Author: atsushijp

I have 2 Workshop Opportunities planned for this summer. One with @textilecentermn next weekend & Another with @loopoftheloom on August 3rd and 4th (Saturday & Sunday). The one in MN is sold out at this point. However, I will be available to greet & show some samples from 12pm to 1 pm on Friday & Saturday (July 28th and 29th), while the participants are taking Lunch Break. This is my first time visiting the Midwest as a Sashiko Artisan – I am looking forward to it!
☆
The workshop in Brooklyn Dumbo is either [Core & Essence (C/E)] 1-Day Class or 2 Days weekend Class. I believe there are several spots left. Please be advised that the 2nd day [Application & Practice (A/P)] has a prerequisite of [C/E].
☆
Some people misunderstand that [A/P] is an advanced version of my workshop. It isn’t really so. A good analogy would be: [C/E] is an experience to learn how to ride a bicycle which you haven’t tried before. [A/P] is me taking them to the Bike Park to enjoy more attractions. Without [C/E], the fun part of [A/P] may be lost completely – so no matter how many years of experience they have, I ask them to take [C/E]. [C/E] is available as my Online Sashiko Class, which I will personally meet you on Zoom to check your learning. So if you want to take [A/P], but not available for [C/E], please consider Online Class (which I have many positive reviews of). Please note that Domestika Course isn’t equivalent to [C/E].
☆
Thursday is Sashiko Streaming Day! I am happy to elaborate what I teach in my Classes. I will keep sharing the stories based on what I share here while showing no-edit & no-hiding stitching of me. Hope to see you there tomorrow.
☆
–
–
–
☆
今月から配信は木曜日の夜に行っております。夏の時間、少しだけ早く開始できそうなので、日本時間の夜の9時半頃には開始できればと思っております。刺し子の配信なので、「刺し子について刺し子をしながら話をする」という単純なものなのですが、最近は「生き様」を感じて頂ける話ができるようになってきたかなと思います。昔は「笑い」を如何に作り出すかに全神経を集中させていたのですが（今でも笑いは絶対的に大切ですが）、才能の限界も感じて、あるがままの思いを話すようにしています。逆にそれが良いのかなとも思いつつ。
☆
引き出しは多いと思っています。語れるくらいには必死に人生賭けてきましたから。疑問や質問、もしかしたら不平不満やネガティブな感情もひっくるめて、ぜーんぶお答えするような場所にしたいと思っています。是非お立ち寄りくださいー！Youtubeです。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

Well. Such a Joyful 1st half of June. Although I would add more stitching & fabric, and then clean out the basting threads, to call it “completed”, I would need to reorganize my priority for the 2nd half of June. I mean I gotta do something for Income as I am self-employed after all.
☆
I wouldn’t consider these Sashiko (yet), but it is fine if you do so. In fact, these types of “patchworking” are now considered Sashiko in English. All I ask is the acknowledgement that there are some Japanese Artisans who consider this non-Sashiko practice, and there are stories behind their saying.
☆
Putting Cultural Perspective aside, I enjoy this type of Mending. For now, I gotta stop doing so for other works I do for actual “economic sustainability”, and material reasons that Denims I received as donations are all stitched. Then, one asked if I were to do so as a commission saying it would clear 2 reasons I gotta stop doing so: more plain denim to stitch with economic sustainability.
☆
I can, of course, consider a Commission Work – but I want to do this to someone I care/like. Money is important, but I wouldn’t do so for someone who just asks “How much?”. If I were to offer, would you wear these types of Denim? Would you even pay for it? (Please be reminded that my first hope is for you to learn the Sashiko we practice by taking my class, and do it by yourself for yourself).
☆
–
–
–
☆
楽しい10日間でした。完成まではまだ手を加えなければとは思うのですが（というか、完成という概念まで辿り着けるかどうかすら未定ですが）、月の半ばを超えたので、再度優先順位の構築をする為の区切りと宣言です。少しは収入に繋がる仕事をしないと。寄付頂いた手持ちのデニムも全て使ってしまったので無地のものは残ってないし（笑）。
☆
「これは刺し子じゃないかなぁ」という呟きに、「刺し子としてもいいんじゃない？」というお言葉も頂いて。うん。それは個人で違ってきて良いと思っています。これ「が」刺し子と言われると、ちょい待てと違和感を持つでしょうが、それでも日本の方であればお話は伺ってみたい。きっと、「刺し子の可能性を広げる一つ」として、本来の刺し子を無視されるような方はいないと思うので。
☆
個人的には、なんというか…主張しすぎなんですよね。人気出るだろうなぁと始めた感が、我ながら嫌らしいと感じたりしていて。それでも西洋での刺し子の本流がこちらになっていく（いる）ことは承知しているし、何より楽しいし…で、続けていくとは思います。矛盾するかもですが、一週間で一つの作品が形になるのは嬉しいですよね。全刺しデニムは、下書きから刺し子まで、集中しても数週間はかかっちゃうので。さて…。夏に向けて麻の葉やんなきゃ…（ずーっと現実逃避してる）。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

I was rewatching last night’s Sashiko Live, and I realized I made some misleading statements while answering the reply. Here is a clarification. I do NOT consider all teaching Sashiko in English to be “nefarious (which is the new word to me)”. In fact, I have been encouraging many English speakers to teach Sashiko if they wish. To share the further clarification, please remember the “2 types of teaching” I often specify.
☆
One type of teaching is like “being a navigator”, like a school teacher who is knowledgeable about many things & who introduces opportunities to students. When one teaches Sashiko in this style, my intention here is to encourage & support. Therefore, I share so much content. The Second type of teaching is “being an expert”, like a professor in College with publications. This teaching comes with great responsibility. They need specific skills to pursue the topic. If a math prof says he cannot do Calculus, then no one will consider them as a teacher.
☆
The “teaching” I find problematic is, of course, the 2nd one. The difference? The Navigator will introduce “other resources” to learn more as they specify themselves that they are only teaching a part of it. The Expert will say that what they teach is “The Answer”, and more marketing suitability, “This Teaching is all you need to learn”.
☆
There are quite many “innocent (unknown)” who do not categorize themselves as either (1) Navigator or (2) Expert. They “can” be the issue as they will follow the answer innocently, whether it is true or not. My voice is for them in-between. It is okay to teach Sashiko in English – but specify what is their “role” in this. When they false-advertise their teaching to increase their profit, then it is a big problem… isn’t it?
☆
You may consider me (2), yet my approach is still (1) as I don’t consider myself as “the expert”, yet someone who just learned Sashiko last year became the expert teaching “One Stop for All”. Sashiko is more than just technique & cannot be summarized to “One Stop”.
☆
–
–
–
☆
日本語刺し子配信→友達と語りながら刺し子→英語刺し子配信→友達と刺し子(2)と、天国みたいな1日でした。調子に乗りすぎた感は否めないけれど（笑）。でもね、良い加減、調子乗るくらいで丁度良い気もしてるんです。言い過ぎくらいが丁度いいのかもしれないね、と。波風立てながら刺し子をし続けます。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

I am glad that the previous analogy of Tourism (being a Guest) clarifies my message well. Being a Guest doesn’t question one’s ability. It is just a “status” of one’s commitment. I really want you to enjoy Sashiko – and the most delicious part of Sashiko is missing now in English.
☆
You may wonder, though. Are there really “Visitors (Guests)” who pretend they are “Local (Hosts)”? Is it that easy to maneuver someone to one specific direction? Unfortunately, in this context, anyone with English proficiency can do so. That’s how I define English as Power, or even Privilege.
☆
In Sashiko (and many other Local & small categories of crafting), there are NOT many Experienced Artisans or Experts who are proficient in English. There are many Japanese who are proficient in English, yet the Sashiko Artisan who learn English after them being experienced in Sashiko is extremely rare. As a result, among many “Locals” who may guide Visitors well, there are no actual guides who can speak the local language enough to fully communicate the culture. For that, I may be the first one doing so in Sashiko (although I do not think I am qualified to be a guide), and therefore I feel somewhat responsible for addressing the issues. I feel quite alone in Sashiko & English, but I know I am NOT alone in the similar issues.
☆
Once again, if you consider yourself a guest in Sashiko, Enjoy! Free your creativity, and all I ask is the acknowledgement of the Local. I am sure not everyone is happy with this analogy. I will be available for discussions on Live. There is nothing I need to hide unlike other “Pretending Guides” blocking this account. Everyone is welcome to the Live – all I want is to address the issues & protect “our Local” from Shady who takes advantage of the language imbalance.
☆
–
–
–
☆
観光と移住の線引きの例え、わかりやすいものになりそうで良かったです。ここで紹介できるのは骨組みだけになってしまうので、配信で肉付け部分のお話をしようと思っています。話を進る上で国籍の話に寄ってしまうのですが、これは心構えの話なので、国籍よりは「覚悟」なんだろうと思っています。日本に帰化する為には小学校低学年くらいの日本語能力は必要で、且つ日本に住まなきゃですから。日本人と話したこともない日本文化の専門家？やっぱり変でしょ。今週から配信は木曜日の夜に開催する予定です！ネガティブな話じゃなくて、基本的に刺し子に対しての前向きな希望を中心に語っているはず（笑）配信にてお待ちしております。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

As much as I share my concerns about “Sashiko introduced in English”, I Never say (and feel) it is painful to see people enjoying Sashiko. I really do want them, and of course you, to enjoy it. What is the difference between those whom I encourage to enjoy Sashiko & whom I identify as issues? An analogy of “Tourism” may explain it better.
☆
I consider anyone joining Sashiko recently as a “guest” of this practice. No need to be fluent in Japanese. No pressure to understand Japanese culture. The goal is for them to have a good time with Sashiko. One day, if they decide to “be localized”, then they would be able to speak basic Japanese as it is required along with experience of “Living” there. So, everyone is a “guest” first – then, some serious commitment is required to be “a part of” it.
☆
Now, in Sashiko (and many other cultural practices), many people become experts without spending a good amount of time. Extreme analogy, it is like me visiting “your country” for a week, and at the end of the week I start saying that I am a professional tour guide to those who come from Japan. This “instant” tour guide can “guide” other guests & change their understanding of your country.
☆
I believe the importance of drawing a clear line between “guest (visitor)” and “host (local)”. There are so many visitors defining what Sashiko is based on what other visitors have a biased opinion. In this analogy, wouldn’t you find the line between “Fun” and “Issue”?
☆
–
–
–
☆
度々話題に取り上げるFBでのSashikoグループ。私自身何年も属していて、また10年以上前にグループを立ち上げた方へは尊敬の念を抱いていて、刺し子がSASHIKOとなる流れの中で重要な立ち位置にあるなぁと思うのです。そのグループでの変化が、正直恐ろしい。こうやって文化が変わって（壊れて）いくのかという過程を目の当たりにしていると思うほどに。
☆
少し乱暴な例えかもしれませんが、ある地域における地元住民と観光客の関係がわかりやすいかもしれません。今の刺し子は、住む予定のない観光客が、地元住民の声を無視して一時滞在中の「規則」を作り、それがその地域の前からあった慣習だとして新たな観光客を受け入れているようなものです。言語が違うので、控えめな地元の方は変化に抗えない。もちろん、同じ場所に存在はしているので「規則」に対する声は一緒ということはわかります。その地域に移住する人もいるでしょう。その覚悟があれば良いんです。それは、その地域にずっといて、これからもずっといる人への尊敬の証だから。問題は観光と移住の線引きをしていないことなんです。
☆
また配信で深掘りしますね。今週から木曜日の夜に配信を予定しています。一日前倒しですー！
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

