Author: atsushijp

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


via IFTTT

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。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

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。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

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。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

About 6 years ago, I decided to “expose” our stitching on the Internet. Some friends advised me it would be a horrible idea to “show it” for free of charge. They tried to convince me that I should look for other ways to “preserve it” as the exposure would be consumed for entertainment, be copied everywhere, then they spread it as “free contents”, and it would lose the “value”. They are right. The reality goes exactly as they worried. However, I do not regret the huge decision. “Sashiko” isn’t already the stage of “trying to preserve” – it isn’t Sashiko Artisans who can preserve the culture by working hard. It is “decent people” in the world with “cares & respect” who can preserve it – I chose to depend on them instead of preserving it by ourselves.
☆
Some warned me that I live in my idealism. Maybe so. However, most of the Sashiko I receive is structured by these “Decent Japanese People (not necessarily positive)” with “care & respect” for each other. After the big decision, the questions shifted from “what (to expose/hide)” to “how”. Sharing stories here is the answer to meet the “Decent People” who will be a part of the Future of our Sashiko.
☆
Well. It is easy to say, but difficult to true to it all the time – I need to make my living with family to support. Yet, I am pretty hopeful about the future of Sashiko thanks to you here. We all have our capacity on what we can do. Someone’s culture shouldn’t be prioritized before you & your family. Yet, I am having another day today to share the Sashiko Story. This world isn’t so bad – the key is to “acknowledge” it – then we can “care” as, I believe, we are decent by nature.
☆
–
–
–
☆
英語圏では「本の出版を待ってるよ」とご期待の声を頂くこともあって、出版は一つの夢として抱いています。ただ、最初の一冊だけは「ハウツー本は作らない」と決めていて、刺し子に対する思いや日本の当たり前の素晴らしさを紹介できる「刺し子を介した」本にしたいのです。分野的には「読み物」、下手すると「思想＆哲学」に入る出版なので、それを英語でするとなると…まぁ夢は夢のままだよなぁと。それでも自費出版という道はある訳で、それを望んで下さる人もいて、その一歩としての雛形の一枚を勇気を出して形にしました。日本語と英語を翻訳しても同じ文章にはならないけれど、伝わる事はなんとなく一緒。この5年ずーっと続けてきたことです。一つ一つまとめていけたらと思っています。この形を思いついたきっかけの@shi.mojirenn さんに感謝しつつ。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

Besides Sashiko, I love reading books. I also like watching movies (although I don’t watch as much as I wish in limited time). The reason I prioritize “Sashiko Stories” more than many things is similar to reading books & watching movies. What I would like to deliver to you is “Experience”, not just “Information”.
☆
We live in the Information Society. It is extremely important to be updated in Information for “success”. However, Information itself will not compose the culture. There is a gap between “Knowing” and “Doing” – and the core of Sashiko exists in “Doing”. Unfortunately, some Sashiko introduced in English lack the “Experience” part. They may teach something informative to be “Right” in Sashiko based on someone’s knowledge, but that’s not the whole. I hope my teaching goes further by experiencing “it”. In that level, there is no such a thing as “Right and Wrong”.
☆
Reading a whole book often leaves me with an impression as if I experienced what happened in the book. A good movie can change your life by functioning as “(Simulated) Experience”. When the goal is just to “obtain Information”, the whole books/movies may be unnecessary. Someone’s summary may be enough – yet I want “you” to experience it. Unfortunately, today’s Sashiko introduced in English is someone’s summary. I want you to “experience” Sashiko, and therefore I share “Sashiko Stories” – not just information.
☆
–
–
–
☆
「情報を制するものが成功する」というのが常識の世の中ですが、刺し子においては情報の価値はそれほど高くありません。「知ること」よりも「感じること」が重要になってくるからです。英語という言語で包括される社会は、この「感性」をもコントロールしようとします。背景も信条も違う人が集まるから仕方ないのです。結局「法」の管理下に置くしかない。法治社会においては「知識」は何よりもの武器になります。でも、刺し子においては、知識よりもやっぱり「智慧」なんだろうと思います。だからこそ、語り続ける必要があるんだろうなと。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

