Author: atsushijp

Please imagine a dish you often enjoy. It can be Pizza, Salad, wings, Soup… anything you often enjoy, or even feel tired of having as you have so often. Let’s say you eat “Salad” everyday. (I used mac & cheese in a BBC video, but here I use Salad). Your favorite dressing is Ranch with some croutons. You know other dressing & topping exists. You have your preference, but you also understand those who like Balsamic vinaigrette, Thousand Island, and even Blue Cheese. Let’s say you immigrated to another country which has a lot bigger power in language & economy. You find out that “Salad” there is something so special – and there is a correct answer in how to make & eat Salad – Only Chicken Caesar Salad is the definition of Salad to them. They seem to not know about other salad dressing, topping, and even what Vegetables they can put into Salad. So you say, in your experience, Ranch is the dressing for the Salad – and it isn’t something we should idolize that much. We can enjoy Salad as we wish. No answer to Salad – only preference & “wisdom” to enjoy more – some understand what you are saying. Others say “No, it has to be Ceasar Salad” to define it as Salad… umm. You find it quite strange.
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This is an extreme analogy, but I feel like this analogy in Sashiko. One difference is that I was born in a Ranch Dressing Artisan’s Family – so I want to preserve the (secret) recipe of your favorite dressing. To preserve, I even make it non-secretive. Yet, it is just salad (stitching). Salad is healthy, yet it won’t resolve a headache for those who prefer to work more than sleep.
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I just happened to be the first one who can speak out on behalf of many kinds of dressings in the powerful language. Therefore, my writing here in English is much longer than the one in Japanese. Therefore, I say, Sashiko introduced in English is Simplified & Romanticized… why? Because it is more convenient for “someone” to do so – if you want to sell Chicken Caesar Salad, you want to deny Ranch. So, I say, Enjoy Sashiko – only one favor though. Please acknowledge the stories from Japanese who actually stitch today.
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めちゃ長くなったので詳細は配信で（久々）！
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子


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As this account grows, I have experienced quite many painful comments from haters & trolls. Thanks to as many helps here, I am learning how to cope with them & I will never stop sharing the Sashiko Stories we carry. That being said, I am experiencing something different and painful now. For me, it is worse than the ignorant & hateful comments I received so far. I still cannot believe what I am reading – but I am trying my best to see what is happening. It is so bad that I do not want to put the image as the 1st one. So, if you are willing, please check the 2nd photo.
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The comment on FB is not only disrespectful to me, but also very disrespectful to those who learn Sashiko from me, to those who support what I do. She isn’t Japanese, yet she is representing other Japanese? What kind of entitlement is that? It is a harassment to my identity, to my family, and the Sashiko friends I have now.
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Well. Some may say, “Hey, Calm down. It is just one person’s opinion. Don’t Over-react”. I have been thinking about this without sleep as I feel there is something deeper than the slander. Finally, while writing what happened in Japanese, I realized why it is so bad – worse than just a Personal Attack (I mean P/A is already bad… but it is worse from a cultural perspective). I will explain more – so please wait for the link.
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This happened on FB Group – Sashiko. Please respect other members as I respect the group itself & admin. Also, do not attack the member who started this thread. I respect others saying “What is Right and Wrong in Sashiko”, although My Story shares something different. That being said, I am very curious what she replies to the shout from my heart. Unbelievable.
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先の投稿、勿体ぶった書き方をしてしまい申し訳ございませんでした。残念ながら嬉しい出来事ではありません。嬉しいニュースはBBC。マジで心苦しいニュースは中東関連。今回の一件は世界情勢から見れば米粒のような出来事ですが、個人的にはとんでもないことだったのです。何があったかは2枚目以降の画像をご覧下さい。画像は英語なので、日本語で全体像をまとめました。一晩中心に引っかかった「なぜこれがそんなに大事なことのか」も最終的には説明できたと思っています。大変だわ。でもこれを流すと、きっともっと大変なことになる。
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NOTEへのリンクはこちらです。https://ift.tt/cWtFbDu
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#Sashiko #刺し子


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Regardless of the language I use & where I live, what I do is very Japanese. Please don’t get me wrong. I am doing my best to adjust to my “daily” routine to be a father in America. However, when it comes to work & Sashiko, I am after all very Japanese. It is very comforting to work with someone who has good experience in Japan & with Japanese. For that, Aims-san from @indybindyfabrics has been a great pleasure to work with. Yes, it is kind of unusual, but it is my honor to be part of her event [Sew Inspired Summit⁣] on 21-22 October⁣. I will be joining the event as a lecture – elaborating all the messages I share here into a lecture style presentation, introducing what Sashiko/Boro is to us and how we can bridge the “appreciation ladder” between cultures. And… The event is free of charge for the weekend of 21 and 22nd. Wow!!
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For more information, please follow Aims via @indybindyfabrics, and get registration links and such. The link is here [https://ift.tt/O19NEX0]. It is a bit honor to be a part of this beautiful community & in the line up of great instructors.
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If you cannot make it this weekend, there is a way to enjoy all the contents afterwards. I will share the link to get the VIP pass on my STORY. I hope to see you there!
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Photo (c) Alexander Trowbridge
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久々の宣伝の投稿です。英語で日々仕事はしておりますが、やはり日本在住経験がある方というか、日本人の付き合い方に馴染みのある方とお仕事をするのは、とても楽で心地いいです。普段はこういったイベントに参加することはないのですが、とても気持ちよくやりとりをさせて頂いて、今週末にライブで講演会（レクチャー）をすることになりました。日本語で話していることの英語版にはなりますし、繰り返しの内容もあるかと思いますが、時間が合えば聞きに来て頂けると嬉しいです。何が凄いって、週末のイベントは「無料」なのです。すげーな。（週末に時間がないーという方は、終わった後も見られるVIPパスを購入できるようです）。
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この投稿に書くか迷ったのですが、この裏でとんでもないことが起きました。少し様子を見てからご紹介しますが、多分これをここで紹介すると大変なことになるかもしれません。少なくとも私の妻は叫んでました（笑）週末の配信では必ずお話しできると思います。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #SewInspiredSummit #indybindyfabrics


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I hope you found the article on BBC about Sashiko & the video of me stitching & talking about Sashiko. The link is on my Story & Highlight as well. If you follow me for a long time, you may find something “strange” in the article as the message on the video & the article itself aren’t corresponding. (In short, I was interviewed for the video, but not for the article itself). This happens because of how the media function (in my understanding), and I respect the way they construct the article. I appreciate Alex & Natalia choosing me, and I enjoyed the article itself from another perspective.
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When I receive an interview request, I often say that I am just a raw ingredient. It is them (writer/producer) to cook what I do & say to their audience. NPR, NYTimes, BBC, major media carefully ask me if the results may be as I wish – but I am often satisfied with any results as they are the chef. My significance ends when they pick me from the farm.
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I decline interview requests when I am asked to be something else – like they decide to bake bread, and ask Rice to be the Flour… When I am rice, I can be close to the flour, but they aren’t the same. So, as long as the chef respects what raw ingredients are without modifying the Core for their convenience, I am happy to be cooked in any way. For that, the writing does not convey my message as it is a dish with other raw ingredients they chose. The video is the dish I proudly say it is the dish with my ingredients.
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I do not agree that any publicity is good publicity. However, it is always a privilege and honor to be picked by a good chef as a raw material who wishes to be known “as is”. Sashiko in English is simplified and romanticized as they introduce Rice Powder as Flour. I am speaking up to say Rice is different from Flour.
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BBCの記事、「動画映えしていないねぇ」と恥ずかしいのも、実は枕詞がございまして、「他所行きの顔してる＝動画映えしようとしてる」のにやっぱり映えないねぇというお話しです。ま、人間とはそういうもんだ。さて。英語で本文を一読頂くと「あれ？」と思われるかもしれません。というのも、記事そのものは私への取材ではなく、動画のみが私への取材を元に作られている為、多少のズレがございます。メディア対応の宿命なのでしょうが、それでもわざわざ私の家まで来て下さった動画担当のプロデューサーには感謝の言葉しかありません。ありがたい話です。英語で刺し子が日本人を巻き込まずに変化していく中、こうして丁寧にお話を聞いて頂けることは、とてもとても嬉しいのです。裏話等、また配信でお話ししますね。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #BBCCulture #日本人の刺し子


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It is a surprise to wake up seeing my face on the top page of BBC.com! Thank you for all the messages in this short period of time. A producer/journalist contacted me mentioning he wanted to film my stitching (Sashiko) while interviewing. I answered I would be happy to do so, yet I live 4 hours away from NYC. The producer Alex (@alexandertrow) jumped into a car & drove to my house to listen to my voice, our stories. It was a Friday he initially contacted me, and on the following Monday, he was filming me. As Sashiko “spread” to the world as a trend, many people contact me to ask for what they want to have/get. Alex was the first producer who came to where my “ordinary” exists – I was interviewed while preparing the dinner for my family. Some media suggest that I travel to them. I appreciate them covering the cost, but I usually cannot travel to them because my priority is family unless it is scheduled in advance. Media often “choose” to listen to “experts/masters” who are convenient to them – physically closer, responding faster, following the contents… I understand speed is very important in the media, and we all know that there are millions of choices. Alex chose to convince the team to come to me, and I sincerely appreciate his effort to listen to me.
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Naturally, I was very happy with his visit. I rescheduled several things, but it was no harm to anyone. As I was happy & comfortable, I answered all of his detailed & deep questions with my sincere honesty. I believe the video clip on the article is quite interesting – it isn’t how Sashiko is introduced in English – but another great summary of what I have been trying to share in the last 6 years. Big thanks to Alex & his team, and I am happy that the world is listening to the voice from Japanese – not someone who is convenient to them on(location & language) concerns.
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昨晩、眠すぎてぼーっとする意識の中で、BBCのあるチームに取材頂いた記事がウェブに掲載されたのを見つけて。「ま、ブログの一つだし、翌日ゆっくり読めばいいか」と、睡眠を優先したのですが、早朝別の寝室にいた妻から「!!!」のテキストが（笑）。流石にBBCのトップページに自分の顔が掲載されているとは思ってもみませんでした。しかも現在の中東情勢のニュース記事の横に（イスラエル出身の妻は毎朝現状を確認する訳で、そこで知った顔が出てこればびっくりするわなw）。
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また配信でお話しできればとは思うのですが、是非記事の中にある動画を見て頂ければ。記事は私経由ではありませんが、動画には思いは詰め込んであるかと思います。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #BBCCulture


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The 3-Day Sashiko Workshop was a great success thanks to passionate participants who did very hard work to learn the Sashiko we practice. At the end of the 3 days, I felt that I had so many new Sashiko friends… and this is how I would like to pass down the Sashiko we are proud of.
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Behind the dream & fantastic 3 days, many things happened in the world… and I took a few days off to balance myself. I am not still 100% fine, but I gotta restart myself somehow. So, I plan to offer the Thursday Sashiko Live Streaming as planned, and I will share the Sashiko Story as usual. I hope to spend some stitching time together there on Youtube.
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*The photo is a Hitomezashi Sashiko Jacket Keiko made. The stitching looks pretty intense, but it goes the same process in the same principle, with exactly the same form & practice.
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3日間の刺し子ワークショップ。無事完了することができました。毎回20時間近い刺し子の時間を一緒に過ごした後は、友達というか家族というか、とても近しい感覚を抱くようになります。それは運針会でご縁を頂いている皆様にも一緒の感覚を抱いていて、一つのこと（刺し子）を通して時間を共有するということの大切さが身に染みてわかるのです。
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ワークショップと時を同じくして、物理的には遠い場所ではありますが、世界が変わってしまい、少しネットから距離を置き心と体を休めることに集中しておりました。まだバランスは整ってないですし、体調不良でもあるのですが、どこかで再始動する必要はあると思うので今週の配信は頑張ろうと思っています。何の話になるかはまだ未定ですが、できるだけ暗い話題にならないように、でも現実から目を逸らすようなことにはならないように、自分なりにできることを刺し子に落とし込んでいこうと思っています。それではYoutubeの配信にて。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 #SashikoLive


