November 21, 2021 at 11:31AM

In my understanding, discussion of “Cultural Appropriation” does not intend to limit someone’s creativity or possibility. For me, all I want is “Acknowledgement”, and if possible, a bit of care to support the culture (if there is an option to do so). Saying: “I know Sashiko. I have been doing a lot of Sashiko, therefore I can do whatever I want” from a non-Japanese person is a Cultural Appropriation because they do not acknowledge the possible “missing piece” of the Japanese Sashiko in whole. Instead, “I am a beginner, so I am willing to learn Sashiko” with their own stitching, calling it Sashiko is not really a Cultural Appropriation to me: Once one acknowledge that there may be something more, we can start caring for their possible pain. Once we care for the pain, we can avoid horrible things (If one does horrible things knowing the pain behind, then it is a more cruel issue than Cultural Appropriation).

My point is simple: I want you to learn before a simple definition by someone. Unfortunately, the “Core & Essence” of our Sashiko is available through me (in English), and therefore I am asking everyone to learn from me first – then they can expand their Sashiko. What I teach in the class is that powerful (accurately speaking, the Live Session following the class is the powerful moment). Or, watching the series of Live Streaming over and over can bring one to the understanding. At least, there are many whom I believe share the similar understanding without taking my class (but they follow this account & Youtube very carefully).

I want you to learn how to “Not” to stitch. If one ignores this with knowing my voice, then they are filtering the culture, which can be a form of Cultural Appropriation. I am just fighting against ignorance & indifference toward my culture, not someone’s Creativity or Possibility.





「運針会」では、「縫うことに集中しない刺し子」をお伝えしています。日本語だと、この一節だけでも結構伝わるんです。縫うことに集中しない。結果ばかりに目を向けても、人間の集中力には限界があります。逆に運針そのものを楽しむことで、結果がついてきます。そんな単純な話なのです。次回運針会は12月5日に計画しています。プロフィールのリンクから運針会の詳細ブログがありますので、詳細はそちらをご確認下さい。

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 #運針


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November 20, 2021 at 08:35AM

It isn’t tradition, design, technique, wisdom, history, or even stories that motivate me to share so much about Sashiko. It is “People” that I have met, I meet, and I will meet via Sashiko. I care for those who come to me to learn what Sashiko is. In this trend, where we can :choose the answer” regardless of the truth, words & numbers will have very strong power. It is tempting to have more words and bigger numbers… and it is very important. However… It is “the person” who I care about the most. I can share Sashiko today because of “people” I meet. One of them is Otsuchi Sashiko. One of them is you who follows me.

Sashiko is MORE than stitching. It is almost impossible to define it with words… so I want you to try to see the scenery I am seeing now. Today’s Webinar about Otsuchi Sashiko is one of them. If you can make time tonight (at 9pm EST), please check the link to get a free ticket (https://ift.tt/3mV9T3M).





昨日のYoutubeでの配信、ご参加頂いた方、本当にありがとうございました。久々に本当の意味で「素」を出せた配信だったと思います。その後疲れちゃって、インスタグラムの更新すらできませんでした(笑)

ここ1年程、ぶっちゃけ……というかやっぱり……というか、いろいろ苦しかったのです。キツかった。仕事が流れに乗りすぎて怖いと思った直後のコロナ禍。キャンセルの嵐と物流の混乱。リモート学校での時間の制限。苦しいけれど、その苦しさは出しちゃ駄目だと思うがゆえに、結果的に数字にこだわってしまっていたこと。「言いたいこと言って楽しく刺し子をして、楽しい刺し子を知って頂きたい」という本来の想いが、数字を背負うことで「嫌われないように、数字が減らないように」と、自分をすり減らすような活動になっていたんだと思います。話す内容は一緒なのですが、その伝え方が違うだけで、これだけ精神的な違いが出るんだな……と、またひとつ勉強になりました。

毎週金曜日の夜。刺し子しながら、刺し子について、日本について、んでもって僕と皆さんと一緒に元気になれるような配信を続けます。「笑い」も、もう少しだけ頑張ります。

有り触れた言葉ですが、やっぱり「人」なんだろうと思います。僕が刺し子に戻るきっかけになったのもの「人」です。今の僕があるのは、応援して興味をもってくれている人がいるから……です。来週も宜しくお願いします!