I’m glad that some can learn more than Sashiko from what I share/teach – some say they learned something about “life”. I say Sashiko is more than stitching, and others say they learn more than Sashiko. It sounds interesting? It is quite natural because what I am sharing as Sashiko is about someone’s life. I was raised by those who spent (almost) all of their lives in Sashiko. Not like one who rides on a trend for making a quick money. It is delightful that there are people who can read through it from what I share/teach. To me, being disrespectful to “Sashiko” is almost equal to disrespecting these “people”. Therefore, my voice sounds angry sometimes. If one disrespect your family member, would you smile & welcome the discussion?
☆
It isn’t easy to explain what is “More” than stitching in Sashiko. My stories are one way to learn the “More” from a cultural & logical perspective. Another way to learn “More” is from “practice” – [Core & Essence] class I teach is a great start to feel the “More”. I have one In-Person class planned, and I made some spots available for Online Class. I hope to meet you individually to share the life-long Sashiko experience.
☆
I appreciate so many taking the Domestika Course. Please understand that it is [introductory], and more personal/individual interaction is necessary to share [Core & Essence]. (Another reason I do not publish a Sashiko book of “How to do Sashiko”). Please consider the [Core & Essence] class to learn the “More” part.
☆
–
–
–
☆
たまに英語圏からの反応で、「刺し子以上の、人生に関することを学んでいる」という嬉しいお言葉を頂くことがあります。たかが刺し子にそんな…と思うのと同時に、「そりゃそうだよな」と思う自分もいます。どれだけ刺し子を卑下したとしても、私がお伝えしている刺し子は誰かの日常だったものです。そして、私個人の話に限れば、「誰かの（私の家族や家族と思う人の）人生」をお伝えしているわけです。数年〜数十年で刺し子をわかった気になり、「教えること」でお金を得ようとする人達の話ではなく、一生針目と向き合った人々のお話です。そりゃね、人生が滲み出てくるわけですよ。
☆
運針はその「一生刺し子と向き合う一つの乗り物」とご理解頂ければ幸いです。運針ができなくても刺し子は続けられますが、きっと運針があったからこそ今も刺し子を続けている人は相当数いらっしゃって。それだけ運針ができるようになると継続が苦になりません。むしろ針を置くタイミングが難しくなるほど。そんな一生乗り続けることができるコスパ最高の運針ですが、習得は簡単なのです。押さえるべきことさえしっかり学べば、あとは自然とできるようになります。刺し子全体を学ぶには月謝のあるお教室みたいなのは必要かと思いますが、運針は一回きりでOKです。それほどに日常のもの（だったはず）なので。オンラインで運針をお教えする運針会を企画＆準備していますので、ご興味のある方はプロフィール欄より「運針会について」というブログを一読頂けますと幸いです。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

I used to be (accidentally) “involved” in discussions about “What is Sashiko” in English. When discomfort happens, some often said: “My understanding of Sashiko is correct because I have so many Japanese friends”. Well… Where to start…? The number of friends does not define their understanding of the culture. A deep relationship such as marriage isn’t even enough (although it can help a lot in the long-run). I am married to a Jewish person, but I dare not to teach about Jewish culture. It is simply too irresponsible.
☆
Even if I admit that the number of Japanese friends matter, many questions arise. ”Do their friends speak English fluently enough to explain the culture? When English is proficient, do they spend enough time speaking about the culture? Being Japanese itself does not make them an expert in Sashiko/Boro (it helps, but not always). If they had a professional translator, was they knowledgeable enough to translate the topics? More importantly, who paid for the translator? Did the translator have a freedom to translate what they were talking about – or what they were asked to translate?
☆
As much as I want you to share my Sashiko stories to others, please do not engage in “their” discussion. They will not listen to you as they aren’t ready to listen to. I appreciate you speaking for me, but It is almost meaningless to discuss “What is Right in Sashiko” without involving someone Japanese. I do not want you to go through horrible experience by jumping into Western Value of “Discussions”.
☆
–
–
–
☆
長年お付き合いのある方から委ねて頂いた刺し子風呂敷。時間を経ても、力強い刺し子はしっかりと残ります。何十年でも。もしかしたら百年単位でも。
☆
おかげ様で運針会のお問合わせを頂いております。8月26日の午前9時に一度、そして9月17日の夜に一度、開催ができないか準備＆参加者募集をしております。ご興味頂ける方は是非ご連絡ください！
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

