Category: SNS Post

I often receive a request to share my idea for Cultural Appropriation (C/A). I am still learning about C/A, and nowhere close to the “expert”. However, as the one who experiences it now, I am sharing my honest feelings. The simplest point is “Acknowledgement”, not right or wrong, while many talk about the “Fairness” in C/A.
☆
We can probably summarize one part of the issue of C/A like this: “One [appropriating] the culture that they do not belong to for their profit”. Some think that “applying the cultural perspective itself is the issue”, but I do not think like that: therefore, I say, anyone can(should) enjoy Sashiko regardless, as long as they acknowledge the stories behind it. How about profit? Many think it is the issue to make money by using foreign culture. To be honest, I am okay with that. Even if one decides to make money out of Sashiko/Boro with no connection to Japan, I won’t be in pain so much, “AS LONG AS THEY ACKNOWLEDGE the stories behind it”. We all have to make ends meet, and it is important to think about the profit if one wants to spend that much time in one practice.
☆
“Innocent Ignorance” is one issue in C/A. However, there are much worse cases: It is “Intentional Indifference”. If you learn Sashiko from non-Japanese sources (in English), please doubt what they teach. They aren’t wrong, but insufficient (filtered with their own understanding & limited source). Usually, Japanese will not say that they know the whole thing – the more they know about the topic, the less they feel confident. When one says they know it enough, that can be “Intentional Indifference”.
☆
“The Stories behind the Culture” aren’t only about the past. It can be happening right now. One “Appropriate” Culture in privilege (Ability of Speaking English is one privilege) can harm someone in the Culture. I have seen that, and I do not want it to be repeated. I guess that’s why I am spending so much energy on this.
☆
Sashiko Live in English is scheduled tonight. I may talk about it more there.
☆
–
–
–
☆
久々に英語の投稿が長くなりました。大晦日の夜、金曜日なので刺し子配信です。そこでまたご紹介できれば良いなと。まだ仕事終わりにはしないよー。配信終わりで仕事納めです。って、仕事と趣味の境目なんてなくて、全て生き様晒してるだけですけどね（笑）。また今夜に。
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

While I see photos of people going on vacation, I stay at home & stitch (My wife needs to work on-call so we cannot travel at these times). Stitch & Read. Think & Learn. As much as I would like to take my daughter to “theme park & beach” in winter, I want her to see what her father does. I am making a book-mark with fabric scrap and clipped thread. We need to work to our ends meet, and I believe it is a good thing to be “wanted” in this crazy world.
☆
Sashiko in English, unfortunately, the main focus is “How they look (as a result)”. Therefore, they care for the rules and how good they can stitch. Traditional vs modern patterns are their concerns. However, the core of Sashiko is more than the technique & result. If their goal is to “mimic” how Sashiko looks, any information is good: however, they shouldn’t teach Sashiko as their speciality. If they are serious in learning enough to teach others, they need to learn more.
☆
There aren’t many good books translated into English. More accurately, some books are translated but I feel something is “missing” or “filtered”. One book, however, “The Unknown Craftsman” by Yanagi is very well written by a great artist/potter, Bernard Leach. It isn’t about Sashiko specifically, but it is more educational than any other books talking about “how to”. If you are looking for a book for this winter, this is my recommendation.
☆
–
–
–
☆
はぎれとあまり糸で簡単な栞を作るようにしています。少し溜まってきたのでご紹介を兼ねて本棚に目を走らせて、ふと、柳宗悦氏の本の英語版「The Unknown Craftsman」が目に入ったので、少し読み返してみました。
☆
基本的に翻訳というのは、その翻訳者の能力に依存すると思っています。どれだけ素晴らしい本でも、翻訳者が意図を汲み取れないと、なかなかにキツイ読み物になってしまうのです。その点、この本は素晴らしい英語での説明です。それもそのはず、民藝運動の中にいたバーナード・リーチ氏が”Adapt”をしている本なのです。
☆
日本の当たり前を英語にすることは、本当に本当に難しいです。それが文化的なものであれば尚更。刺し子をしたことがない人に刺し子についての本を翻訳してもらうのは大変です。だからこそ……なんでしょうね。伝えたいのは生活の中にある美という当たり前なのですが。
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

All I am doing is to be “the someone” I wanted to have when I was a child.
☆
Everyone has their own challenges. In this society, sometimes, “What one has” doesn’t define happiness, and so was my childhood. “How much we have” is important to dodge unfortunate events, but they are all relative to the ongoing situation and “others”. In Sashiko, I am privileged, but I never “wanted” to learn Sashiko. I had to learn to survive. It came with consequences, and I often suffer from it, too, yet I feel the (unwanted) responsibility.
☆
“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”. Spiderman – A quote I learned in English in my youth. I do have great responsibility in Sashiko. In this society, “English” as a language is one form of Great Power. If one speaks English, the wall of the culture surviving globally gets lower. If not, the culture may be buried, or worse, it may be repainted to a completely different color. Therefore, I speak up as a Japanese person who practices Sashiko today. Please keep learning. I am not the one who gives you candy (comfort), but I can be the one who gives you the wisdom (answer) you may be looking for (subconsciously). Stop trying to find a comfortable place with words by saying “inspired” or “style”. It doesn’t excuse one from Cultural Appropriation unless they try to understand the Essence. It means, though, when they try to learn the essence, it can avoid Cultural Appropriation. Doubt your “expectation”. Sashiko is a simple & easy form of stitching, but it is much more than that.
☆
When one (you) wishes to learn, I am here. When they try to learn, they don’t have to say “Style” or “Inspired”. It is Sashiko, and it can be Boro.
☆
–
–
–
☆
昨日の「刺し子な福袋」の売り出し、大きな混乱もなく迎えることができました。恵子さんも「読むの面倒」という程の長文に目を通して頂き、心から感謝しています。思いは伝わることが一番で、「伝える努力」をすることは大前提なのですが、簡素な文章で思いを纏め上げる程の能力がないので、引き続き長文を書き続けたらと思っています。長文には長文なりの長所があるのです。
☆
本日までに頂いた注文は近日中に発送を開始します。売り切れた段階で一度販売停止とし、納期と値段を調整の上（多少値上げします）、1月初旬までは販売を続けます。残り僅かなものもありますが、まだ残っていますので是非ご検討頂けたら幸いです。リンクはストーリーからご覧下さい！
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

【Announcement】
☆
For the “Fukubukuro (Lucky Bag)”, due to the difficulty in both finance & logistics, I have not prepared any store page in English. I will see what I can do after the busy season.
☆
For the Online Sashiko Class, please check the link from our Instagram Profile. You should find a link to check the details of our Online Sashiko Class. The Online Sashiko Class is in English, and it will teach you the “Core & Essence” of Sashiko, which is unfortunately not shared in English outside of this Online Class. The opportunities for the In-person workshop are available, but very limited. There may be a spot open for 3-Days Sashiko workshop in FL. Please contact Aya Fiber Studio (@aya_fiber_studio). The classes in QuiltCon 2022 seem to be sold out, but please contact MQG for the waitlist. I remember there was a lot of movement at last minutes in QuiltCon.
☆
Since my weekly Live Streaming in Japanese is doing good, I plan to offer the Sashiko Live in English periodically as well. I plan to offer it on every Thursday at 9 pm EST (I had to cancel it due to my headache last night, sorry). Soon, I will ask the poll for the preference on Youtube. If you have not checked our Youtube Channel, please find it from our link or just direct URL here (https://www.youtube.com/c/sashico).
☆
I will keep sharing the Sashiko Stories even during the Holidays. The store is also available since we do not have any plans to travel. It would be great if you could support our business to enjoy your Sashiko over the winter. Thank you!!
☆
–
–
–
☆
クリスマス・イブの刺し子配信、ありがとうございました。予定していた訳ではないのですが、気持ちよく一年を纏めることができたように思います。最後は大晦日の夜という、とんでもない時間に今年最後の配信を予定しております。だって心に決めた金曜日なんだもの。
☆
先日お伝えしましたが、福袋は12/26の9時からの販売予定です。公平を期すために、お取り置きやDM、メール等での注文受付は、販売開始の段階では考えておりません。初めての方は、インスタグラム（@SashikoStory）のプロフィール欄のリンクより、「福袋の購入ページ」を辿って頂き、詳細をご確認の上、お買い求め頂けたらと思います。福袋の種類によっては、「普通」と言えないものもあるので、お互いに気持ちよく新年を迎える為にも、詳細は必ず一読下さい。
☆
刺し子の運針をお教えする「運針会」については、2022年の3月より募集再開をする予定です。もし運針を学ぶ会に興味を持って頂けましたら、DMを頂くか、あるいはプロフィールのリンクから「運針会についての詳細」をご覧頂けますので、そちらをご確認頂けたらと思います。僕が配信でお見せしているような運針ができるようになるまでお付き合い致します！
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

