運針会で運針をお教えした生徒さんでありながら、且つ私にとって先生のような存在の玲子さん。大先輩というか、アプローチは違えど同じ方向を見ている同志というか、もっと世界に知られるべきと思っている作家さんの一人です。この春に夢叶ってご挨拶できた玲子さんの先生の吉浦さんもご参加されている展示のようです。
☆
「アプローチが違う」と先に書きましたが、おそらく私と玲子さんのお互いの話を聞くと、「あれ?対局じゃね?矛盾してない?」と思われることもある程に、刺し子に対する向き合い方が違います。だからといって歪み合うということは決してありません。それは、「そもそも違うこと」が刺し子の本質だからです。他の運針会の皆様にも共通して言えることなのですが、違っても一点の共通点があるから、ご縁を引き続き頂けています。それは「実際に刺し子をしていること」。「刺し子好き」という共通点から派生するのでしょうが、嫌いになる時があっても良いのです。何より大切なのは、刺し子そのものと向き合っていること。つまりは刺し子をしていることで、どんな違いがあっても繋がれることができる…それが「当たり前・日常」の素敵なところなんじゃないかなと思っています。
☆
日常と書きましたが、玲子さんの作品は非日常を感じる大作です。芸術です。場所等の詳細は玲子さんのアカウントよりご確認下さい!
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 #Kimono
via IFTTT
September 24, 2023 at 07:26AM
While listening to my own Live Streaming (9/23), I re-realize the power of the Internet as “Revolution”. I am experienced in Sashiko, having spent all of my youth in Japan. There is nothing special about me & what I have been doing. I don’t have a higher education degree. I don’t have any friends/family members with strong influence. I don’t have connections to publishers/media/politicians/celebrities… I am an ordinary Japanese man with a bit of experience in Sashiko. Interestingly, Sashiko became the “trend” in English, and all of sudden, my experience & stories got attention & values.
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Without the Internet (SNS), my Stories would never be “listened” to. Because of my strong belief, I do not have any publications (at this point). Without a platform on the Internet, I wouldn’t even be able to express my suffering. Now, the voice from the first source can be delivered to the world without being “chosen” by someone influential. I don’t have to publish a book to deliver my story (although I hope I can do so one day). I can elaborate on the issue of [Wabi-Sasbi] as [Excuse to be “imperfect” (Excuse for the ignorance)]. This is indeed the revolution. There are so many stories from people who didn’t have the Internet. Their voices weren’t listened to, or chosen. I keep sharing them thanks to this revolution.
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一昨日の配信、「侘び寂び」の解釈と翻訳、派生する不完全の美の翻訳と解釈。自分で書くのも変ですが、よく論理構成ができたなと思います。振り返ると案外単純なのですが、「刺し子の針目が揃わないのが美?それはおかしいでしょ」という直球を頂いたことが、数年来の蟠りの解消のきっかけになりました。
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インターネットが人類における革命だと言われて久しいですが、改めてその変化を感じます。普通の何も持たない私のような存在の話を、世界に向けて発信でき、そして聞いて頂ける。刺し子に限って言えば「何も持たない」とは言い過ぎかもしれませんが、それでも刺し子を知らない人にとっては、私が提供できるのは寧ろ英語力の方かと。私には社会の流行へ影響を及ぼすだけの知名度も力もありません。出版社やメディアに特別なコネがあるわけでもなく、また人付き合いが疎遠になりがちなので(引きこもり気質なので)、お金や影響力のある方から特別なご支援を頂いているわけでもありません。それに加えて、刺し子における信念だけは曲げないという偏屈者である私の話をこうして聞いて頂けているのは、やはりインターネットという存在があるからなんだろうと思います。ひと昔であれば、私の声は一定の地域(コミュニティ)のみに響き、それは広がることもなければ知られることもなく、勿論「残る」ことすらなかったんだろうと思います。
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この革命は日々の日常の隅々にまで及んでいて、「実際に手を動かす人」が紡ぐ物語が残る土壌になっているのかもしれません。これまでは、力や影響力のある方に認められないと、あるいは表現力が抜群(いわゆる”タレント”という職業)でなければ、社会全体に声を届けることはできませんでした。それが今は本音を呟くだけで、その声を求められている時期と重なると、どんな小さい声であっても聞いてもらえるんだなと。誰もが先生や作家、それこそメディア自身になれるようになった革命の時代だからこそ、ブレない信念を貫いていこうと思うのです。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
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September 24, 2023 at 07:26AM
While listening to my own Live Streaming (9/23), I re-realize the power of the Internet as “Revolution”. I am experienced in Sashiko, having spent all of my youth in Japan. There is nothing special about me & what I have been doing. I don’t have a higher education degree. I don’t have any friends/family members with strong influence. I don’t have connections to publishers/media/politicians/celebrities… I am an ordinary Japanese man with a bit of experience in Sashiko. Interestingly, Sashiko became the “trend” in English, and all of sudden, my experience & stories got attention & values.