I enjoyed this project. It is one stop of “completion”, but another starting station of bringing it to our ordinary (using & mending). Would I keep doing the same on the other leg of this denim? Or… one leg is just enough?
☆
I wouldn’t consider this Sashiko. At the same time, it is okay to see someone defining this project Sashiko when they acknowledge the Stories why I do not consider this Sashiko or Boro. It “can” be Sashiko or Boro, but at this point, it is just a fun project without names.
☆
In 2024, I see a kind of “maturity” of Sashiko’s Popularity. Unfortunately, Sashiko introduced in English is simplified too much, and missing the most important part of its practice, yet too romanticized ignoring the culture (people & stories) behind. I offer a Live Streaming where I talk about Sashiko while stitching – please listen to what I need to say. Otherwise, something very important in Sashiko will be completely lost – as some non-Japanese Sashiko “masters” are intentionally erasing the cultural elements. Your willingness to acknowledge Sashiko is the only way to preserve (or even “revive”) Sashiko in English.
☆
–
–
–
☆
細切れになってしまってどうにもならないような古布を糸で貼り付けたデニム。とりあえずですが、片足分完成しました。「完成」とは表現しておりますが、脆い古布を糸で縫い合わせているだけなので、使えば使うほど補修が必要になるんだろうと思っています。それも含めて、楽しんでいけたらいいなぁと。ここに辿り着くまでの過程も、とても楽しかったです。もう少し続けるかもしれません。
☆
配信でのお話をまとめると、きっとこれが現代で人気のある「Sashiko」であり「Boro」なんだろうと思います。何をして刺し子とするのか、はたまた襤褸とするのか…そこに絶対的な答えはなくて、好みも含め、どう日々に向き合ってきたかが様々な応えを作り出します。その「様々な」応えを総合することが文化なんじゃないかと思うんです。Sashikoは英語圏での様々な応えをまとめているのであれば、Sashikoが文化になることはあるのです。ただ、日本語で意思疎通ができないのにも関わらず、あたかも「私は日本の刺し子を知っている」というように嘘で塗り固めるのは、暴力でしかない。多様性を叫びながら、声をあげることができる（英語ができる）多様性だけを取り上げ、自由を叫びながら正解を押し付ける。文化の盗用なんていう複雑な問題じゃなく、ただ単に英語ができないことを馬鹿にされているような気にすらなるのですよ。
☆
英語圏での刺し子は「自由という仮面を被った（一部の人間による大多数への）制限と抑圧」の場になってしまっているのです。それを一度、かき混ぜる必要があると思うんですよね。本質を知って貰うために。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #SashikoDenim


via IFTTT

You may like this project I just started more than our usual Sashiko. Probably surprising to some of you, who recently encountered Sashiko, I wouldn’t consider this Sashiko much. I don’t mind someone calling this type of denim “Sashiko” when they try to acknowledge Stories behind Sashiko… but, I wouldn’t call it. It isn’t definitely Sashiko that I grew up with. What would I call this then? Umm… do we need a name for every single practice we do?
☆
The denim itself doesn’t need mending. In this denim, the focus is on the fabric scraps. It is a beautiful way to appreciate the beautiful fabrics, and I enjoy the stitching very much. Some may call it Boro. Others may think it is Sashiko. Their sayings aren’t wrong, but missing the voice of actual Artisans who have been stitching. The byproduct of “being in trend”, and we gotta be careful with “who” is leading the trend. As for Sashiko, Japanese Sashiko Artisans who actually stitch aren’t the ones who is creating the trend.
☆
When you want to learn the true figure of Sashiko, the Live Streaming I offer on Thursday night (8 pm EST) is a good place to ask questions. Sashiko introduced in English (mainly by non-Japanese) isn’t wrong, but very much simplified & romanticized. I am willing to spend all of my life to share the “buried aspect (intentionally ignored side)” of Sashiko.
☆
–
–
–
☆
今週の日本語の配信は、日本時間の木曜日の夜に開催する予定です。イレギュラーで一日前倒しになりますが、ご参加頂けたら嬉しいです。毎週、刺し子と日本への思いをノンストップで語っております。普通に一時間は喋り続けております（笑）
☆
写真…また変なことを始めたな…と思われるかもしれません。ただ、多分ですが、これが英語圏での「ザ・刺し子」です。私はこのデニムを「刺し子」と呼ぶことはないのですが、おそらく海外でイメージされる刺し子はこんな感じで、もっと補修を目立たせる為に意図的に布にやすりをかける場合もあるのかもしれません。
☆
デニムそのものは傷んでないので、刺し子をするなら「補強」がメインになると思うのですが、今回はデニムではなく「細かくなった古布の端切れ」に焦点を当てて、比較対象としての手縫いです。敢えて名付けるとしたら、「縫い付ける作業」です。どこでどうなったら言葉の意味が変わるのか。それも含めて、またお話ができたらいいなと思っています。1日早い今週の配信は、今日の夜になるのかな。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

