How do we measure the success in “preserving the culture”? What does it take to saying “we preserved the culture”? This has been a long-lasting question. I am not 100% sure what I need to do to preserve the culture… However, a fortunate opportunity to spend time with Makoto-san in Japan was the moment of my dream. If we were to have more people who enjoy Sashiko in their ordinary, with pride and respect, the Sashiko we practice will be preserved. It even doesn’t need a “protection” – it will be there in 50 years when we acknowledge the power & beauty of Sashiko – for that, I would like to keep advocating the significance of Sashiko.
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It is interesting, though, that not “everyone” looks good with a Sashiko outfit. I don’t think I am well “developed” to wear such a heavy, gorgeous Sashiko Jacket. All I can do now is to wear some “lightly stitched” Sashiko items. It may be an accumulation of experience. It may be Japanese-ness. I don’t know what makes them fit… but I am now certain that this is the way to go. When more (Japanese) people find Sashiko attractive & apply it to their ordinary (not like the Fine Art in the fall, though), then the Sashiko we practice will be there in 50, or even 100 years from now. I really appreciate Makoto-san for sharing his ordinary, and of course Nana (@na.na_45) for making this Sashiko Jacket for him. Such a personal, and great way to conclude the time in Japan.
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「文化を残す」って、どうやって成功かどうかを見極めるんだろう？どうしたら「文化を残した（守った）」ことになるのだろう？刺し子の変化を横目に見つつ、変わらない（変えられない）私達の刺し子を見ながら、何をどうしたら良いのだろうかとずっと考えてきました。そして、その答えが今回の日本旅行の最後の夜でした。
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写真の誠さんのような、刺し子作品を日常で着ても似合う（日本）人が増えればいいんだなと。刺し子作品が似合うには相当の「人としての重さ」が必要で、私なんかは全刺しの刺し子には負けてしまうわけですが、それでも日本に沢山いるはずの生き様がある方々に刺し子を楽しんで頂ける様になれば…と思うのです。誠さんの様に日常で刺し子を用いれば、刺し子をする人は必然的に増えます。その流れが続けば小さいながらも経済圏が生まれ、持続可能に一歩近づくのです。文化って残そうと思って残せるもんじゃなく、「残ったもの」であるのであれば、こういうカッコいい人との出会いを繰り返すことが目的であり夢なんだろうなと。写真でも凄いですが、実物はもっとカッコいいですよ。私、ずーっと写真撮ってましたもの（笑）
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