March 21, 2024 at 08:25PM

I started seeing so many photos of Sashiko with Unshin – from those who learned Sashiko in our Workshop. You may wonder how I can tell the difference between Sashiko with or without our teaching. It is interesting that the stitches themselves start communicating once they learn how to ride on the rhythm. Sashiko introduced today is so focused on the “result” and how it looks – as the results, some teach Sashiko with ridiculous “correct answers” or tell students to embrace the imperfection. It is perfectly fine to embrace the imperfection – yet when a teacher/author teaches the students to celebrate their lack of skill, then they aren’t teaching Sashiko itself. I do not want Sashiko to be used as an excuse to not to work hard with respect to the ancestor. I want everyone to enjoy Sashiko with proper understanding & skills, too.

I question myself how I can preserve the Sashiko we practice. The trend over someone’s profit is so strong & fast that the “definition” itself starts having its form. I don’t know the answer, yet, but I know what I can do – to keep sharing & teaching the Sashiko we practice. It isn’t the majority, yet people find us, try to learn from us, and help us to preserve it by enjoying Sashiko.

I am feeling a bit better, so I try to be on Youtube for Live Streaming. I have nothing to hide. Please learn Sashiko from someone who actually likes stitching.





なんとか体調は持ち直したので、これからの英語の配信と、日本時間の今日の夜の配信、頑張ろうと思っています。季節の変わり目の体調不良だったとは思うのですが、同時にここ数ヶ月のストレスも尋常じゃなくて。流行とはこれほどまでにも暴力的になりうるのかと、これまでのほほんと構えていたのが信じられないほどです。怖いです。私自身、これまでも流行に乗って誰かを傷つけていたのかもしれないと思うと、怖い。ただ、この「怖いと思うこと」自体が想像力となり、想像力さえあれば流行は暴力的にはならないので…想像力の大切さを言葉にし続けたいと思うのです。

変化を続ける刺し子の中でどうしたら私達の刺し子を残すことができるのか。流行とは違う場所に存在する刺し子を、どう守っていけるのか。今も、そしてこれからも考え続けていかなければいけない大きな課題ではありますが、一つだけ明確になっていることがあります。それは、「私達にしかできない刺し子が存在する」ということです。運針をしない刺し子も、しっかりとした刺し子です。ただ、運針をしていないと作れない刺し子があることも事実です。無理に合わせにいくのではなく、どれだけ流行から離れていても、どれだけ真似されて無視されても、愚直に続けることこそが答えの土台になるんだろうと思っています。

見てくれている人はいます。そして増えています。想像力がある方の中には、物語を伴わない流行の中の「答え」に疑問を持つ方もいらっしゃいます。一緒に刺し子を楽しんでくださる方もいます。一緒に作ることで形にできる作品もできるようになりました。刹那に作られる流行(60秒の映像)には、何をどうしても速さでは勝てません。勝つ必要すらない。愚直に。そして馬鹿にされることがあったらしっかり怒りつつ。楽しんで刺し子してりゃ、きっといつかは報われると信じて。

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March 20, 2024 at 07:04PM

“Relax”. “Get Over It.” “Stop OverReacting”… Some try to sooth me when they see the word “Cultural Appropriation”. I am not angry at those who use the word Sashiko so much. My anger goes to those who “minimize” a voice based on their value (what they think it is spoken here instead of what is actually spoken).

One of the biggest pains in life is “Not being understood”. I have been there. I have done that. Therefore, I try my best to NOT minimize someone’s voice. I may not help them directly – but I try to listen to what they say, instead of what I think they are saying.

I see so many “giving up”. They define “Agner” as a bad emotion, and they minimize others who speak up. The anger has to be managed & used for the correct direction, yet I am never going to “Get Over It” when someone is “changing” the culture I find my identity within. So many Stories & Wisdom are ignored by those who think they know better – or worse, to simplify the culture to maximize their profit.

One example. The Sashiko Needles we use have very small eyes in contrast to the thickness/twist of our thread. Some easily say that Sashiko Needles require “big eyes” ignoring their lack of skill & experience. I wonder if they have thought of stories why the manufacturer made the eye so small when the goal is to “sell” it and the customers prefer to go the easy way? It is because there are reasons to keep it the way it is. I respect those manufactures & I never give up in speaking up to something so big that our voices are so easily minimized. My voice may be so quiet yet, but I am no longer silent.





生きる上で一番辛いことって何だろう…って考えたことはありますか?私は「理解されないこと」が一番辛いことだろうと思っています。どれだけ沢山の人に囲まれていても、「理解されていないんだ」と感じると孤独が成立します。逆にずっと独りでも、「理解して貰っているんだ」と感じていれば孤独感はなくなります。

では「理解されること」とはどういうことかも考えなきゃです。それは「ありのままを尊重すること」なのかもしれません。英語圏での刺し子は、先人の声を「Minimize – 最小に見積もること」をしています。キツイ言い方に帰ると、「みくびる」、あるいは「軽視する」。日本語ができないのに、日本の文化を、日本人が当たり前にしてきた文化を「それはちっぽけなことだよ」なんて言うことが、私の英語圏での孤独に繋がります。あぁ理解されてないんだろうなと。あるいは、理解するつもりもないんだろうなと。

勿論私は英語圏でも独りではありません。でも決して楽じゃない。だから日本の心地良い場所に逃げたいのですが、でも、やっぱり無理に変化をしていく今の英語圏の刺し子はキツイんですよね。怒りはコントロールすべきですが、でも怒りそのものはは持った方がいいとすら思うようになりました。だから、怒り続けます。馬鹿にすんなって。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence]

Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence] and [Application & Practice]

In this blog entry, I would like to explain the difference in Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence] and [Application & Practice] that I offer as of 2024.

Thanks to many interest in learning Sashiko from a group of Japanese Sashiko Artisans, we have been offering Sashiko Workshops for several years. The style & contents of Workshop slightly alternate overtime. As the result, the concentrated version of all the experience I received is now so called [Core & Essence], and everyone who wants to learn Sashiko from us are required to take this class. We offer both In-Person & Online for [Core & Essence]. I no longer offer the workshop focusing on (To be) Boro or (In)visible Mending. Instead, I combined many popular contents into one workshop – which is [Application & Practice].

*On top of these 2 Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence] and [Application & Practice], I offer introductory Online Course with much lower pricing for affordability. Please check Domestika for more information.

*Please check this similar article to learn all courses I offer if you are interested in the Sashiko we practice.

What is Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence]?

Sashiko introduced in English mainly teach about the “patterns” and “How to stitch” from technical perspective. Some may teach “how to make even stitches”. I occaisionally find a style of teaching “Embrace the Imperfection”. It is indeed true that we can embrace the imperfection. However, when a teacher start teaching how to be okay to be clumsy, that’s the end of “wisdom”. So, in Western way of learning, Sashiko is categorized mainly in 2 big groups: (1) to increase the participants skill to control the needle & (2) to focus on “freedom” in stitching.

Unfortunately, neither (1) nor (2) are the core of Sashiko Stitching. Because the teachers in English do not go through the proper experience in Japan, they can only interpret Sashiko from their own perspective. Their teaching isn’t wrong. However, it is missing the most important element in Sashiko for us (as a group of Japanese Sashiko Artisans).

In the minimum of 6 hours of Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence], a participant will learn the “FORM” of Sashiko, which lead them to learn Unshin – the movement of needle. It isn’t a style of Workshop saying “Let’s enjoy Sashiko Together“. It is an intensive learning experience that some may have to go through very uncomfortable process to learn something new. We all have a muscle memory based on our experience, and some needs to go over the “habit” to have another muscle memory. After learning it, one can use the both (and more) muscle memory – but until then, it can be quite challenging time.

Therefore, I have a minimum of 6 hours for this workshop. Most of the participants find its form within 6 hours of the workshop. Rest of the participants would find their own rhythm & form after the workshop when they continue trying. It is extremely important to have this fundamental understanding of “Form & Rhythm” in our Sashiko. Therefore, [Core & Essence] is the prerequisite for Sashiko Workshop [Application & Practice], and Sashiko Japan Tour.

Analogy of [Core & Essence]

Please imagine that the Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence] is a training for you to be able to ride a bycicle within a limited time frame with better efficiency (with less scratch & bruses). Anyone can learn how to ride a bike when they keep trying. Some may be able to do so by just watching others riding a bycicle. Others may need some expert help to get it easier. Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence] is the expert advise for you to learn how to ride a bicycle (How to get the rhythm in Sashiko).

What is Sashiko Workshop [Application & Practice]?

Once you learn the “Form & Rhythm” in Sashiko, you are ready to explore the unlimited possibility of Sashiko. Sashiko Workshop [Application & Practice] will encourage a participant to apply the Sashiko we practice to their ordinary by covering some popular concepts such as Visible Mending (and Invisible Mending), Boro (and To Be Boro), and Designs for Sashiko. It also introduce other types of Sashiko such as Hitomezashi as an addition to the Sashiko they can practice with a lot of fun.