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子


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QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Cover

QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Workshops Details

It is my pleasure to join the QuiltCon 2022 as a Sashiko Workshop Faculty. It has been difficult years, and with all the effort of many kind & passionate people in Modern Quilt Guild (MQG), I am very happy that I can be part of this great event. This page is for those who plan to attend QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Workshops. Please find the details below to see what you can expect in QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Journey.

*If you do not have a ticket to join the QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Workshops, please contact MQG for the possible waiting list. In 2020, there were a few last minutes cancellation, and there may be a chance for you to join. Also, I offer Online Sashiko Class as well as a few In-person Workshops for 2022. Please check each articles for the details. Thank you.

In QuiltCon 2022, I offer 2 kinds of Sashiko Workshops: (1) Sashiko: Core & Essence, and (2) Sashiko: Application & Practice. The [Application & Practice] workshop has a prerequisite of [Core & Essence], “Sashiko Mastery Class” from QuiltCon 2020 or Atsushi’s full time (more than 3 hours) in-person or Online Sashiko Class. One may take the both workshops over the same weekend. The “Core and Essence” the participants will learn in the first workshop is not difficult yet very important to know in the second workshop. If you join the (2) [Application & Practice] workshop without the prerequisite, the experience can be significantely reduced. Please contact me if you are not sure about your prerequisite. Also, if you worry about your current understanding of Sashiko after taking the Class (for a long time ago), please contact me as well. I am happy to offer the “refresh your memory” package for you as well.

It is extremely important that everyone has the exact same materials & tools to pass down the Core & Essence within 6~8 hours. Please purchase the special package below before the QuiltCon 2022.

QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko: Core & Essence

In our tradition, Sashiko is NOT about making perfect (or In-perfect) stitches. It is all about moving (trusting) a needle comfortably while communicating the fabric. Unfortunately, the current trend of Sashiko is missing the most important part of Sashiko. In this “Core & Essence” workshop, I will teach you the core technique of our Sashiko so that you can start focusing on communication rather than judging each stitches you make.

It is extremely important to take this workshop before jumping in to any of the workshops I offer. There are a few Japanese terms that the participants need to memorize (not so many & no exams or whatsoever, but knowing them is important).

On Instagram and Facebook, I often say: Sashiko is NOT ◯◯. This workshop will give you the answer what Sashiko is for you.


*This workshop is not a type of “Let’s Enjoy Sashiko Togeher” workshop. It is one-direction learning experience for you. The participants are required to stitch a lot. They may have to go through some “uncomfortable” stitching experience (due to new muscles they use). Sometimes, it may require some mindfulness in eye-opening experience. Please do not be scared or worried, however. I will do everything to help you to “experience” and “start enjoying” the Sashiko we practice today.

*There is NO prerequisite for this workshop. No experience in Sashiko is necessary. If you have never touched the hand-stitching needle, please try to learn how to “thread” the needle, or how to use the threader (videos are available on my Youtube). On the other hands, if you think you already know about Sashiko, please try to be as open-mind as possible. What I teach in this workshop is probably different from what you already know. There is no such a thing as “Right and Wrong” in Sashiko: and I will add another perspective of Sashiko in this workshop.

Please purchase the special package for QuiltCon Sashiko: Core & Essence below.

What to bring to Sashiko: Core & Essence.

The Special Package above is all you need to enjoy the Sashiko: Core & Essence. If you choose to receive it to your home, please bring all of the contents inside.

The following list is something maybe helpful for you to bring & prepare:

  • Masking Tape or Bandage to protect the nail from scratching by needles.
  • It may a good idea to cut the nail on the dominant hand (the hand with the needle). One can learn Sashiko with long nails, but it may be an obstacles in the first trial.

QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko: Application & Practice

It was such a pleasure to have so many positive feedbacks after the Sashiko Workshop in QuiltCon 2020. One request I had received from so many participants were to offer something “advanced” after learning the Core & Essence. To be honest, I believe that the [Core & Essence] provide all of the necessary technique & knowledge to start enjoying Sashiko. It is up to the stitchers preference on what to do after that: therefore, there are no “Advanced” Sashiko workshop. However, there are some ideas that I enjoy after learning the Core & Essence of Sashiko. This workshop will explain several Applications & Practices of Sashiko based on the Core & Essence they leartned in the first workshop.

*This is type of the workshop of “Let’s enjoy Sashiko Together” with following my specific guidance, including Hitomezashi and Mending Ideas.

*The Previous Knowlege of our Unshin (Core & Essence) is prerequisite for this Workshop. Any of Atsushi’s Full-Time (more than 3 hours) workshops graduates are qualified. If you have taken the In-person workshop with Atsushi before 2019, which was longer than 3 hours, you are most likely qualified. If you take the Sashiko Mastery Class in QuiltCon 2020 or taking the Sashiko: Core & Essence in QuiltCon 2022, or have taken the Online Sashiko Class, you are qualified. If you aren’t sure, please contact me so that I can check the status. This prerequisite is extremely important to make this workshop enjoyable for you. I appreciate your understanding.

What to bring to Sashiko: Application & Practice

Since this is a “Applied” Workshop, there are several tools required to bring with you. Please make sure to have them in the Sashiko: Application & Practice on top of the Special Package you are required to purchase above.

Please bring from the previous Sashiko Workshop (either Core & Essence, Mastery, Full-Time, or Online Class):

  • Sashiko Thimble (Metal Round)
  • Sashiko Needle (51.5mm)
  • Chalk Pencil White

*Please bring the exact Needle & Thimble you have received. If you do not have them, please purchase from the Supply Kit webpage in advance →.

Also, please bring:

  • 1 or 2 Crayola Washable Marker (ideally fine top) with Dark Colors.
  • A ballpoint pen (cheap one is fine)
  • One or a few Cotton Garment (such as denim or shirt) with mending (or stitching) needs. A large hole may be too much to complete within the workshop. A hole of about 2~3 inch diameter would be the ideal for patching. The Garment doesn’t have to have holes. I will explain how to apply Sashiko to mending/repairing. Stretchy fabric including stretch denim and T-shirt are not ideal. For the detail of what is best to bring, please check here → (The Article of “What is the best fabric for mending” will be ready soon.

Following is a list that is NOT required yet recommended to bring:

  1. Masking Tape / Scotch Tape / Bandage to protect the nail from scratching by needles. 
  2. Thread Clippers (Some Airline may not allow to carry on the Airplane). Scissors will be available in QuiltCon.
  3. Other choice of garments for mending just in case the one you bring is not ideal for the mending in the workshop (I do not want to limit your suitcase space, so one garment is good enough). 
  4. The fabric you would like to use for mending (A piece of fabric for mending will be provided, but you can use your favorite one).

As same as the Sashiko: Core & Essence, It may a good idea to cut the nail on the dominant hand (the hand with the needle


About Recommended Tools for our Sashiko

The Special Supply Package for the [Core & Essence] Workshop includes everything the participants need in the workshop. There is no need to prepare thread, needle, thimble or fabric for learning Sashiko in this workshop. In order to avoid unfortunate misunderstanding, I require everyone to use the exact same tools & supply.

For the [Application & Practice] Workshop, I ask the pariticipants to bring several things. I do not supply the needles & thimble in this workshop because everyone have once received it in their first Sashiko Workshop (as prerequisite). It is perfectly fine to lose a needle or a thimble. However, I do not want to encourage them to lose them by offering extra package. We believe that the spirit resides in each items (Please read this article for more details).


That being said, there are a few recommended tools for Sashiko, which is NOT necessary yet very useful when you wish to continue Sashiko stitching.