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When it comes to culture, there are some stories to explain what/how/why it is. Therefore, I find it very important to share the stories about Sashiko. Here on SNS, I only can read the comments and imagine your reaction. In-Person Workshop & Live Session via Online Sashiko Class, I can see how our Sashiko Story resonates with the stories they carry. It is easy to offer an answer if the goal is to just offer an answer. I can imagine what the audience wants to hear. However, it isn’t how “we” pass down the culture. A series of stories will compose History, and then we build culture on the structure of History. It is all connected – I hope I can speak up about the importance of “carrying the unknown”. It is okay to not have the answer. Don’t let others define your answers based on their convenience.☆2nd Day of the Sashiko Workshop. The 1st Day was the [Core & Essence] – the most important element in Sashiko. From today, we apply that to our ordinary. Sashiko is not a word for mending itself, but we apply Sashiko to mending. There are no “Correct Answers” that I can (should) provide. It is all within themselves – after all, Sashiko may be a practice to listen to their inner voice. Please learn what Sashiko/Boro is before defining it so easily.☆—☆対面のワークショップをしていて、講師冥利に尽きるなぁと思うのが、生徒さんの表情が変わっていく過程を拝見できることです。自分に対する「こんなのできるの？」という疑問と不安。実際にやってみて、思うようにいかない苛立ち。続ける中で、「あれ？できてきてる？」という実感と共にくる安堵。そして、実際にリズムに乗れるようになると、肩の力がふっと抜けて笑顔とも真剣とも思える顔になる。4~5時間でなんとかなると思いながら教えていますが、やっぱりこの過程を実際に拝見できるのは嬉しい限りです。☆型をお伝えした後は、ご自身で練習をしてもらいながら、私なりの刺し子への思いを物語にしてお話しします。その話にも共感だったり賛同だったりを頂けて、どんどんと「刺し子ってそういうことなのかもね」という一文では定義できない何かが共通認識として形取っていくことが、「刺し子を教え続ける」理由です。残り2日。初日が一番大変なので、少しは余裕が出てくるかな…・☆#Sashiko #刺し子 #Boro #Mending #日本人の刺し子


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October… It was such beautiful scenery to drive up Northern New York. The Workshop Place, @schweinfurthart is also very beautiful & spacious. I am happy to display some of our items as Samples.
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In this picture, there are 3 kinds of “Our Sashiko”. One is traditional… or a normal one with 9 Geometric Patterns. You know who would do this (Atsushi). Below with so much color & Kakishibu Kofu (Vintage Fabric) is one sample of [Sashiko Can Be Art]. Of course, it is Keiko’s. I wouldn’t be able to come up with and combine into. The biggest piece is one “Boro-To-Be” Fabric. It is still in the process of “being Boro” – but for now, after quite a lot of stitching, this is one good stop to be used as fabric/blanket. There is one interesting point for this big piece. I will introduce it on the final day (You may realize something “strange” if you are a long follower here).
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Alright. Starting from the preparation until loading everything into boxes, it is my battlefield. I know no one is there to fight (they will be there to learn), but for me, this is one shot to pass down the Sashiko we practice. I will be serious, and try to be “funny” so I can do both [learning] and [entertaining]. I hope I can take some photos during this workshop!
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今回のワークショップはニューヨーク北部にある美術館が主催して下さっています。車での移動ということもあり、できるだけ沢山の作品を持ってきました。（普段は飛行機での出張が多いため、作品サンプルも相当厳選する必要があるのです）。サンプル展示用の場所も準備してくださっていて、何より「車と駐車場がある」という不思議な安心感に包まれているので、写真を少しでも多く撮れたらいいなと思っています。
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毎回のことですが、当たり前のことですが、準備の段階から撤収完了まで、真剣勝負です。命を取られることはないけれど、でもそれくらいの覚悟で教えることに臨むようにしています。運針の楽しさ、そして「各々の刺し子」を見つけて頂けるように頑張ってきますー！
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作品は恵子さんの自由なタペストリー。伝統柄9柄のタペストリー。一番大きなものは襤褸になるように作られている作品です。まだまだ発展途上ではありますが、一応の完成形。ちなみに、お見せしているのは「裏側」です。最終日にはひっくり返します。
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#Sashiko #Boro #SashikoWorkshop #SashikoClass #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子


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When it comes to teaching, I may have a very high standard of “responsibility”. As I mentioned in the previous post, “Teaching” has become Entertainment – and what my students expect of me may not be as high as I imagine. However, as my own standard, I make myself to offer everything I have in the workshop. Therefore, I get nervous no matter how many times I teach. Therefore, I can offer a few workshops throughout the year. At the end of 3 days, I will have nothing left.
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Yes, I have done this type of workshop so many times by now. However, for those who participate in the workshop, it is their first time to experience my teaching. I do everything so that they do not need to retake it. My goal (dream) is to pass down the Sashiko we practice. For that, I have only one shot to achieve it. For those who learn Sashiko from me, I fully represent the Sashiko I received from so many Sashiko Artisans around me. The learner receives the story from me, the story I received from someone – and we all together make it as “History”, and then it becomes culture, and also “Tradition”. Teaching comes with Responsibility to be part of the “Story” – and I do not take it lightly at all. I am very much looking forward to sharing the Sashiko we practiced this weekend.
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さて。半年以上の時間を空けてのワークショップです。一時期は依頼を頂くままにお受けしていた出張のお仕事なのですが、自分自身が刺し子をする時間を確保できないと「刺し子の先生」としての責任を果たすことができないと実感して、今は年間に6回未満に抑えるようにしています。散らばらせると2ヶ月に1回。
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現代の基準（当たり前）と照らし合わせると、私は「教えること」に必要以上の重圧を感じているのかもしれません。「楽しければ良いじゃない」とか「そんなの簡単に教えられるよ」という軽い雰囲気を作り出しながらも、私の本質的な願いは「できるようになること」です。できるようになって、ご自身の刺し子を見つけて貰って、「あぁ、淳さんは刺し子できてないんだなぁ（遠い目）」と下手な私の針目＆運針をみながら、哀れみの目を向けて頂けるようになるのが目標です。目標というか、それが仕事です。運針会も全く一緒です。厳しくないですし、怒ることもありません。でも、せっかくご縁を頂いたのです。できるようになって貰いたいんです。
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「何百人と教えてるんだから大丈夫でしょ？」と励ましの声を頂くこともありますが、とんでもない。毎回緊張しますし、毎回不安です。私にとっては何百人にお伝えした後の一人かもしれませんが、その回を受講下さる方にとっては初めてで、その一回で刺し子への印象も決まってしまうかもしれません。その回で、その方が刺し子を一生続けるのか、はたまたもう飽きてしまうのか…。全てに責任を感じる必要はないとは思うのですが、でも、それくらいの気概は欲しいじゃないですか。
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というわけで、「教えるのに一生懸命すぎて写真撮れませんでした」という言い訳は今回は通用しないぞと心に決めて、今週末頑張ってきますー！
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子


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