I sometimes use the words “privilege” and “power”, which may be uncomfortable for you to read. They are new words to me. To be honest,I have never thought of “privilege” until I moved to the US (which clarifies that I was privileged in Japan). Understanding this “privilege” is important to bridge the appropriation to appreciation.
☆
Please be advised that there are many ways to define the word “privilege”. What I write here is purely my understanding. That being said, for me, the “privilege” is “level or numbers of choices”. In a rough summary, the more one has choices, the more privileged they is. In the context of Sashiko, [English] as the language is one privilege as the experience in Sashiko is less significant than the proficiency of English when it comes to “teaching Sashiko”. As there are/were numbers of Japanese Sashiko Artisans buried in the trend, I keep saying Sashiko introduced in English is insufficient – when one defines it as “All You Need to Know”, it is because of language – not practice itself. It is not fair.
☆
Privilege itself is not a matter of Good or Bad to me. There is nothing I can do to have or to avoid the privilege, yet why is the word “privilege” used as a word to be accused of…? I personally think the “privilege” is something I appreciate – but it becomes an issue when we do not “acknowledge” it. When one ignores their privilege they have, they may cause harmful situations. Power comes with Responsibility, and I hope that privilege with acknowledgement will help others with less choices. As I always say, this “acknowledgement” is the bridge between Appropriation and Appreciation (which will be the main topic I talk with @made.by.yuki – Again, this is purely my current understanding. I hope to learn & share more there.
☆
–
–
–
☆
日本に生まれ育った私は「特権」という言葉をいまいち具体的に理解できていません。それはつまり、私が「特権を持って生きてきた」証拠でもあるのですが、移住して、「持たない側」から世界を見るようになり、少しずつですが学びを積んでいます。
☆
時に「特権」が悪いかのような表現もありますが、私はそうは思っていません。問題は「特権を持っていることを意図的に無視する場合」です。この議題はどうしても英語で考えたものを日本語訳してしまう傾向があるので文章にするのは難しいのですが、なんとか配信も含めてお伝えしていけたらと思っています。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

Many say that what they like about Sashiko is the pattern & design. It is true that the pattern & design are very important aspects of Sashiko. However, Sashiko is more than “Pattern/Design” as I also say [Sashiko is more than just technique].
☆
In one Live Stream, I complained that I had to pick the pattern for the next project. We got into an interesting discussion, and I concluded that the pattern doesn’t matter, in the extreme situation, as long as I can keep stitching. The form, and act of stitching, can be more important to me than outcome (Pattern/Design). I tried to elaborate on the extreme situation. The easiest way is to keep stitching parallel lines forever (like a “Free-Style” running stitch I have done before). At the same time, I wanted to show that one can keep stitching the same patterns almost forever – because, for me (back then), the act of stitching was more important than the pattern itself.
☆
This is how [100 meter of Asanoha] started. It is as simple as it sounds. I will stitch the Asanoha pattern for 100 meters of fabric. The width of our favorite fabric is about 120 meters, so 84 pieces of fabric will do & I can connect them. To me, this may be my first ever “Art” piece as this contains my strong message [Design doesn’t have to be the primary reason for Sashiko]. I just wanted to show one can do this… so please don’t ask me what I would do with the 100 meter of Asanoha… This “Stitching for the purpose of stitching” is already a spin-off from the main frame of Sashiko – so, I share the stories & try to move Sashiko forward to “Art” somehow. Well. It was more tiring than I thought – so still I am half way. What do they look like? I brought them to Domestika, and we played with them. I hope this communicates what is “more” I often explain.
☆
Photo © Domestika
☆
–
–
–
☆
映画を見ながらとか音楽を聴きながらという「ながら刺し子」は、刺し子の本質をとても突いていると思っています。勿論、刺し子に集中するだけという時間も素敵です。インプットしながらの刺し子は簡単なのですが、アウトプットしながらというのは段違いにレベルが上がります。配信をしながら、一人語りをしながら針を動かすというのは、結構大変なのです。
☆
結果的に「手が自動的に動いてくれる柄」を披露することになります。柄に集中してしまうと喋らなくなるから。それでは配信の意味がないので、話すことに9割意識を吸い取られながらも麻の葉柄を刺しています。目標（ノルマ）は100メートル。さてさて。できることは間違いないのですが、あとは「いつ」の問題です。半分は終わっていて、写真はその一部を体に巻きつけたものです（笑）
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT