December 13, 2021 at 10:30AM

Sorry for not being able to make a post daily. I know some of you look forward to our Sashiko Story once a day as a routine. It has been my pleasure to share. I will not stop or give up on sharing, just my days just got a bit more difficult.

In Youtube Live Streaming on Friday (in Japanese), I had a question in English about the Color of thread in Sashiko: phrasing, “What do you think about using colorful threads in Sashiko”. It is a popular misunderstanding of our voice toward “change” in Sashiko. Yes, traditionally, Sashiko is done on the Indigo/Gray fabric with white thread. Of course, as always, there are reasons for this combination. However, it doesn’t mean that we have to use this Indigo-White combination to “qualify” as Sashiko. I like this combination, but it does NOT define what Sashiko is.

Focusing on the materialistic perspective & “How to” in preserving the culture is already mismatching what I am trying to share. It is very important to learn how to achieve great results. However, there are more important things than mere results – which is “how do we approach it (foreign culture for them)”.

Therefore, I ask you not to let someone define the Sashiko for you. You will find your own definition when you keep learning. If someone says what you do is NOT Sashiko because you use colorful thread, then they are limiting (their foriegn) culture, and it can be Cultural Filtration. Stories behind the practice of Sashiko are the key, and choices you make based on what you learn will create the future of Sashiko. I am counting on you.





毎日継続していたこちらでの更新も止まりがちになってしまって申し訳ないです。やっぱり大変な日々は続きます。先日の配信もありがとうございました。日本からのチカラに助けられているのを実感しています。刺し子を語る時、不思議と「カラフルなのは刺し子じゃないのでは」というお言葉を英語圏から頂いたりします。「刺し子はこうあるべき」と語るのは、実は英語圏の方が多いのではと思ったり。大切な核になる部分だけ外さなければ、後は自由で良いと思うんですけどね。人はルールが好きだったり、でもそのルールが自分の気に召さないものだったら自由を叫んだり。なかなかに難しいです。

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Article About Hari Kuyou

Article About Hari Kuyou (On Patreon)

December 8th. If you follow this account for more than a year, you may know this day is a bit special to Japanese, especially for those who stitch. Yes, it is the day for “Hari-Kuyou”.

Sashiko is getting popular with its “imperfection”, “simplicity”,“beauty of patterns” and such. I am happy that the Sashiko can inspire the other needle-thread-fabric enthusiasts to add something new to them. I occasionally talk about Cultural Appropriation here, but I try to make it extremely simple (because I am learning about it, too). If you worry that you are appropriating the culture, don’t worry too much. Enjoy Sashiko. In contrast, if one thinks they are “appreciating” the culture, then they need to stop & think & learn). The more the word gets popular, the more people start discussing “what Sashiko is”. Some may think (or call themselves) that they are knowledgeable enough to “teach” the whole of Sashiko. Well, they may be. However, Sashiko isn’t just about stitching specific patterns. It is more than that: Hari-Kuyou, a day to appreciate the needles and spirits within for their hard work throughout the year explains how Japanese followed Animism, and uniquely “appreciate” the matter. “Appreciation” isn’t so much of a voice, it is the action – and therefore, we can find them in rituals.

Last year, on 12/8, I wrote an article for the Patreon Supporters explaining “How to proceed Hari-Kuyou”. For this year, I am making this article available to the public for several days. Please find the details from the link below, and if you have a bit of surplus in your life, please consider supporting my days of sharing the whole picture of Sashiko.

Patreon Article about Hari Kuyou






先日、大戦中の真珠湾攻撃の話になり、流れで米国軍の第442連隊戦闘団(日系人が主となった陸軍部隊)の話にもなりました。米国軍ですが、この隊では千人針による祈りの儀式があったようで(本当かどうかは不明です)。本当であるなら、文化とは、国や地域ではなく、人に宿るものなんだろうと思います。だからこそ、「もったいない」という言葉に潜む「引く美学」も刺し子にも残したいんです。やっぱりまだまだ先は長い。「もったいない」は間違いなく環境配慮の言葉になりますが、それだけでは全体像ではないのでね。

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Article About Hari Kuyou to share the Cultural Story

This is an archive for our SNS account – introducing the Article About Hari Kuyou. For other Stories, please check the links below.