Thread Clipper

Threaders & Finger Cots

Bobbin Paper

Mylar Paper & Carbon Paper

General Information for the Recommended Tools & Supplies for Sashiko Stitching

I am here to Support

If you have any questions about QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Workshops, please contact Atsushi. I am happy to answer any questions or worries prior to the workshop. Your question may be someone’s question, and I will share the question and answers here on this website (of course, annonymously).

I am looking forward to meeting you in Phoenix, AZ.


Q&A for the QuilCon 2022 Sashiko

Q: (Sample) What is Sashiko?

A: (Sample) You will find out in the workshop!

November 13, 2021 at 07:47AM

“Sashiko” is not a word for mending technique. Mending is an important part of Sashiko, but it is not the primary purpose. They (the Japanese) practiced Sashiko to avoid mending. Stitching fabric to make it “stronger” so it wouldn’t need to be mended so easily would be more sustainable than just mending? In order to make fabric “stronger” by stitching, there are “key points” to do it efficiently. Therefore, a pattern exists. Therefore, the Sashiko thread matters. Unlike the superficial Sashiko trend promoted by non-Japanese, all of my statements come with “Why”. When I say “We need a thimble”, there are a number of stories why we need a thimble. It’s not “Just because” or “simply”. (Some teach Sashiko saying “Just because” or “simply” because they “simply” don’t know it).

Mending is an important practice. Stitching doesn’t only mend the fabric but also heals our souls. It is a beautiful idea & practice to add extra care so that we can carry something important for a longer time. “Instead of replace, do repair” is one solution for our issues, and THEREFORE I want you to know the whole picture of Sashiko instead of “commercialized in/for Western market” terminology.

We live in a world where “mending” is necessary. However, mending one issue with destroying other cultures is sad, as if fixing my own favorite cloth with ripping someone’s important cloth. If you read this in English, you are powerful because you understand the language ¼ of the world population use. The bigger impact when we consider the GDP. Your choice can save the Sashiko we have received, and our Sashiko can be more beneficial for the bigger terms of Sustainability.





英語でオンラインで教えていて面白いなぁと思うのが、「宿題をやらずに堂々と出席する」人が少なからずいることです。「ビデオを見て頂いて、数時間練習してから参加して」とお願いするのですが、全く事前準備なしに参加される人がいて。宿題やらなかったら(僕だったら)直前でもキャンセルするのですが、堂々と「やってませんぜ(だから今教えて)」と来るのは、文化の違いなのだろうなと思います。少なくとも僕が知る日本じゃない。宿題やってないから来るなとは僕は言いません。教え方に関しては完全に郷に入れば郷に従えです。配信で話した用に、「教える事」はサービス業になってしまい、厳しい師弟関係などは求められていないのでね。承知の上、少しでも楽しい刺し子が広がれば良いなと思うのです。

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Hitomezashi #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子


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November 12, 2021 at 12:05PM

I want you and everyone to enjoy Sashiko. I really do. Therefore, I want you to try to learn the whole picture, instead of the “Sashiko (as Instant Gratification)” filtered & modified by those who use Sashiko/Boro to sell their products. I say something uncomfortable to protect the “Essence of Japanese” in Sashiko. It can be a form of “confrontation” in Western Niceness. However, my intention is to be your friend by sharing the Sashiko – not the Sashiko you can get by filtered & modified, comfortable & pleasing sentences in English.

Trust me. Once you start “read/listening to” what I really write/say, the Sashiko will become something more for you. It is our (Japanese) ordinary, but it is your (Non-Japanese) extraordinary. That’s the most delicious part of Sashiko, and unfortunately, many are missing it. I am sharing pretty much “everything” for anyone to reach “ordinary/extraordinary” even in Japanese, without living in Japan. Don’t define/conclude by reading/listening to someone who does not know the whole picture of Sashiko





久々の日本語での刺し子配信、ありがとうございました。事前通知無しだったのにも関わらず、沢山のお言葉が頂けて嬉しかった&楽しかったです。配信はYoutubeにアーカイブとして残します。また、来週以降、今回の配信で決めた事を守るように、金曜日の夜は必ず皆様の前で日本語で刺し子を語ります。はい。