Analogy of [Application & Practice]

Let me explain what Sashiko Workshop [Application & Practice] is like with the Analogy I used above. When the [Core & Essence] is an opportunity to learn how to ride a bicycle, [Application & Practice] is a field trip where I take the participant to a Bike Park where we can enjoy many types of attractions for riding a bicycle. I will try to introduce as many “attractions” as possible, and the participant will have a choice of following the instructor throughout, or focus on one attraction more. So, it will be fun time when everyone have the basic understanding of how to ride a bicycle.

2 Major Category of [Application & Practice]

In the Sashiko Workshop [Application & Practice], we have 2 major Category of expanding the experiencing in Sashiko. One is “How to apply Sashiko to our ordinary days”, which includes following:

  • How to prepare the Pattern on the Fabric
  • How to complete different patterns
  • Learning of different materials for Sashiko

Another Category is “Hitomezashi“, which is completely another genre in Sashiko. For more information about the actual contents of [Application & Practice], please scroll down this article & find the detail description on what to expect from each workshops.

What is not included in our Sashiko Workshops?

As much as I have so many Sashiko that I would like to share, I know what I can do & cannot do (and what I am good at & not good at). In fact, the majority of things are something I “shouldn’t” teach. Please find some example of what I do not teach as I am not well qualified.

Category of Sashiko that I do not teach are: Koginzashi, Hishizashi, Colorful Hitomezashi on Fukin, Kugurizashi and many other new emerging Sashiko. Unfortunately, I do not have a good resource to learn these Sashiko in English. The teachers for these types of Sashiko do not speak English and/or not willing to have teaching itself. I am working on having them to offer some teaching opportunity in English with my assistance. Also, please consider joining “Sashiko Japan Tour” where I will take the participants to experience these different styles of Sashiko.

I also do not teach how to use sew up the Jackets and/or bags although we have some items available for sale from our collections. I can use a sewing machine, but very much an amature level. Please find other teachers for this purpose as there are so many better learning resources available in English.

What is the difference between 1-Day, 3-Days and 5 Days In-Person Workshop?

Depends on a Studio, Museums and Organizations, I offer different length of Workshop. When it is listed as 1-Day Sashiko Workshop, it is most likely the Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence]. Very occasionally, I offer the Sashiko Workshop [Application & Practice] as 1 Day Workshop as the 2nd workshop the graduates of [Core & Essence]. The 1-Day Sashiko Workshop [Application & Practice] have the prerequisite of [Core & Essence], and it is clearly listed on the description. For the 1-Day [Application & Practice], the 1st part of the workshop will be “How to Apply the Sashiko to your Ordinary”, and 1nd part of the workshop will be on “Hitomezashi”.

3-Days Sashiko Workshops is one popular Workshop Style I offer. The 1st day will be [Core & Essence], then following on 2nd & 3rd day, we will move to the [Application & Practice] – usually the “How to Apply the Sashiko to ordinary” on the 2nd day and Hitomezashi on the 3rd day. Some spend 2nd & 3rd days to practice [Core & Essence] from the 1st Day, and I believe it is one good usage of this 3 days Sashiko Workshop. Once they master the [Core & Essence], the possibility of the Sashiko is infinate. 3-Days Sashiko Workshop offer the comprehensive experience of what I offer as “Japanese Sashiko we practice”.

Starting 2024 & 2025, with receiving some request, I am creating the 5-Days Sashiko Workshop. Well, it is more like “Sashiko Retreat” as the contents of these 5-Days are very similar to 3-Days Workshop from [Core & Essence] to [Application & Practice].

Amang many positive reviews for 3-Days Sashiko Workshops I receive, I find some participants prefer to spend more time in each “attractions” in the analogy above. For example, some want to focus on Invisible Mending & complete their work as much as possible in the Workshop Time Frame. 5-Days of focused stitching will have a variety of chances to be fully immersed into the Sashiko we practice. In addition to “more time to stitch together with Atsushi”, I am planning to expand the teaching focusin on Japanese Spirituality & our Ordinary (which can be an extra-ordinary practice in Western Value). So, summarizing what I am planning now, the 5-Days Sashiko Workshop will be the “Retreat” with Sashiko – to learn Sashiko & Japanese way of treating yourself better.

In Summary…

1-Day Sashiko Workshop offer the very essential time for you to learn the [Core & Essence] of our Sashiko. Ocassionally, for those who previously graduatd [Core & Essence], you may find a 1-Day compact version of [Application & Practice].

3-Days Sashiko Workshop is one comprehensive opportunity to learn the whole picture of the Sashiko we practice. With many topics to go over with Sashiko, one can have a comprehensive understanding of the Sashiko I share.

5-Days Sashiko Workshop/Retreat (In Planning) offer something more than “learning” of Sashiko. I will update more information as it gets to closer to the actual 5-Days Workshop.


Lastly…

I appreciate your time & interest to learn what I offer as “Workshop – Teaching Opportunity”. As I write, I feel as if what I teach is the answer to Japanese Sashiko. Please be advised that what I teach is only one part of a big picture of Sashiko as a Japanese Culture. I can share the “whole picture” of Sashiko that I have been practicing throughout [Core & Essence] and [Application & Practice]. However, it doesn’t mean that I am teaching the whole picture of Japanese Sashiko.

So, after learning [Core & Essence] of Sashiko, I want everyone to learn other styles of Sashiko – and moreover, the essence of how Japanese think, behave, and stitch. I hope that my teaching will be a great gateway to the Sashiko which in Not introduced in English yet.

Also, it sounds like that “everyone” has to take the workshop I offer to reach to [Core & Essence] of the Sashiko We practice. It isn’t true. One can reach to the realization by just watching others to stitch, like Youtube Videos I periodically offer. So, I wouldn’t say that one cannot reach to the [Core & Essence] of Sashiko wihtout taking this workshop – however, this workshop will make your understanding of Sashiko more comprehensive & deeper.

Also, your decision & commitment to learn [Core & Essence] from us directly support the sustainability of the Sashiko we practice. There are so many types & styles of Sashiko that got “wiped away” by history. Unfortunately, the Sashiko we practice is no longer the main stream of the Sashiko practice (even in Japan). In order to protect the upstream of this beautiful culture, your commitment is very much appreciated. I am pretty confident that I can offer the “Eye-Opening” experience for you.


More Details of Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence] and [Application & Practice]

Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence]

The workshop is an intensive learning opportunity rather than “let’s enjoy Sashiko together”. The participants will learn the important “Form” and “Mindset” of the Sashiko we have been practicing. This workshop will be the fundamentals of any following Sashiko Workshops.

  • Learn the basic of the Sashiko we practice
  • Rhythmical Running Stitching – Unshin – as the Core & Essence.
  • The appropriate posture of Sashiko stitching.
  • How to use the thimble & needle appropriately.
  • How to make even stitches
  • Hands-on Stitching Time with stitching the Asanoha pattern.

Sashiko Workshop [Application & Practice]

– and yes, we will extend it to Boro.

We will apply the Sashiko I shared on the [Core & Essence] on to the actual project such as some ordinary cloth you wear. The participants will learn the following.

  • How to prepare the fabric (Transfer the fabric / pre-stitching).
  • How to mend the garment with Sashiko mindset & ideas.
  • How to make Boro (What is Boro after all)
– then, move to Hitomezashi

The [Core & Essence] focus on students to find their own rhythm in stitching. Some styles of Sashiko require a bit of more “control” besides their own rhythm. In [Application & Practice], we will introduce a different style of Sashiko with the same form, ideas, and techniques we cover on the previous learnings.

  • Understanding Hitomezashi with Grid.
  • The Hitomezashi & Its Rhythm.
  • How to proceed with Hitomezashi.
  • How to apply Hitomezashi to future projects.
[Core & Essence] will be a very strict form of teaching as every participant are required to follow the direction of Atsushi. [Application & Practice] will be a bit more easy-going like an independent study while using the technique & understanding of Sashiko of [Core & Essence].

March 19, 2024 at 03:29PM

I often talk about the “Past” and “Future” of Sashiko. I hope that “Present” will function as a bridge, and “how to bridge Past to Future” is to acknowledge. 13 years ago, I found the reason for the Sashiko I received. Thanks to it, I am here to share the Sashiko which wasn’t introduced in non-Japanese languages for decades. Some of you may know this “turning point of me” via Webinar/Patreon, and I hope I will have another opportunity to share – anyhow, the reason I am here still exist, and keep evolving as a “Possibility of Sashiko”.

I introduced the brand “KUON”. Some asked me how they are different from other “Sashiko Inspired” brands from my eyes. I will explain that somewhere, too – but the biggest point is the involvement of “Past” to bridge the “Future”. Another project starting in Japan, #sashikogals . I hope you can read their mission statement… It is another start of a great project to make “it” Sashiko.





体調不良で形にできていなかったご紹介をさせて下さい。

「文化は変化をしていくものだ」と先日の投稿に書いたは良いのですが、「どれくらいの範囲が心地良いか」は人それぞれです。個人的に私は無茶苦茶なことをしている方だと思うのですが、でもそれは私自身がある程度快適に思う範囲内での無茶で。快適な方向に進めば進むほど「昔ながら」の刺し子になってしまうのは、日本では最終的に「味噌汁とご飯とお漬物が最強の組み合わせ」と海外から帰国の際に思ってしまうのと一緒なのだろうと思います。

だからこそ、「刺し子の可能性を広げる」というこれまでの私の言葉も、私が代弁できる範囲での可能性でした。日々海外から頂く依頼も、何も刺し子を知らねーなと思うような注文も、基本的に「できない&やらない」と断り続けています。服以外の既製品への刺し子にしろ、思い出の品への刺し子にしろ、様々な観点から「刺し手が不快な思いをする可能性があるもの」は断っています。逆に言うと、これからも断り続けたいので、会社組織にはしないし人様を雇うような段階には進めないんだろうと思います。

過去を(一定レベルで)守る為には私のような保守的なスタンスは大切なのだろうと思うのですが、同時に「刺し子の(未来の)可能性を広げる」為には、振れ幅が足りません。「なんでもします」という仕事の中に未来があったりするのは家業での経験の中でも承知していて、その過去と未来を繋げるバランスの中で文化は存在します。そして今回、その「(過去を尊重しながら未来の)刺し子の可能性を広げる」というプロジェクトが始動しました。@sashiko_gals です。

私達の刺し子を好きでいて下さる方からすると、「ん?これが刺し子?」となるかもしれません。でも、間違いなく、刺し子の未来の一つです。中途半端に展開される英語圏の「SASHIKO」よりもよっぽど刺し子で、この新規ブランドが世界の刺し子への意識を刺激してくれたらと思っています。何を以て刺し子かは各々で違ってくると思いますが、大槌の方々と時間を共有させて頂く中で、大槌の刺し子をされていらっしゃる方は間違いなく刺し子の真髄を受け継がれている方々だと思っています。というか、私が偉そうに今こうして物語を伝えているのも、大槌の方々が私に刺し子の本質を思い出させてくださったから他ありません。人様を巻き込んで、はたまた雇用すら巻き込んで「可能性を広げる」とはとんでもない覚悟です。過去への敬意と未来へ覚悟を持つ刺し子プロジェクト。刺し子をする一人として応援します。是非、ここに集まって下さっている刺し子好きの方も、#サシコギャルズ にご注目頂ければ、そしてアカウントの先にある「想い」を一読頂ければ幸いです。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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March 18, 2024 at 09:52AM

I apologize for canceling the previous Live Streaming on 3/14 without any prior notice. I found myself in a very sick condition on Thursday morning and I had been in bed for a while. I couldn’t get up to write the announcement… Sorry for that. I hope I can restart the Live concert this coming Thursday.

Sashiko is getting more popular day by day. It is a good thing that Sashiko has more opportunity to be seen, yet it has been a lot of work to “explain” what Sashiko is. The language is a power – and because of the power English has, Sashiko has become something very different from what I practice. You can find so many comfort & positive comments saying [Whatever is fine]. It is true that there are no rules – however, their comfort level simplifies, minimizes, and neglects the culture. I (need to) write a story to protect it. Well. I am happy to share the story – it is so stressful to deliver the message to those who I actually really need to deliver it to. There is another world outside of this account where people use the word “Sashiko” for their own convenience. It is one way to ignore them, yet I do not want to ignore the ignorance any longer. Well. I have no choice. I cannot let someone define what my (our) life is all about.





先週3/15の配信、事前の報告がないままお休みにしてしまって申し訳ございませんでした。木曜日、どうも体調が悪いなーと思って横になったら、そのまま起き上がれず週末を迎えてしまいました…。なんとか配信は非公開にできたので、不必要にお待たせすることはなかったかと思いますが、事前連絡ができなかった点、ごめんなさい。体調は戻りつつあるので、今週は通常開催できたら良いなぁと思っております。

どうも今年はストレスが多い気がしています。実際に身体にくる程の英語圏での刺し子の流れになっているのか、はたまた私自身の変化で感受性が強くなってしまっているのか…。冷静に考えると、「日本から出た刺し子はSASHIKOになってしまっている」と諦めの言葉を出す程に客観的にはなってはいるのですが、それはもしかしたら痩せ我慢をしているだけなのかもしれません。この投稿を読んで下さる方、配信を見にきて下さる方が沢山いて、私が一人ではないのは事実です。孤独を感じる必要もない。ただ、残念ながら「学ぼう」としてくれる人は少数派です。もしかしたら、ほんの一握り。それほどに英語圏での刺し子には「何でもかんでもOK」という流れが巧妙且つ強引に作られているなと思うのです。この流れを作ろうとした人達が時にブレーキをかけるような言動をするほどには暴走しています。

私は縁に恵まれていて、その縁だけを大切にしていれば今ほど心地いい場所はないんだろうと思います。と同時に、この英語圏での刺し子の流れが「英語(多言語)ができること」によって優位性が決まるのが本当に嫌で、日本で刺し子と向き合い続けている人を紹介しなければと心地良い場所から抜け出そうと足掻いているのも事実です。大切な人は傷つけないように、大切な核は失わないように。我武者羅に走っていた頃よりの周りが見えてきた分、ストレスが半端ないのかもしれません。

刺し子で溜めてしまうストレスを発散するのも刺し子です。刺し子そのものと、その刺し子でご縁を頂いた皆様と。今年はこの日本での刺し子の縁を少しでも広げていこうと思っています。まだまだ守らなきゃいけない刺し子があるので、立ち止まってはいられません。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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March 12, 2024 at 11:44AM

I never refuse the Change in Sashiko. All I ask for is “acknowledgement”. Some call their stitching Sashiko with no understanding of what Sashiko is. Some may do so simply because of how “Sashiko” looks. Some even think that a pattern itself is called Sashiko… Well. To avoid the “Change with Ignorance”, I keep sharing the Stories. I just say “Don’t (Intentionally) Ignore”… I hope it isn’t too much to ask.

KUON (@kuon_tokyo_official) is a brand that has been bridging Past & Future in Sashiko. I met the founder of Kuon when I was in Otsuchi town after the 3/11 earthquake. It has been more than 12 years since… and he is now launching the new project to “expand the possibility of Sashiko”. There are so many “Sashiko Artists and Designers” now. Some of them make something very “traditional look” or good looking imitation. However, there aren’t so many Fashion brands who sincerely care for the origin of its practice. I hope that this society will support not only the past but also the future of precious practices such as Sashiko as we stitch every day for the future while appreciating the past.

I will write about his new project more in the next post.





どんな文化においても「変化」は必ず訪れます。逆説的に見ると、変化をしないものは文化とは呼ばないのかもしれません。「伝承」が古くから存在するものを伝え続けていくことだとしたら、「伝統」とは伝承から学び変化をし続けるものなのだろうと思います。刺し子においても、当たり前ですが「変化」は存在します。「伝統的だよね」と括られる私達の刺し子も、変化した刺し子の一つです。諸行無常。日本文化において「変わらないこと」はないとされている考え方が存在するからこそ、過去を無視した、非日本語圏での適当な変化には苦言を呈しているのかもしれません。あるいは、過去を無かったものにしてまで己の利益を守ろうとする姿が心底気に入らないのかもしれません。

では「過去を無視しない変化」とはどういうものか。過去をどれだけ認識するかは、未来に向けての覚悟の量と比例してくるとは思うのですが(趣味で今を楽しみたいだけの人はそれほど過去を学ぶ必要はないけれど、未来を作ろうとする気概のある人は過去を学ぶ必要がある)、刺し子を商業ベースに乗っけてファッションとして昇華させながらも、しっかりと過去も尊重して下さっているブランドが存在します。それが、KUON (@kuon_tokyo_official) であり、デザイナーの石橋さん (@shinichiro_ishibashi_ ) です。お洒落とは真逆に位置している私ですが、カッコいいものはカッコいい。私達の刺し子の可能性の一つとして、本当に嬉しく、そして頼もしく思っています。

KUONを立ち上げた藤原さんとの出会いは、私が滞在していた大槌刺し子(@ootsuchisashikoproject
)でした。出会いから約12年。「刺し子の可能性」を模索するプロジェクトが始動しています。詳細はまた別途書きます。まずは、刺し子の過去をしっかり見つめながら、刺し子の未来を見続けてきたKUONの紹介がしたくて。

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March 10, 2024 at 08:29AM

While re-watching Sashiko Live Streaming on 3/7, I found a great analogy spoken by mouth. It is about “Simplification of Sashiko”, and I believe it is happening to many other Cultural Practices.

Imagine that a Whole Story of Sashiko is like a big circle. When it was introduced to “Western (Non-Japanese) Culture”, people there had their own mold of how stitching should be – which was complete square. Instead of trying to accept the “Circle” as is, in order to feel comfortable (or comfortably spreading), they decided to change the “Circle” to “Square” by putting Circle into the mold. It may have been done nicely or violently, gently or forcefully. Cutting Off the 4 edges of Circle to make Square would be the easiest way to fit the square mold. So they did & their “Comfortable Sashiko” happens in their own understanding of how Sashiko should be. The cut of parts is something defined as “unnecessary” or “uncomfortable”.

Some cultures may have more complex shapes. The more irregular the shape is, the more parts would be cut off to make the complete square. I am NOT saying it is bad to mold it to their comfortable shape. I am saying it is NOT fair to define the “Cut-Off” part as “unnecessary” part of the culture, or even worse, ignore them & hide them by putting them into the trash bin. Sashiko introduced in English may be comfortable for those who wish to have the answer right away – but it is molded by someone who does not belong to the original culture. We can avoid this by being mindful & acknowledge – then we will not follow/support those who appropriate the culture.





英語の配信を見直していて、改めてこの数年で表現力は身についたなぁと(自己自賛で恐縮ですが…)。英語圏の刺し子での何よりの問題は「切り取り」です。これは現代に生きる私達の宿命みたいなものなのかもしれませんが、全体の流れを無視して一部を切り取り、その一部があたかも全てであるように多数を巻き込んで利益を得ようとしているのを受け入れられないのです。受け入れてはならないと思っています。切り取ることは誰でもできますが、それを利用する為には力が必要です。それは金だったりコネだったりメディアだったりするのですが、今の私の活動においては「英語」という言語が力です。そりゃフェアじゃない。英語ができないと日本の刺し子をしている人として認知されないなんて…でも、現状はそうなってる。だからこそ、英語ができる力があるからこそ、声は上げ続けないとと思うのです。変化は良いんです。その変化に至るまでの過程が卑怯なのが駄目なんです。

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February 28, 2024 at 08:40PM

I periodically come across the “Masterful Sashiko Advice” saying, “It is impossible to make Sashiko have both Front & Back side looks the same”. Well… how about this? Stitched last month in 2 weeks by @satokiyo828 – The advice completely excluded her beautiful Sashiko Work. This is the simplification I identify as issues here.

It is okay to have one side look differently. It is also Sashiko. However, “Spreading the Advice from so-called experienced ones” is ignorant & disrespectful. When they do this simplification for profit (money), then it is a form of Cultural Appropriation, which I rarely identify in Sashiko.

Again, it is okay if one cannot do it. Practice makes it better. The issue happens because they are changing culture itself because they “Cannot” do it. There is a huge gap between “Can’t” and “Don’t”, and culture should always be changed by “Don’t (Choose Not To)”, not “Can’t”. Please do not follow these simplifications. You know better now. I don’t need to even defend ourselves as we have a handful of Sashiko Artisans who can make both sides look the same.





定期的にネットに出回る「英語圏での刺し子に内在する嘘」。目にする度に心拍数が上がります。もういっそ直接論争に持ち込もうと思う時もあるのだけど、同時に「争うことは刺し子の本質じゃない」と、より刺し子の本質に近いだろうジメジメした所で、でも堂々と嘘の裏側にある真実の刺し子を伝え続けられたらと思っています。

「刺し子の裏と表は絶対に一緒(同様)には見えない」というのがある刺し子専門家の主張です。物理的に不可能とまで言い切っています。条件付きであれば、それこそ一目刺しのようにある程度見せる模様が決まっている柄であれば、「裏と表が同様にならない」言葉は真実ですが、あたかも全ての刺し子において命題が真であるというような伝え方は間違っているし、侮辱的です。2024年に作られたこの刺し子風呂敷。裏と表。これは「一緒(同様)」と断言できる出来です。この素晴らしい刺し子が、その専門家が主張する英語圏での刺し子では存在していません。置いてけぼりです。こんなに刺し子の本質を辿っているのに。しかも、こういった刺し子ができる人は運針会を通して沢山出会ってきていて、もう両手では数えきれない程になりました。刺し子において、表と裏は鏡のように同様になることもあります。物理的に可能です。形にしていますから。

どんだけ無知なんだろうと呆れてしまうのですよ。「やらない」と「できない」の間には相当の溝が存在します。「表の柄に集中したいから裏は気にしない」は刺し子への向き合い方で私がどうのこうの言う必要はありません。私も重ね嫌な時は裏は…となるし。でも、「(全ての)刺し子は裏と表が同様にならない」と断言することは、「私はできない(けど専門家は名乗っていないんだよね)」と断言しているのと等しいのではと思ってしまうのです。これが日本人の言葉が届かないところで行われているのが本当に嫌なのです。日本語で「裏と表は同様にならない」と断言している人は私は知りません。綺麗にできるかどうかは別話です。これは非日本語圏で文化を捻じ曲げる言動です。文化を変えてまで自分を正当化する人は日本では私は出会ったことがないのです。

これだけの技術と「らしさ」をもった刺し子が、主流とは言わないまでも、紹介される世界であって欲しいと思っています。これほどまでに「刺し子らしい刺し子」を排除した刺し子って、もうやっぱり刺し子じゃないじゃんよ…となるのですよ。@satokiyo828 さんの作品です。

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February 25, 2024 at 08:50PM

Believe it or not, I am an introvert. I am too shy to talk to someone whom I don’t know well… so I apologize for “just eye-contact & smile” when you found me in QuiltCon. It is true me on the stage for lectures or right next students in the workshop… but, from “natural standing point”, I still prefer stitching over going out for drinks with many people (unless they are okay with me bringing the stitching materials there).

Although I am not a dedicated quilter, QuiltCon has been like a home to me. Thanks to many Quilt Heros (in my mind), I got many chances to introduce myself. If you came to this Instagram Account recently, and you aren’t sure about what Sashiko is, please consider taking the “Introduction to Japanese Sashiko Stitching” Course on Domestika. Link is this: https://ift.tt/miQkL4v

Unfortunately, Sashiko introduced in English is simplified & romanticized. Therefore, I didn’t have any “recommendation” until this Domestika Course. Yes, the course is also somewhat “simplified”, yet it is a good “start” to understand what I am trying to do. Then, when they need further assistance, please consider taking the In-Person or [Core & Essence] Online Class. What I teach in QuiltCon & on Domestika do not really overlap. The QR code is on the 2nd photo, and the link is also available on the Story & Highlight.

Photo (c) Domestika





なかなか信じてもらえないのですが、私は相当に人見知りです。内向的でもあって、一人でずーっと時間を過ごすのも苦手じゃないし、寧ろ大人数で騒ぐよりも一人で針を持っていた方が楽だと思う程には意識は内向きで。気がついたのは父親になってからで、それまでの30年間は結構無理していたんだなぁと。

基本、一人で完結するので、軋轢を生んでまで自己を通すことはあまりしません。一つだけ例外があって、「好きな人が求めていること」であれば押し通すだけの能力はあるんだろうと思います。刺し子を通して出会えている方々は、不思議なのですが、「学生(高校)時代の友人」のような感覚でお付き合いをさせて頂いています。オフ会も同窓会みたいな感じなんですよね。交流会とかじゃなく、初めて会う人もいるのに「同窓会」。誰かの為に動く時に出る馬力ってブレないんです。だから、もう少し頑張れるかなって。

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February 24, 2024 at 10:04PM

In the QuiltCon Lecture, I received an important question. [What is the line (boundary) between appropriation & appreciation (respect)?]. My answer was “acknowledgement (of the Stories behind)” as always. At the same time, after the lecture, I realized I could add one more word. If you follow this account for a while, you know what I am going to write – it is the importance of protecting the “upstream”.

I share pretty much everything on the Internet both the technical perspective of Sashiko & the cultural Story of Sashiko. I don’t hide/modify any of my stitching as I believe it is somewhat a public domain. I ask for the fee for workshops & Online Class when one needs my personal attention (and it can help to accelerate the learning) – but it isn’t necessary as the materials to learn Sashiko are already there for free of charge.

However, “Free” doesn’t mean “Non-Important” or “Non-significant”. One may learn Sashiko by watching my videos online and teaching themselves. It is perfectly fine to enjoy “self-taught” Sashiko, but even the “self-taught” has the materials to learn from – here, the photo/videos on Youtube. I never ask for compensation for saying that one learned Sashiko from me. Again, I share everything deliberately, and I even say “Copy it”. So, if you are about to learn Sashiko, please identify where you get that information – please acknowledge the “upstream” even when they say “self-taught”. If one ignores the upstream, and then pretends that they “invented” it, then it will lead their activity to Cultural Appropriation (as it may cause the Profit over sacrificing the upstream). So, to follow-up the great question, I would ask to acknowledge the story AND the “upstream” of where the story comes from. Thank you for learning Sashiko from us.





「刺し子を教える機会」を重ねるにつれ、いかに「その当たり前がどこからきたのか」を考え、また可能な限り明確にしていくことの大切さを身にしみて感じています。現代は「独学」が当たり前です。AIが発達によって、AIがまとめた情報を基準に勉強して専門家になる人も出てくるでしょう。ただ、その「どこからきたか」を蔑ろにし続けると、いつか第一次の知識(つまりは智慧)を紡ぎ出せる人がいなくなってしまいます。その場合はAIが集めた過去の情報を再編集するしかなくなってしまいます。それはなんか寂しいのですよ。もう終わってしまった文化であれば仕方ないかもしれないですが、刺し子のようにまだ生きている文化なのであれば尚更。AIに私が思う本質的な刺し子は多分できません。でも、AIが刺し子を教える日はくるでしょう。その流れの中に「人間」があって欲しいなと思うのです。

#Sashiko #刺し子


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