Official Web: https://upcyclestitches.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpcycleStitches/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashikostory/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sashico

November 24, 2021 at 08:37AM

Thank you for stopping by yesterday’s Youtube Live Streaming. When I write or make a video, I prepare the contents as much as I can. For me, it is a form of courtesy in sharing the message & story. At the same time, sometimes, the preparation can filter, or skim off something important that I do not even realize. I share my stitching with no editing to avoid that. Yesterday, I shared my idea without editing, as a human with emotion, about Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko (or maybe other terms for what I am going through) can create pain.

Since C/A is complicated & sensitive, I purposefully made “my issue” simple. When they say they appreciate the culture, I want them to rethink if they may be hurting someone. When they say they worry about in C/A, then it is probably already the cultural Appreciation. Almost an hour of my honest words. Please check the Live Streaming archive on 11/23. (https://youtu.be/W8UjjWUKpvk) or Search Channel with “Sashiko Story”.





「刺し子はこうあるべきだ」というこだわりは有りつつも、それを言葉に出したり、誰かに押し付けたりはしません。新しいことをする度に無言の批判を受けてきたからかもしれませんが、日本国内の刺し子には常に自由であって欲しいと思っています。もちろん、同時に各々の好みが存在することも尊重しながら。

そして、なんだかんだで一番刺し子において自由なのが、僕が知る限り一番刺し子を楽しんでいるのが恵子さんだったりします。予算考えず好きなように作り続ける環境を恵子さんに提供するのが僕の仕事みたいなものなので、楽しんでもらうことが本望なのです。たまに「それは効率が悪い……」と思うこともあるけれど。

濃い糸色で生成りの布地に刺し子。うん。あまり好きじゃないから丸ごと藍染しちゃえ……というとんでもない想像力が、違う藍の青の表情を出したりします。可能性は無限大です。だからこそ、刺し子を教える際、伝える際には、各々の「できる限り」の学びの努力をして欲しいなと思うのですよ。インターネットで検索して、誰かが翻訳した文章を鵜呑みにして、そのまま専門家を名乗れる程の、薄っぺらい社会になってしまった現代だからこそ。

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


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November 22, 2021 at 10:00AM

I believe I have been making myself very clear on the issue of Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko. Since it is a sensitive topic, I try to make it extra simple for me & Sashiko. With sincere respect to others who share a more strict perspective of C/A, I want anyone to call their stitching Sashiko (if they want to) under “one-condition” – which is “willingness to learn Sashiko”.

The worst one can do in Cultural Appropriation is indifference. Not knowing is fine. I am here to share a story so anyone can learn. For SNS, the worst one can do is to delete the comment I had spent so much emotional labor on. It happened a lot a few years ago. It also happened yesterday. Disliking what I write is fine, and trying to argue with me is okay. We can all learn a discussion with disagreement, and that’s the whole reason I am here – to learn more & share more. So, I do not block an account due to the disagreement (I block it when one becomes too harmful). Deleting (minimising or ignoring) “what one wrote to argue” after a disagreement about their foreign culture is disgusting, and the exact form of Cultural Appropriation. They said: “I like Sashiko’s beauty, but I do not care what you think. I am not appropriating the culture. What a boring world.” – is yesterday’s comment I received, and got deleted by them, and it is the form of Cultural Appropriation. Enjoying Sashiko itself isn’t the C/A. Ignoring the voice with indifference is the fundamental of the issue. Well, I learn from mistakes so I have the screen-shots of the comments. Interestingly, I planned to have a “Live Streaming on Youtube” tomorrow to discuss the C/A. I will share the comment there as the “exact example” of Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko. I want you to enjoy Sashiko, and “THEREFORE”, I want you to learn & acknowledge the stories behind the word, Sashiko. The word “Sashiko” isn’t only for someone’s entertainment





ちょっと長くなるので、コメント欄で日本語での投稿分を書きます。見辛くてごめんなさい。久々に書ききれない程長くなった。

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


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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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