恵子さん、体調が悪いという僕の投稿を見て、「きっと体調良くなるよ」とこの写真を送ってきてくれました。刺し子の本質はここで、「自己表現としての刺し子」はあくまでも、刺し子の本質の一部でしかありません。刺し子は芸術になりえますが、全ての刺し子が芸術である必要はないのです。ただ、自己表現することが、「自分を好きになること」により価値観を見出そうとする現代では、受け入れることが難しいのかもしれませんが。

「一人じゃない」とはわかりながら、それでも頭の小さい空間の中では常に一人な訳で、どうしても深い所へ沈んで行ってしまう時があります。そんな時にチカラを下さるのは、やっぱり日本にいる&同じ日本文化を当たり前として認識下さる皆様です。本当にありがとうございます。来週からは定期的に、金曜日夜10時半。

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子


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November 11, 2021 at 09:48AM

Many agree that “Mending Fabric” is similar to the process of “Mending ourselves”. I move my needle in complete silence when I am in need of “mending myself”. It isn’t easy to go through this “Internet based on Individualism”, where anyone can say anything with complete ignorance, without expecting the pain. I speak up to keep what Sashiko/Boro is because it became too much of a pain to see the current trend. However, it can be more painful to speak up. While someone is mending their fabric with their own individualism based on their “choice & preference”, there may be someone being in pain. That’s the complexity of cultural concerns in dominating (privileged & more influential) countries. The solution is simple, though. We just need to acknowledge it and try to be kind (caring) for the voices behind the words.

“Sashiko is a mending technique” or “Boro is a technique to mend fabric” are not wrong statements. However, they are insufficient. If one thinks that they can “talk” about Sashiko/Boro with this limited understanding, then Cultural Appropriation can happen. All I am asking is to acknowledge. Sashiko/Boro is more than what they know. Stitching itself is, for me, an ordinary yet sacred (spiritual) practice. One some try to push their value in this, I feel dirtied (soiled/invaded/insulted), which forms the pain later on.

Again, all I am asking is to “acknowledge”. It is sad that one’s “mending” may be harmful for someone. Unfortunately, it can happen when we do not “acknowledge” it. Not knowing is fine. Please keep learning, and hopefully please support those who can share the stories instead of those who make money out of their “convenience understanding” of their foreign culture. Mending itself is a caring process. So, I want you to care for someone’s culture as well.





体調不良の為、配信も思うようにできておらず申し訳ないです。昔のゲームセンターでやったもぐら叩き。楽しい記憶があるのですが、あれが延々と続くと多分嫌になります。ふと、そんな無為な感覚に襲われて、その後ガクッと体調が崩れてしまいました。刺し子……というか針仕事には、心を癒やし繕うチカラがあると思っています。その刺し子を紹介する中で逆に傷つき苦しんでしまう。文化とは難しく、単純が故に伝わりにくいのだな……と日々勉強です。無為は良いのです。賽の河原の石積みにもそれなりに意味はあります。崩れた理由は、「もうもぐら叩かなくても一緒じゃね?」と妥協しそうになった自分です。ほんとまだまだだなぁ。

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子


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November 09, 2021 at 09:22AM

For some (many), Sashiko is Art. Sashiko may be a craft to enrich their lives. Sashiko may be something to read/find in the book or arhicves, or can be something to keep it mind to learn more. As much as I have my own “understanding” of Sashiko, I respect all of these perspectives of Sashiko. I am happy that people can reach Sashiko, I just do not want it to be “filtered” by those who think they know about Sashiko.

For some, Sashiko is their “Life”. When one chooses Sashiko as their “it”, Sashiko can be more serious. Well, I believe, that’s what “professional” is. When one chooses to be the “Sashiko Artisan” or “Sashiko Teachers” as an individual, their choice contributes to the trend, Aesthetic, mindset, and craftsmanship. My mother, Keiko, is like that. For me, as much as I say Sashiko is not Art, she is the genius Sashiko Artist. At the same time, there are those who do not stand on the stage: those who “make” Sashiko as their living income source: who Keiko used to be. And those who choose Sashiko as their “Life” collectively will hugely contribute to the Sashiko as “Culture”.

I say “Sashiko isn’t the past (yet)”. Although what we can find is mostly in books & archives, there are people who choose Sashiko as their “Life”. Otsuchi Sashiko is one of those. They are the primary reason I am still here in Sashiko. The unfortunate, and weakness (or probably fortunate/strength in different direction) of Japanese culture is that the Japanese do not really use English. On 11/20, I will have a webinar to introduce what “Otsuchi Sashiko” is for you. It is free of charge. Anyone can join (100 seats limit). It is on Zoom. Any donation would be spent to order “Sashiko Work” to Otsuchi Sashiko. Please join & learn what “current Sashiko” is formed, struggling, and hoping.

Sashiko Story Webinar (2) about Otsuchi Sashiko (https://ift.tt/3mV9T3M).





11月20日、第二回目の刺し子講演会を開催する予定です。オンラインで、英語で。今回は大槌刺し子について英語で可能な限り紹介しようと思っています。大袈裟ではなく、2011年に大槌刺し子と出会っていなかったら、今僕はこうして刺し子に触れている事はありません。僕がお伝えしている言葉は存在していません。僕の刺し子の型の原点は飛騨ですが、僕の刺し子の出発点は大槌刺し子です。どれだけでも語れる大槌刺し子。英語の1時間にまとめようと思っています。無料なので「英語なぁ。頑張ってみようかなぁ。」という方もご参加頂けると嬉しいです。頑張ろー!

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #OtsuchiSashiko #刺し子


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November 08, 2021 at 08:59AM

What does this picture (Sashiko)talk to you about?

Sashiko is more than a marketing word. It is not definitely mere technique or one type of “style”. If I have to define it (although I do not want to), it is a form of stitching done by the ordinary Japanese. Therefore, understanding the “common sense” for Japanese is pretty important. “Mastering Sashiko” without even “trying” to learn Japanese culture sounds superficial. I occasionally encounter a non-Japanese person who claims they know about Sashiko. I respect their efforts, but they have not learned Sashiko enough to really see the depth of this ordinary.

However, the “stitching” itself is not so special. It happened everywhere in the world. Anyone’s grandmother or their mother would have done the similar thing, in their own country, with their own culture, on their ordinary. Therefore, Sashiko as a name does matter: It differentiates our stitching from others – not talking about good or bad, superior or inferior – I am just talking about protecting my own identity as a Japanese person. I want them to care for their own culture first if they claim they know about Sashiko.

At the same time, don’t get me wrong, “Anyone” can enjoy Sashiko. I want everyone to enjoy Sashiko – not the Sashiko filtered by someone who does not even speak Japanese, but the Sashiko the Japanese have preciously & carefully tried to “bury” and “pass down”.

What does the picture bring to you? Autumn leaves and Sashiko. To me, it is a cue to expect the snow, and appreciate the short, and instantaneous beauty right before another beautiful, yet severe season. We all have something precious in the memory: and when we can collectively share that, we call it “culture”.





紅葉の季節。上高地の神々しい色合いと、通勤途中の銀杏の木の下のベンチで咥えた煙草の味は、今でもしっかりと記憶に残っています。いろんな意味で厳しい冬の訪れの合図と同時に。40歳近くになって漸く紅葉を客観的に楽しめるようになりました。昔は「終わりの始まり」のような気がして。流れがあり、動くからこそ「何か」を見出す。紅葉の奥に潜む日本人らしさが愛おしいのですよ。少し足を伸ばせば溢れる程の紅葉が楽しめる。そんな国はそれほど無いのですよ。

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Hitomezashi #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子


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November 07, 2021 at 07:12AM

“Cultural Appropriation” is a sensitive & difficult issue to discuss. Whenever I talk about it, not only do I lose many followers here, but also I receive pretty angry comments. Some think as if I am going to take away something from them. Of course, I am NOT. In fact, the opposite. I am just sharing stories to avoid C/A because it will be more enjoyable. Not knowing is okay. Knowing it yet ignoring (not acknowledging) it is the problem.

As my personal note to you, let me simplify the C/A issue in Sashiko. If you worry about appropriating the culture of Sashiko and care to read/listen to the stories, then don’t worry. If you think you are appreciating the culture of Sashiko, then please worry if you may appropriate the culture by reading the stories “as if”. The Boundary Line between “Appropriation” and “Appreciation” is clear to me. It is “acknowledgement” (and hopefully caring). For that, no action is needed: I want everyone to enjoy Sashiko. I do. But I want them to enjoy the Sashiko we practice – not the Sashiko “modified (filtered)” by someone non-Japanese for their profit & convenience.

This is my personal voice. I do NOT talk on behalf of other cultures & their C/A issues. Some feel more severe pain than I do, so please do not minimize their words. My goal is not to cause a “split”. It is the opposite. Since Sashiko in English is causing the split, I would like you to be part of my challenge: to unite them into one again. For that, your action & support is very much appreciated.





先日の配信でも力が込もった思いなのですが、刺し子や襤褸に関して思いを発信する中で、僕は決して「変化」を否定している訳ではありません。(寧ろ刺し子職人さんからは煙たがれるレベルで変化を望んでいたし、今も望んでいます)。文化は流動的なものだし、変化をしない文化は、文化の本質ではないですし。ただ、その変化は「日本人の、あるいは日本に興味や関心がある人の」ものであって欲しいのです。「日本?どうでもいいよ。刺し子はクールだから」という、文化背景を置き去りにする変化が嫌なんです。

僕は日本文化が大好きです。紅葉を見て、白い雪を連想する。白い雪は刺し子を思い出させる。米国に移住しましたが、僕の原点は日本です。海に囲まれた島組&200年余の鎖国という、国境を争う国ではなかなか得られなかった時間で、内に入り培ってきた文化です。良いも悪いも含め、やっぱり大切なんです。刺し子が変化するのであれば、その独特な僕が好きな日本文化を土台にして欲しい。願いはそれだけなのです。

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November 06, 2021 at 10:25AM

The Sashiko mask exhibited in ROM now is the mask I actually “heavily” used in 2020. I, of course, washed it before I had sent it, but it isn’t really “clean” in terms of the condition. It is a heavily used mask. I hesitated a bit when I received a request: telling them “It isn’t the mask I made for display. I used it a number of times”. ROM’s reply was: “That’s exactly what we are looking for”.

“From Personal Protection to Personal Expression”: This is the second sentence of the exhibition. Do you remember a series of interesting conversations on this account about how “useless” some think about the Sashiko masks I had shared? So many comments & 2 extreme comments as if I believed in the medical function in this Sashiko Mask. No, I wasn’t. I clearly stated that the mask is not for any medical purpose but more like the way to go through the difficult time with what we had: Sashiko. Many people experience(d) the extremely difficult time in Covid. It is not over yet, and that’s our new normal. Therefore, I want you to care for the stories more. I want the world to learn History: and I want them to learn stories around History. That’s something we can do to preserve who we are as humans in this crazy time.





先日ご紹介した、ROMにて展示されているマスクは、2020年に実際に僕が使っていたマスクです。頻繁に使ってたので、それなりにほつれもあるし、美品なんていうものではありません。何度も繰り返しお伝えしたのです。「がっつりしっかり使ったマスクです。もちろん洗ってから送りますが、でも美品なんていうものではないです」と。その返答が「だからこそ良いんです」というものだった時に、やっぱりふと思い浮かんだのは「用の美」です。どうしても定義を考えてしまうと、民藝と芸術の境界線は必要です。英語にするとわかりやすくて、Folk Art と Fine Artはやっぱり一緒に語るのは危ないです。ただ、日本では「用の美」という境界線があってないような「美」の表現があって、だからこそその曖昧で、でも共通認識の輪郭を残したいんだなと思っているのです。

Youtubeでのテーマを決めた配信。話があちこち飛びましたが、でも当初の予定した通りのお話はできました。頭を使うので刺し子をしながらでは難しく、となると「刺し子配信」では無い気もするのですが、様々な配信を通して刺し子について考え続けられたらなと思っています。

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoMask #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子


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