Sashiko was born out of choices. Some of course enjoyed Sashiko, and the others had to do Sashiko regardless. It is disrespectful to rewrite Sashiko based on the value we have, as the one who lives today with so many choices that they wished to have. Unfortunately, the Sashiko introduced in English is focusing on “how it looks” too much and ignoring the Story. As some ignorance may come from “Not-Knowing”, I am here to share the story. As other ignorance seems to be intentional based on their profit & convenience, I am here to speak up.
☆
I was born in Japan as a Japanese person – so my life has been full of “Choices”. To experience how they would feel out of choices in stitching, I decided to stop purchasing new clothes in 2016. Ever since, I stitch (mainly first to strengthen the fabric), and then keep mending. The fabric can last long. It won’t last long for a lifetime, or even generations, but my issue is staying fit rather than having tattered clothes. That is the wisdom we appreciate now. How it looks is important as an artistic & creative activity. I enjoy it, too. However, please keep learning & listening to the stories to respect the original practice (upstream).
☆
Well… you, who are here reading this, are those already listening & keep learning. I appreciate your interest & willingness. My challenge is to deliver the message to those who do not want to listen to it (because it may change their comfortness more than they wish). So, I will keep repeating the same words so that it may be delivered to them at some point. Sashiko is NOT a word for mending like this. These before & after photos aren’t the core of our Sashiko (although I enjoy it). Please do not twist the fact.
☆
–
–
–
☆
「刺し子は補修を楽しむ技術だ」という一文に間違いはありません。ただ、先人達の刺し子を学ぼうとしない刺し子は、時に乱暴に本質を変えてしまいます。英語圏で刺し子を「教える人達」は先人の刺し子を学ぶ能力がない人も多く（日本語で会話できない人）、結果として、間違いではない文章を切り取り違うものに変えてしまうこともあるのです。これが「知らない」ことによる過失的結果ならまだしも、意図的に行われている故意の変化である可能性もあって。
☆
実際に「刺し子は補修を楽しむものだから、ヤスリで布に穴開けちゃえ」というのは、本来の刺し子を少しでも知る人からすると、違和感満載です。アートとしては間違ってないかもですが、それをわざわざ刺し子と呼ぶ理由は？馬鹿にしてんのかと。
☆
デニムへの刺し子。昔ながらの職人さんが見たら、「何をアホなことを」と呆れられてしまうかもしれません。それほど私の刺し子は異端です。でも、本質だけは伝え続けます。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #Mending #SashikoDenim


via IFTTT

Mending Sunday. (Stitching) Speed isn’t really the priority for me. However, it is nice that it would take only 3~4 hours to enjoy minor mending for tomorrow’s denim. There are so many approaches to Mending & Sashiko… among those, with learning the “Form”, when I accept the possibility of a lousy result, I skip the process of basting. (Please do NOT skip basting. It is extremely important. If you skip, do it at your own risk, please).
☆
As the word “Visible Mending” became a trend, I can see many celebrating the mending & showing how they mend it. It is a great trend to appreciate the fabric, but the whole purpose of mending exists in “Keep Using It”. The Japanese originally practiced Sashiko to make fabric stronger so that they can delay future mending. When they needed mending, what they thought of was how they could use it longer & how they can add/repeat mending when it is required again. Once we mend, it is the beginning of a never ending story of stitching. Therefore, I say, Sashiko is a way to add stories to your favorite items – which you would keep using.
☆
I wouldn’t need this mending if my legs were a bit longer… I guess mending is more realistic than making my legs longer… so I will enjoy the future mending when it comes to the point again.
☆
–
–
–
☆
普段のデニムの裾に穴が空いてしまって数ヶ月。いい加減、穴の形も保てなくなってきそうだったので、さくっと日曜の夜に補修をば。お客様から預かるものであれば、当て布をアイロンして、しつけして、しっかり刺し子して…と時間がかかる作業なのですが、自分のものだし手元にある布を使うことを前提としてるし…ということで、アイロンもしつけもせずに直縫いです。するとどうでしょう。日曜日の夕ご飯の後の数時間で明日履くデニムの穴が塞がってしまうのです（笑）
☆
刺し子のブームの中で、「補修を喜ぶ（見せびらかす）」ことが全面に出てきています。布を補修して使うことそのものはとても大切なことですが、補修をする際には「なぜ補修をするのか」という本質を忘れちゃダメだなと思うのです。なぜ補修をするのか？それは使い続けたいから。あるいは、使い続けなければならないから。見た目も大事ですが、同時に機能的な補修も念頭において欲しいものです。このデニムの刺し子、多分3~4年前よね。穴があくまで頑張ってくれました。また明日からフル稼働です。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT