I love “words”. But, I don’t trust “words” so much. I feel there is something between “imagination (image in our brain)” and “words”. I share stories to outline “it” – something we cannot define or describe comprehensively in words.
☆
Let’s say, I have “a” needle now. Can you imagine “the” needle I have accurately? Probably not. You can imagine “a” needle I have, but not “the” needle – since we have all different filters. Unfortunately, I do not have HDMI output to connect my head to project what I have in my brain. Therefore, we have to trust the mutual understanding of the word, not the word itself. When we bring the word “Needle” to non-English community, it may mean nothing but “symbol”. Now, if you are not Japanese, I want you to try to learn “our (Japanese) mutual understanding”, not only the definition of the word and techniques.
☆
I did my best to write my intention in English above. However, it is incomplete – sort of “wrong English” because I am still learning. Please laugh and let it go if you are professional in English as Language. Somehow, I need to share this “something in between” in English to protect Sashiko – so I chose to share stories, not just “how to” and “what it is”, with the hope that they read between the lines.
☆
I receive many messages like this: “I cannot explain/understand why and how, but your writing for some reasons resonates with me.” That is exactly the outcome of reading between lines – remembering your own (indirect) stories while using my story as a trigger.
☆
What I share through Sashiko isn’t something extraordinary. Regardless of cultural differences, as being human, I believe that we all had something similar as the ordinary. Without that belief, I won’t spend this much time sharing. I fight back against those who force the image of “the” Sashiko. Then, we can appreciate the scenery of “a” Sashiko, and that’s how we can pass down Sashiko.
I am sorry for so many posts lately. I feel as if I am in a big whirlpool of “surprise”.
☆
I thought, well “hoped”, the followers here for a while would get the most important message from Sashiko. I wrote it here and there, mainly as a part of the story. Receiving so many comments tonight, I feel responsible to state it clear. I prefer they try to read between lines, but this cannot be misunderstood. It isn’t definition, history or technique. It is about the heart of Sashiko.
☆
It is “Appreciation (to what we have)”. Animism kicks in here. We appreciate fabric, needle, thimble, thread, and everyone/everything related to it. The comment states as if I enjoy cutting the fabric. It is inevitable to cut the fabric for many reasons & purposes, but I do NOT enjoy cutting the fabric. The artisans taught me that “Cutting fabric is equal to cutting yourself” – which is a teaching of how “careful” we should be when we cut the fabric. It is one example of appreciation. If we “have to” discuss the origin of Sashiko, “appreciation” is the origin – not how they stitched it or what they made for. It is too ordinary to generalize the origin – but I believe all Japanese “appreciated”. In this context, appreciation doesn’t mean only “gratitude”. It also includes the acceptance of their ordinary, saying “good enough” with giving up some hope.
☆
This “Appreciation” is also a difficult word to describe in English as I intend to. Then, with learning here, I now use the word “mindfulness/care” as the essence of “Appreciation”. More accurately, it is all 3 of those together, if it makes sense. Please do not twist this post. This is my origin as well (If you have taken my lecture, you may know why it is the origin).
☆
By the way, I do not block an account unless it is obviously harmful to others. Disagreement is fine (when they read what I write). There are many accounts we had “disputes”, yet they keep following me (Thank you!). Yes, I am an idealist. You may think I am an idiot, and I am aware of that. I am not strong but determined. So, I should be okay. My goal is to “pass down” and what I chose to do is “share”.
We, as newbies in “privilege”, have to understand that “privilege” and “handicap/disadvantage” are not the same. I am NOT minimizing the hard work of people with difficulty. However, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t privileged. Also, privilege isn’t simple math. It doesn’t offset “have” and “don’t have”. Therefore, even in extremely difficult conditions, one can be privileged simultaneously – and depending on the topic, acknowledgement becomes important.
☆
“Privilege” now may be about the color of skin for some. I can only talk about Sashiko – and therefore, Privilege here is merely about the “start-line” (which hugely is impacted by color, anyway, but a bit off the topic). We, with people with privilege, tend to define other’s values, often without any harmful intention. I used to say, “Sashiko is stitching for poor Japanese in poverty”. I stop saying that. It was a big mistake in translation. It has to be “Sashiko is stitching in harsh conditions with limited resources”. It can be rude to define that they were “poor” based on our privileged values.
☆
Now, many “privileged” people are romanticizing Sashiko. I am happy that Sashiko is popular. However, when they deny learning, Sashiko may become something different – filtered, repainted, appropriated, all messages here in this account. All I am doing here is to share stories that non-Japanese can reach to. We need to stop defining others with ignoring their stories. Due to privilege, we end up suppressing them even if we are nice. I am NOT negative or angry. I am just sharing. If you think it is negative, it is because of your filter.
☆
*In Japanese, there are many ways to describe “poor”. Some words actually means good souls (Difference in 貧しい&清貧&貧困）. Therefore, I think it is a mistake in translation. I still describe Sashiko as “stitching in poverty” in Japanese, but not in English anymore. I do not define Japanese who stitch as “Poor people”.
If you are interested in Japanese Sociology, I have a word for you to look into. It is “自己責任論 (Jiko Sekinin)”. In direct translation, it will be “self-responsibility”. With considering the origin of the word (from Wall Street), the translation would be “at own risk”. Both of them are not wrong, but not “quite” yet.
☆
“What you have now is because of what you have chosen” is the message behind it. “A Japanese who works “part-time” is because they didn’t work/study hard enough to get a better job. Therefore, they are responsible for their life, not society.” I used to believe in this idea. After 10 years, not any more. “Choice” itself is already a privilege.
☆
I receive a lot of advice. “Find Peace”. “Try to be Happy”. “Don’t think too much”. They worry about me. The difference is they are privileged enough to have choices. No one from a non-privileged group gave me this type of advice. Because they all experience the situation of “No-Choice”. Having Choices is a wonderful thing. However, please acknowledge that not everyone can have the same choices. Even if the goal is the same “to be Happy”, we all have different startline. We cannot change the fact that we have different starts – however ignoring the privilege ends up with minimizing their effort. Sashiko is a choice for you. Sashiko isn’t a choice for me – it is my life.
Let’s talk about “privilege”. You may feel uncomfortable, but here is my honest insight. “Privileged” itself is not about good or bad. If you are privileged, you are privileged. It may not be your choice to be privileged, but you have been. So, what I ask in this account is simple: “Don’t Ignore It”. I am sharing stories so that we can “acknowledge” it in Sashiko. You can hate me, but don’t ignore/indifference the privilege. Otherwise, you will hurt others one day.
☆
I am extremely privileged. At least, I was. A Japanese male with a (once) wealthy family background living in Japan is privileged. In Sashiko, I am privileged, too, because it was “provided” to me. I didn’t want to do Sashiko, but I am privileged enough to come back when I decided to face to my fate (I explained the reason on Patreon).
☆
I feel, the privileged people have “a sort of responsibility” to what was provided. Minimizing/suppressing the minority’s voice is one neglect of that. Please remember. Those who can “solve” the C/A issue are also “privileged people”. No matter how loud I shout, I can be only a small stone in the big trend of Sashiko – because it is “English Market” who makes this flow. I feel a responsibility to pass down the numbers of unspoken voices from those who didn’t have an opportunity to speak up because of the language and other cultural barriers. I am NOT conservative in Sashiko. There are(were) a lot more “strict” people. However, their voices are not heard – buried in history.
☆
Again, there is nothing wrong with being privileged. Again, it may not be your choice, and you are not doing anything wrong for being privileged. It is just a fact. But, when you refuse to acknowledge it, then issues/pain occur. In this context, a chance to learn English is also a privilege. You do not have to worry about language to protect who you are. You are powerful. Your choice affects a big part of “privileged” people in developed countries. Therefore, I am learning English. Therefore, I speak up. You are the future of Sashiko, when you acknowledge it. I am relying on you. I would like to count on you.
Thank you for reading my messages here. It became a “massive” come back after a few days of “recharging” (vacant). This final post for today is not related to the comment I received. It is about DMs I receive when I share these harassments. 【】is the phrase I receive.
☆
【Focus on your creation (Sashiko)】【Stop the drama】【Be Positive and Keep (your) Beautiful Work (Soul)】. I understand they mean well with admiring what I do. However, they are also shutting down the voices. I am here as the result of focusing on the creation. Many told me that I should have started speaking up 12 years ago… but I didn’t know how Sashiko became in English back then. They say it is too late to share the Sashiko (without pain), but I don’t have any other choice.
☆
Please do not define Sashiko & Who we are based on your value. There are reasons why I say Sashiko isn’t Art. Being positive (good vibes) is great, but then what? Do I convince myself that it doesn’t hurt? If you follow this account【just because you (I) want to see a beautiful picture of Sashiko】, then you are in the wrong place. Follow @upcyclestitches where I focus on creation. This is an account where a Native Japanese Sashiko Artisan(s) share the stories of their lives (Sashiko) with what they create as Sashiko in both negative & positive emotion – so called “Ordinary”. I appreciate your admiration of Sashiko as the ◯◯, but shutting me up by saying “Sashiko should be calm, positive, beautiful” is as painful as the other ignorance (therefore, I share many stories and I want you to read them first). I choose to be here, regardless of the pain, with life-staking determination. I want to be positive, but I don’t want to fake to be positive.
【This proves your authenticity】I have never referred to my Sashiko as “The Authentic Sashiko”. However, my stories are authentic because they are my memories. The fact I can stitch is also authentic because I can. I don’t know if I am authentic or not, but my Sashiko is a part of Japanese Sashiko history. This is why I am hesitant to “publish“. It is because publications tend to offer the “answer”. What I write may eliminate the other voices. Therefore, I prefer SNS & personal relationships because I can “update” when I need it. “Sashiko = Little Stabs” may be inaccurate, although “I” may be the one who translated it in 1996 (If you know who translated, please do let me know). I hope I can find a way to publish by explaining all of my wishes.
☆
【You hate Sashiko being Popular】Umm. Have I ever said that? I am VERY happy that Sashiko is getting popular. All I hate is ignorance & indifference. While NO experienced Sashiko artisans in Japan are fighting what is right and wrong in the whole Sashiko, non-Japanese argue the definition & rules of Sashiko. “Sashiko as a visible mending technique” ignores the spirit of those who “had to” stitch for their survival. Eating food on “Boro (inspired) pieces”? Do they enjoy drinking water from a toilet in the 2nd-hand antique store? I want you to enjoy Sashiko. I understand Sashiko will change its form. However, it is natural to wish that the change is considerate and reasonable, right? Not by some superficial “learning” and someone’s convenience.
☆
–
–
–
☆
Thank you for the DMs. 【Just ignore them】【SNS is not a good place to share the pain】. Both pieces of advice are absolutely valid. However, I choose to be here. I choose not to ignore the “ignorance”. If Sashiko is a well-established culture, I wouldn’t even be here. Since there aren’t many experienced Sashiko artisans who understand English, I need to be here. Since Sashiko is my life, I cannot give up no matter how bad the pain I receive. I hope it makes sense. (being said, I don’t know how one can misunderstand what I write completely opposite, and claiming they read it). One more and that’s it.
☆
Changed my day. The painful comment in the previous post includes a lot of issues some may be worried about. I find it important. So, here are my responses.【】is the phrase I received.
☆
【You have a lotta hatred towards Americans】 → I don’t. In fact, the opposite. I do respect them. I just hate ignorance and indifference.
☆
【How is anyone appropriating culture by reading your caption?】 Nobody is appropriating the culture by just reading what I write. However, when categorizing what I write as “negative or complaining”, a big possibility of Cultural Appropriation occurs. Why? Because I am not complaining. I am writing nothing negative. This is “how THEY perceive” to what I write. The cultural filtration.
☆
【We are privileged now? (Who is privileged?)】In broader issues of C/A, I understand, non-BBIMP/BIPOC are mostly privileged. I don’t know if it is the same in Sashiko, yet. I am learning. Therefore, I do not say, “Only Japanese can do Sashiko”. I sincerely respect those who think “Only-◯◯ should do” to avoid the C/A. At this point, honestly, I don’t know. To me, anyone who is native in English language has a possibility of being privileged (powerful side) because English has enough power to overwrite the culture. It is what I observe on-going. As much as I want you to learn, I am scared of you, too. My goal is to pass down the unspoken voices of Japanese Sashiko artisans by sharing Sashiko. Since anyone can be privileged in this case, regardless of color or background, I ask them to be mindful first before uttering their ignorance. (Read Patreon Article “Language as Protection”). “Being Privileged” itself isn’t bad. It is just how it is. “Ignoring being privileged and suppressing others based on what they believe” by saying 【get over it】 is just horrible.
☆
Thank you for your support. The pain is, however, not a majority decision (that’s why it sucks). I appreciate you letting me share the pain here. 2nd part will come soon.
I am preparing for the first “Online Webinar” about Sashiko. It is challenging to summarize into a few hours of presentation, as you know 700 posts here aren’t enough to share the whole. 37 years of my time with Sashiko. Whew.
☆
For some, Sashiko is merely a new trend to get excited. Since people want a Quick Direction, they make Sashiko as a product. For me, Sashiko is my life. The scenery where people stitch is my raw memory. I am not saying I only stitched obediently. I hated Sashiko in my childhood. However, since I hated Sashiko so much, I had to think about Sashiko a lot more. Like it or not, all I can do is relate to Sashiko. In the “popularity” trend, some try to “repaint” the culture with the color convenient for them (to make more money and such). I speak up because Sashiko is my identity. “What I can do” shapes “who I am”, and I learned it is natural to feel pain when someone invades it. It is my life. I will never give up.
Sashiko became a well-known word in English for those who enjoy hand-sewing and crafting with textiles. I am happy that many people are interested in Sashiko, and enjoying Sashiko with sharing the inspiration they got from the Sashiko they see. However, unfortunately, the Sashiko translated in English is not enough to describe the whole picture of Sashiko: not many non-Japanese Sashiko teachers are teaching the core & essence of Sashiko. Sashiko in English is NOT wrong at all – however, they are insufficient. It is my pleasure and honor to share what Sashiko is for us with teaching the core technique of Sashiko & essence of why it is so important to focus on the process rather than the result. Anyone can learn & start enjoying Sashiko as we do by joining one of the learning opportunity I offer: Sashiko Class 2021 to 2022.
I offer several options, both Online and In-Person. Please check my schedule & availability. I am looking forward to meeting you soon!
The year of 2020 with pandemic brought us very difficult time. However, at the same time, it was the time that we all needed to somewhat adjust to the availability. For me, it was a year of investing majority of my time & energy to improve the Online Sashiko Class. With cancelling all of the workshop in 2020 due to Covid-19, I had to shift everything I had to Online.
I am confident that anyone can learn the Core & Essence of Sashiko Online. This is the main & the most important class I offer. I receive many good reviews with prefering Online Class because they can watch my hands movement closely and slowly over and over again.
You may find Atsushi’s Online Sashiko Class (Virtual Class) on other platform with slightly lower price. (As of Summer 2021, it is $330.00). I occasionally offer Sashiko Class online collaborating with other platform. I ask them strongly to match the price to our Online Sashiko Class, but the final decision will be determined by them (including some mistakes done by manually).
You may find our Online Sashiko Class on this official website as the most “expensive” choice. Please be advised that the other virtual online class will NOT offer the follow-up Live Session after the virtual class (some platform offer the recording of the virtual video & follow-up session with extra fees). The reason of the fee of Online Sashiko Class from my website is that I offer the “Full-Support”, until you can do it or until you completely give up while I will NOT give up on you). Although the Online Sashiko Class include only one virtual ticket to join the “Live Session” to confirm all of your learning, if a participant needs additional session to “be able to stitch like we do”, I will keep offering the time. I may offer the one-on-one session if necessary.
For me, “The learning of rhythm & practicing Sashiko in the rhythm” is the reason I share Sashiko. I sincerely would like you to be able to stitch in the rhythm – therefore, it would be very helpful if you would consider the Online Sashiko Class 2021. (*1) and (*2)
In-Person Sashiko Class / Workshop 2021
It is my sincere pleasure to start offering the In-Person Sashiko Class & Workshop as well. Although I am confident in sharing the technique & skill over Online Sashiko Class, it is also nice to meet in person and share the same moment. I will be there, right next to you, to share & teach Sashiko with my hands on your hands. Also, the biggest advantage of In-Person Sashiko Class / Workshop is that you can touch and feel what we make – the Sashiko we have been practicing. When the condition allow, I bring as many sample as possible with me. You may touch it and wear it for your inspiration. I will still try to limit the opporutnities of In-Person Sashiko Class, there are several of confirmed plann toward 2021 and 2022 (*3)
Sashiko Workshop: Core & Essence
Saturday August 14th: 10 am to 4 pm offered by Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA.
This is Sashiko Workshop for QuiltCon 2022 in Phoenix, AZ. QuiltCon 2022 will be held in FEBRUARY 16 – 20, 2022.
For more detail about Sashiko Workshop such as the contents, fee and how to register, please visit the QuiltCon webpage above, and follow the direction.
(*1) The Online Sashiko Class from this website comes with “Full-Support” I describe above. The Sashiko Online Workshop offered by other platform, the “Full-Support” may be available with additional fee. No matter where you learn from me, my goal is the same. I just would need to priotize the one who pay the full price. Thank you for your understanding.
(*2) Other Online Sashiko Classes via different platform offer the same contents as the Online Sashiko Class 2021. However, the personal support may be available with extra fee. Most of the platforms provide you to access the recording videos. If you would need the personal support, please visit our website to purchase the ticket to get the personal support.
(*3) Please be advised that the In-Person Sashiko Class offered in Central PA (where I live) is still unavailable due to my family condition. Please wait for an update for that. It is my hope to start having the participants soon.
