August 12, 2021 at 12:54PM

Many many years ago, you may have mended your jeans. After 40~50 years have passed, you learn there is the word “Boro” for that. You didn’t know that there was a name for what you did. Well. Boro is a foreign word for you, so what you did may be Boro or may not. Instead of framing what you did into the current trend & wording, please be proud of what you actually did. Why isn’t just “mending jeans” enough? Why do you have to use the word “Boro”?

I am NOT saying you shouldn’t use the word Boro. I just want you to know that the word Boro carries more than “mending whatever”. Since what you did 50 years ago wasn’t in Japan, it may be the same, or maybe different. It is, of course, “mending” for sure, but Boro? We don’t know. Therefore, please be “careful” and try to learn what “Boro” may be for one group of people: like me.

I say this outloud because there is another group of people who use “Boro” (or Sashiko) for other purposes rather than just referring to the practice you did. It can be for “money making”, “admiration”, “recognition as the Artist”, and “validation”. It is okay when they “try” to learn what Boro means… but when they say, “I don’t care. Leave me alone (but I will keep calling it Boro)” is the form of Cultural Appropriation causing a lot of pain. 

Please be proud of your own culture. You do not need to name what you did from the foreign culture, so I am proud of my own culture of Sashiko & Boro. If you are interested in the Japanese culture, mindset, philosophy, and practice of Sashiko & Boro, then you will probably choose to keep learning. I welcome you here, and this account is for sharing something that Western people have not shared yet (due to ignorance, discomfort, or inconvenience). 

I am posting this because I had to work on huge emotional labor this morning toward the ignorant comment saying “Word doesn’t matter so stop whining”. (It was on a FB group – not mine) The word and name matter to me. I am learning, though, how C/A can happen.

とんでもないことになったので、連投です。来週配信でお話します。一つお題。「襤褸(ぼろ)の核になるもの」って一体なんなんでしょうか?文化は進化すべきものだと考えますが、中心核になるものは変えたくないのですよ。いや、それにしても本当に勉強になります。

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #JapaneseBoro #刺し子 #ぼろ #襤褸


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August 12, 2021 at 10:53AM

I know the word “Cultural Appropriation” bothers some people. However, there is “pain” over their uncomfortableness. C/A can be avoided by learning & imagining, yet people with privilege choose not to do so. Therefore, it became an issue. It is not us who made C/A as the issue, it is them. 

“Let’s embrace the imperfection in Sashiko”. “The core of Boro is using whatever we have (so we should enjoy it without caring for the C/A)”. These are very painful phrases to me: not anger, deep fear and sadness. I have spent so much time with many Sashiko practitioners, who never considered themselves Artist, or even Artisans. They make “perfect” Sashiko after 60+ years of experience, yet they always try to be better. They all admitted that the hand-stitching will not be “perfect”, but none of them embraced the imperfection: They worked hard to get better for their entire life. 

It is true that Boro is an outcome of limited resources. Therefore, for those who can choose, the sustainability of no-waste with expressing their “art” can be a good word adaptation as Boro, saying visible mending. This isn’t wrong, but it is missing an important part of culture. And ignoring (not trying to imagine) the voices is the form of C/A. Everyone has their opinion, and I respect it. However, are they happy with their opinion knowing it exists over someone’s pain? My message is simple. If one isn’t comfortable with “the Japanese ordinary (common sense)”, then the understanding of Sashiko/Boro is most likely insufficient. Therefore, keep learning. When one decides to ignore it because it is inconvenient or uncomfortable, then it become the issue of Cultural Appropriation. 

う〜ん。頻繁に、「マネーの虎、カナダ好きの回」の話をするのですが、「加が好きで、加を紹介するビジネスを立ち上げたい」という人に対して、「加には何回行ったの?」という至極当然な質問。驚くべき返事は、「まだ加には行ったことがない」と。英語も多分勉強中?子供ながらに、なんだそりゃと思った記憶があります。

同様に日本語を学ぼうとしない人が、日本文化について堂々と宣言するって、僕は嫌なんですよね。日本文化について議論するのであれば、日本人を巻き込まなきゃいけない。英語で日本文化について議論しても、大多数の日本人が参加できない議論であれば意味がないなぁと思うんです。ま、日本人も同じことしますけどね。仏語の言葉のニュアンスとかを日本語で議論してますし。

#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本の刺し子


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August 11, 2021 at 04:49PM

Offering a lecture in the second language is challenging. Plus, since the topic is intercultural, the word choice becomes very important. I am aware that the people only listen to what they want to listen to. However, it doesn’t mean that I don’t need to practice to be better at communicating. It is my responsibility to find a better way to “share”.

I was alone for a long time. At least, I felt lonely until I had a life-changing moment. The greatest outcome of me “teaching” and “sharing” is to meet my Sashiko friends: someone I can trust, rely on, and be honest without me fearing (worrying) the outcome. I had a “practice webinar” for the in-person lecture coming this weekend. Not only was it a good practice, but it also made me content (more confident) to the challenging time. 

To be honest, I do not know if what I am doing is “good”. I am just screaming out loud with my pain & fear, to protect my identity. I “teach” Sashiko so that they can enjoy the most delicious part of Sashiko. I always wonder if what I do is good enough. I always “had” questioned myself if what I did was “needed” in society. My Sashiko friends, mainly those who learned Sashiko from me, come back to me to share their works, support me, and just hang out with smiles. They share their own stories. It is “the place (Ibasho)” for me to feel safe: I am here thanks to them and you who care to read our stories, and to be honest, that’s all I want. 

今ではぶよぶよのおじさんになりましたが、昔はスラッとしてた頃もあり、尖ってた頃もありました。刺し子を斜めから見てた時期、あるいは「刺し子なんて未来に必要ないんじゃないか」と勝手に思ってた時期。当たり前に、健康的に、若かりし頃は刺し子に疑問を持ち、反抗してきて今があります。ま、毎回ギリギリの事が続いての今だけど。

今と昔。何が一番違うかと言うと、「刺し子友達」の存在です。配信では繰り返し言っているのですが、恥ずかしいのを堪えて書くと、「刺し子好きな友達が欲しいなぁ」というのが、僕の配信の、運針会の原点だったりします。今週末の英語での刺し子講演。「練習するから見に来てー」という言葉に、友達が集まってくれ、1時間の練習を聞いてくれ、沢山のフィードバックを下さりました。日本でも、日本国外でも、刺し子を一緒に楽しみ、一緒に考えることができる友達が増えていること。それが一番何よりも嬉しいのです。正解とか間違いとかじゃなく、居場所を作りたいんです。作れることは分かったから。

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August 10, 2021 at 10:47AM

It is quite surprising to receive feedback that they didn’t know the some Japanese stitched Sashiko to strengthen the fabric. Making the fabric stronger by stitching in their harsh conditions with limited resources is one of the primary & important essences of Sashiko. Unfortunately, This is how “filtered” Sashiko is now in English. The trend is changing its principal. No wonder I feel fear. However, it is NOT your fault that you do not know about it. Not knowing isn’t the issue. In fact, I thank you for coming here to learn. It is an unfortunate result of Japanese being quiet (for many reasons including the language barrier). It is the Cultural Filtering done by privileged group (as considering English as “privilege” Language). When one speaks on behalf of their foeign culture, they have a responsibility to “communicate the whole” rather than making better sales. Making money is fine, but (intentional) ignorance is not fine.

It is a valid question: “Does Sashiko really strengthen the fabric?” Yes. It is wisdom based on so many people’s practice & story. Not all stitching make fabric stronger, but our Sashiko does. Following the wisdom, many other questions will be answered with many stories. We have reasons why we use our specific thread, needle, thimble, and scissors. There are reasons for the patterns we stitch. The posture matters to make this wisdom happen. If one chooses “whatever” after knowing every story, then it is the “evolution” of Sashiko. However, if they say “whatever convenient” by ignorance, then it isn’t the change – it is just destroying the culture. It may be too late in Sashiko, but I know there are so many people here to listen & learn so we can pass some down. Sashiko is more than a trend.

僕が配信でご紹介する刺し子の道具や材料、また技術については、ほぼ間違いなく「なぜ?」という裏付けがあった上でのお話です。なぜ僕が、特定の刺し子糸、針、指ぬきを使い、「運針」について喧しく言うのか。全て理由があります。なぜ理由を話せるかというと、それを幼少期に嫌という程聞いてきたから。「理由(なぜ)」って、煮詰めると智慧になるんですよね。英語で「刺し子の目的の一つは布の補強だよー」と昨日書いたら、「知らなかった!」という反応が。うん。英語圏の人は商売に忙しくて、そんな基本すら伝えようとしてないんだよ。だから毎日書いてるんですよ。

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August 09, 2021 at 04:09PM

Please, please respect the “eldery” people in the field you are interested, especially if you are just visiting. “Result”, “Outcome”, “Speed”, “Productivity” and “Efficiency”. They are all important aspects to be “Successful” in today’s society, but “An amount of time one had spent” in one field can be an irreplaceable treasure (wisdom). They spend so much time doing “something” in their limited resources. We can choose to use the dishwasher and be efficient. Can we “consider(define)” those who washes dishes by hand just “Not-efficient”? That is a very dangerous mindset to limit the culture. Same in Sashiko. If you are relatively new, first try to learn, then keep practicing. I welcome a good thought-out discussion. I have a lot to learn. For that, I am “eldery person” in Sashiko & learning a lot here. (For example, in the C/A issue, I am a newbie and all the statements I make can be insufficient – not wrong, insufficient. I am still learning).

“An ability to adjust to new things (technology)” and “performing the expected meme” are very important in today’s society. Those who “can” adjust may look down on by those who “cannot”. However, those who “can” have to understand their “can” may be based on those people who “couldn’t”. Same in Sashiko. It is a fantastic movement to celebrate Sashiko. However, that celebration has to include those who made it happen (kept it until today). At least, let’s say without respect, the celebration cannot exclude those who had established the wisdoms. Do you think it is over-reacting? No, it is an on-going “trend” in Sashiko.

「年配を敬え」という言葉。昔は嫌いでした(笑)長く生きてるからって尊敬の対象になるとは限らんだろって。でもね、今は普通に「年配の方々は敬え」と思っています。今のご時世、「尊敬」される為には何かが必要で、それは実力だったり、お金だったり、努力(できる環境)だったりします。実際、生産性や現代社会に求められるものを考えると、「老害」という言葉が出てくるのもわからなくもない。でもさ。人生って生産性だけじゃないし、「実力」とかもあくまで一部だと思うんですよね。年齢を重ねた方々の輝きって、智慧という言葉と共に、きっと敬うべきものとしてあるんだろうなと思っています。(全ての年配の人を敬えとは言ってません。人間性が駄目な人もいる。でもそれは年齢に関わらないのでね)。だから日本で刺し子をしていらっしゃる方々のお言葉は、どんなお言葉も真摯に受け止めて行きたいと思っています。

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August 08, 2021 at 09:50PM

“In making Sashiko Denim, do we stitch the denim pants first or mend it first?”. This is a frequent question I receive when I work on denim (in Live Streaming). When we know (or think of) the essence of Sashiko, the answer is decided: We stitch the pants first. Of course, mending is an important aspect of Sashiko. However, the Japanese stitched to “avoid” mending in their difficult condition. There is (almost) always an answer to a Sashiko question because Sashiko existed in the ordinary. “Just Because” is very rare. There are reasons, in fact, the Sashiko is the result of those “reasons (stories)”. Well, we call the result of those stories “Wisdom”, right? Is it so difficult to understand why I am working so hard to pass down these wisdoms? It is easy to lose (by just ignoring it), but it is almost impossible to revive it. I want to keep “it” as a choice, not filtered culture by someone who does not even know these wisdoms. 

英語で刺し子を伝える中で、「指ぬきを使わない刺し子は間違っているの?」と極論の質問を頂くことがあります。毎回のように言葉にはしているのですが、「指ぬきを使わなくても刺し子でいいんじゃね?」と僕は思っています。ただ、刺し子を「日本の(全体をひっくるめた)刺し子」として、日本語以外で”教える”のであれば、「指ぬきが使えない」のは、流石に文化に対して失礼過ぎるだろうと。日本国外で、その言語で、他の文化を教える先生が「指ぬきを使わない」のは良いんです。でも、「指ぬきが使えない(から使わなくてもOK)」だと、指ぬきが必須な刺し子は否定されてしまうことになりかねない。

英語圏で怖いのは、この「正しいか間違いか」をはっきりさせないといけないことです。中途半端は駄目なんです。正義を決めなきゃいけない。日本は「正解も間違いも」両方とも同時進行できるんです。そりゃ「あれは刺し子じゃない」とかっていう意見は日本語でもあると思いますよ。でも、議論はしても、最終的な正義を決める”喧嘩”にはならないんです。本当素敵な文化です。だから様々な形式が残り、文化が豊かだと言われる国になりました。海外の「正義以外は排除する」という刺し子が、万が一日本に入ってきた時の為に、やっぱり準備はしておかなきゃいけないと思うのですよ。刺し子に関わり、また英語圏で生活する一人として。

#Sashiko #SashikoDenim #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子


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August 07, 2021 at 06:29PM

While enjoying the Live Streaming, I realized 3 ways to refer to myself. In English, I only know one way to say “I am Atsushi”. I may say “My name is Atsushi”, but the word to refer to “first person” is limited. It helps us to communicate by limiting the pronoun so that we from all over the different cultures can communicate in one language – English.

In contrast, in Japanese, I can think of about 20 ways to refer to myself as “first person”. In the movie “Princess Mononoke”, Ashitaka introduces himself saying “I am Ashitaka”. It isn’t a wrong translation, but I feel a bit of incompleteness. In the movie, in limited time, there is no way to communicate the cultural & language difference. In Sashiko, we have a lot of time. I hope stitchers can enjoy the difference, instead of filtering them to focus on the “result” of stitching.

気楽に配信をするようになり、自分の配信を見返すと、まだまだ軸がブレてるなぁと思ったりするのです。無意識下の選択なのですが、まだどの一人称を使うか定まっていないのです。「私」「僕」「俺」。この中のどれかになるのは決めているのですが、まだ定まっていないのです。定める必要もないのかもしえれませんが。

日本語は、「雰囲気」が大事で、使う言葉によって空気感が作れたりします。英語はどちらかというと発する言葉の抑揚で空気感を作るような気がします。だから、空気感を限定できるから、書物の英語はより論理的に伝えることができます。その日本語で作る空気感を英語で作ろうとしているから大変なんですね。

もののけ姫の一節、「我が名はアシタカ」という言葉を英語にすると、「I am (my name is) Ashitaka」。少し何かが違います。良い悪いじゃなく、なんか違う。同時に、ここでの投稿が「”小生”の書く物語」と「”あたい”が書く物語」だと、読む前から心構えが違ってきます。そんな日本語と一緒に育まれてきた刺し子だからこそ、空気感も大切にしたいんですよね。”拙者”がする刺し子なのか、または”ウチ”がする刺し子なのか。あるいは……吾輩が……。

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August 06, 2021 at 12:05PM

Thank you for watching the Live Streaming. I prioritize sharing stories while many others are focusing on selling Sashiko supplies & DIY sets. I have been explaining why I need to prioritize the stories. However, it doesn’t mean that I do not have to worry about making ends meet. 

We all live in different conditions. Some have, and the others do not. It is not my intention to filter people based on what they have or don’t have. Some live in wealthy countries. Others do not. Some understand my language, the others do not. While we aren’t equal in different conditions, I try my best to be as fair as possible.

So, if you can, please be mindful of what you do (choose, learn, purchase and support). I am not saying everyone should purchase Sashiko supplies from us. As I wrote above, everyone is in different conditions. However, I try my best to be competitive after paying all the responsible fees (such as Tax) and as sufficient amount as possible for suppliers/artisans. I understand if you choose other suppliers based on your convenience. However, if you choose others, do not spread your choice here as if I recommend them. 

I sincerely appreciate your support. All the links are available from the profile & I try my best to update the business in @upcyclestitches (Although I prioritize stories more). Please be respectful & considerate even in different conditions. (The direct support is available on Patreon.)

刺し子配信のご視聴、ありがとうございました。言いたい事が言える配信で有り続けたいと思っています。さて。運針会。詳細はブログを更新するのですが、日程を仮決定しました。9月7日(火)夜9時からの4時間を予定しています。夜は駄目だけど、その前後の日程でお昼なら……という方もお問い合わせ頂ければ幸いです。調整できるかもしれないので。詳細は(https://sashico.com/?p=4501)でご確認下さい。日程は更新していきます。

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August 05, 2021 at 09:34AM

Sometimes, I see a phrase saying “Japanese don’t have (state) opinions”. This isn’t true. Well, it may end up with looking like we do not have opinions. However, it doesn’t mean that we do not have any voices. In Japanese language, the verbs come toward the end of a sentence. Therefore, we need to listen & imagine what they are saying in order to make a good discussion. On the other hand, in English, I often see a discussion talking “over” the counter party’s statement. This is something I really need to learn in the U.S. to “win” the argument – mostly for my daughter. 

If Sashiko is a western cultural practice, this “winning” is important. However, since it is Japanese word, it carries Japanese essences – which is, here, a quiet and calm discussion to understand each other – not to make others silent. The pain I often describe comes from here. I feel as if “something” is suppressing my emotion & voice. I believe there are millions of those who feel similar. When we talk about Sashiko, unfortunately, I do not need opinions (I appreciate the feedback, but opinion on what they think of Sashiko isn’t irrelevant without proper understanding). However, when a privileged group say “I do not discuss opinions about Sashiko (or any other cultural practice)”, then it becomes the Cultural Issues. I still cannot believe it, but there are people who consider our voices as “opinions” – it isn’t an opinion, it is the identity. 

先日の配信で「刺し子、なんでも良いと思ってますよ〜」と軽い感じでお伝えしたのですが、これは日本語だから言えることなんです。同じ「何でも良い(Whatever is fine)」ですが、言語と文化によって、全く違う意味合いが生まれ、違う結果になったりします。面倒なことを書いている感じはしますが、日本国内でもっともっと刺し子が広まってくれれば良いなと思っている一人です。

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August 04, 2021 at 11:48AM

My old phone’s battery just gave up. So, I replaced it. I stopped Instagram Live Streaming for many reasons a year ago, and one of them was problems with my phone. So, I tried the new one. It worked fine, and many new features surprised me. Since it works, I will do Live Streaming both on Instagram & Youtube.

Youtube is for more “Theme” based Live Streaming with dates planned, specifying the language I speak. Instagram, no theme, no topics, no language specification, and no schedule. I will do it when I feel like it. I may bring someone in, or I may do it by myself. My goal is to “leave” all the living voices of Sashiko so that someone can refer to them in the future. I hope the live streaming will be part of that. 

If you would like to jump into the Live & Talk with me, DM me. I only accept them when I know them.

久々の&突然のインスタライブのご視聴、ありがとうございました。インスタグラムで配信をしなかったのには諸々理由があるのですが、スマホを新調したことと、もっと本音を言うと人様の配信(しのぶさんとしのぶさんと一緒に配信をされていた方々の)をみて「わ〜俺もしたい〜」と思ったのが理由だったりします(笑)Youtubeは、構えちゃうんです。良い意味でも悪い意味でも。だから、サクッとその瞬間をお伝えできるインスタグラムも選択肢として再開しようと思っています。いろいろ新機能もあるみたいなので、使ってみようと思っています。(配信アーカイブが30日ダウンロード可能なのは嬉しい驚きです)。

厳密に配信の棲み分けをする訳ではないのですが、しっかりとテーマが決まっているものはYoutubeで時間を決めて行います(例えば靈氣のお話とか – 7/30の配信でお話しました!)。ゲストを招いた配信とかもYoutubeかな。逆にインスタグラムでは、テーマも何もなく、思いついた時に配信をする形にしようと思っています。ちょっとバタバタするかもしれませんが、1年ほどリズムが掴めなかった配信のリズムを、これをきっかけに取り戻せられたら良いなと思っています。

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