☆
Without the Internet (SNS), my Stories would never be “listened” to. Because of my strong belief, I do not have any publications (at this point). Without a platform on the Internet, I wouldn’t even be able to express my suffering. Now, the voice from the first source can be delivered to the world without being “chosen” by someone influential. I don’t have to publish a book to deliver my story (although I hope I can do so one day). I can elaborate on the issue of [Wabi-Sasbi] as [Excuse to be “imperfect”]. This is indeed the revolution. There are so many stories from people who didn’t have the Internet. Their voices weren’t listened to, or chosen. I keep sharing them thanks to this revolution.
☆
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一昨日の配信、「侘び寂び」の解釈と翻訳、派生する不完全の美の翻訳と解釈。自分で書くのも変ですが、よく論理構成ができたなと思います。振り返ると案外単純なのですが、「刺し子の針目が揃わないのが美?それはおかしいでしょ」という直球を頂いたことが、数年来の蟠りの解消のきっかけになりました。
☆
インターネットが人類における革命だと言われて久しいですが、改めてその変化を感じます。普通の何も持たない私のような存在の話を、世界に向けて発信でき、そして聞いて頂ける。刺し子に限って言えば「何も持たない」とは言い過ぎかもしれませんが、それでも刺し子を知らない人にとっては、私が提供できるのは寧ろ英語力の方かと。私には社会の流行へ影響を及ぼすだけの知名度も力もありません。出版社やメディアに特別なコネがあるわけでもなく、また人付き合いが疎遠になりがちなので(引きこもり気質なので)、お金や影響力のある方から特別なご支援を頂いているわけでもありません。それに加えて、刺し子における信念だけは曲げないという偏屈者である私の話をこうして聞いて頂けているのは、やはりインターネットという存在があるからなんだろうと思います。ひと昔であれば、私の声は一定の地域(コミュニティ)のみに響き、それは広がることもなければ知られることもなく、勿論「残る」ことすらなかったんだろうと思います。
☆
この革命は日々の日常の隅々にまで及んでいて、「実際に手を動かす人」が紡ぐ物語が残る土壌になっているのかもしれません。これまでは、力や影響力のある方に認められないと、あるいは表現力が抜群(いわゆる”タレント”という職業)でなければ、社会全体に声を届けることはできませんでした。それが今は本音を呟くだけで、その声を求められている時期と重なると、どんな小さい声であっても聞いてもらえるんだなと。誰もが先生や作家、それこそメディア自身になれるようになった革命の時代だからこそ、ブレない信念を貫いていこうと思うのです。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
via IFTTT
September 22, 2023 at 08:18PM
It took 4 years for me to reach the Story I shared yesterday on Youtube Live Streaming (9/22). It is about how “disrespectful” it is to define Sashiko as stitching of [Embracing the Imperfection]. I keep mentioning I do not like this phrase, yet I didn’t clarify the reason why. I thought it was because of the incapability of translating some of the Japanese Words we have such as “Wabi-Sabi”. The cause was “simplification (cutting the contexts off)” in introducing what Sashiko is in English. Interpretation of Japanese words got translated, and the translated words got interpreted by someone else for their profit – there were 3 steps in between… (like a telephone game).
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In this Live Streaming, I try my best to be logical to identify the cause of simplification while explaining “why/how” it happened. When Japanese have to explain what [Wabi-Sabi] is, we often use the word [不完全の美] – and it can be translated as “Beauty in Imperfection”. The interpretation of this concept of [Beauty in Imperfection] is causing the confusion – or worse, the pain. With respect to the contexts, this wouldn’t happen. I hope this wasn’t done intentionally. For me, this explanation is a big breakthrough as I can speak up with confidence how disrespectful the phrase is. Please watch the whole live Streaming why it is so disrespectful – I believe I explained well.
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You can find our youtube Channel from the Profile Link. The live streaming was on 9/22.
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刺し子において「針目を揃える」という、ある意味では当たり前の心構え。もちろん揃わない針目を個性とし、またそれを現在の自分の立ち位置としたり、手仕事だからこその不揃いだとして愛おしむことは自然、且つ素敵なことだと思います。あくまでそれは刺し子を楽しむ各々が抱くこと、また教える際は励ます意味も込めての「自分の針目」なんだろうと思います。どのような形であれ、「揃わない針目を喜ぶことが刺し子だ」という言葉は日本語では聞いたことがなく、英語でのそのキャッチフレーズは文化を蔑ろにしたものです。
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という強い想いがあるのですが、どのような過程で、「刺し子=揃わない針目を楽しむ手仕事」となってしまったのかを考え続け、漸く一つの論理的な説明文として紹介することができました。昨日の英語配信と今朝の日本語配信、どちらも同じ論理的思考で話をしていますので、是非聞いて頂ければ幸いです。「侘び寂び」という説明すら難しい&個人的な理解が多分にある日本語の「解釈の翻訳の解釈」がズレることにより、起因しているんだろうなと。
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もしかしたら日本国外に出ている日本人に響く論理で、日本国内の方には「ふむ〜」となってしまうような、「そんなことあるの?」というようなお話に聞こえてしまうかもしれません。でも、それも含めて素直なご感想を頂けると幸いです。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
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