December is kind of a “busy” month in Japan as well. Many types of “preparation” to many rituals. They say, it is the month when a “master (who usually is very calm)” would run around for the errands. It is quite important to introduce the stories around/behind these rituals, because the rituals are the practice based on the (historical) culture.
☆
One of the rituals we followed until last year is the “Fukubukuro” – a wishing lucky bag to welcome the new year. I prepared it last year in the US as well, but I am sorry that I won’t be able to do so this year due to the current condition. Keiko will prepare it in Japan, and I may be able to introduce the same package when we have enough time to do so: around the time we can enjoy the Cherry Blossom. It would be great if you could wait for the update in English. It is still challenging to do “business” in Sashiko: with limited logistics and steep inflation. Well, I gotta do what I can do :D.
☆
–
–
–
☆
少しずつ小出しにしていた「刺し子な福袋」なのですが、やっと全てのページを準備することができました。(1). 福袋の詳細、(2). 福袋への思い (3). 販売ページ……と、伝えたいこと＆恵子さんが描くことを丁寧に文章にしていたら、大変な時間がかかってしまいました。日本時間の12/26（土）9pmの販売開始予定です（とはいえ、早いもの勝ちになるのはお届け順にできるように準備します。27日迄に頂いたご注文は、お時間を頂くかもしれませんが、必ずお届けします）。
☆
今年のテーマ、恵子さんのテーマ（色）は「赤と朱」なのですが、同時に恵子さんの言葉を解釈して思うのは、「持続可能な刺し子」という僕の願いを恵子さんなりに形にしたものが今回の刺し子な福袋のような気がしています。そんな想いも、大切な長文にしているので、一読頂けましたら幸いです。Sashico.comの最新版のブログなのですが、同時にストーリーにもリンクをご紹介します。
☆
ストーリーの写真と関連があるのですが、恵子さんから少し相談を頂いています。今年のテーマ、「赤と朱」。恵子さんの欲しい色として挑戦したのですが、やっぱり「赤」は難しいようで、ピンクとか紫とか「赤っぽい刺し子糸」が中心になってしまう……とのことでした。もう少し頑張るとは言ってくれてるのですが、もうクリスマスだし……とは思っています。販売時には、この点もご説明できるようにします。明日のクリスマスイブの刺し子配信の時にもご紹介差し上げますね。なにはともあれ、形にできて良かったです。恵子さんと僕との想いと一緒に「刺し子な福袋」を楽しんで頂ければ幸いです。
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 #福袋

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

I am sharing a series of Sashiko Stories here in my second language because of unfortunate misunderstandings of Sashiko in English. The misinterpretation happens because of the difference in our “Common Sense (Expectation to others)”. Therefore, please read what is written here instead of what you think I would write. I occasionally encounter a comment with significant twists of my words.
☆
I welcome anyone regardless of who they are: both Japanese & non-Japanese. I NEVER EVER said that one needs to learn the Japanese language, or visit Japan, to “practice” Sashiko. Of course, the language & experience in Japan would be a good addition, but that will NOT define the Sashiko they practice. If your goal is to enjoy Sashiko, just try to keep learning, ideally from those who understand Japanese & with experience in Japan. If you only read in English, you are already reading someone’s translation after their filtration. So, doubt what you learn & keep learning. That’s all I ask.
☆
One exception, though. I think that one has to be “fluent” in Japanese when they plan to teach Sashiko. Without talking to Japanese Sashiko Artisans in Japan, how would they be able to “teach”? It is fine if they specify “which Sashiko” they are teaching, but it is too violent to teach the “whole picture of Sashiko” without proper understanding of Language, and therefore, Culture. Would you trust a professor in “American Political Science” who doesn’t understand English…?
☆
There are 2 kinds of teaching – (1) navigating and (2) training. When one teaches a specific topic (like Sashiko here), the teacher has to be a master of what they are teaching. School Teachers, who I cannot thank enough as a father, are great navigators, and I know there are good navigators in textile sharing Sashiko as well. Don’t mix 2 together. Teaching a specific topic as “a specific teacher” comes with huge & significant responsibility.
☆
–
–
–
☆
久々に英語が長くなりました。今週の金曜日はクリスマスイブですが、おっさんにはあまり関係がないので配信はします（笑）そこで話せたら良いなと思います。
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

The more I teach Sashiko in English, the more I realize the significant difference in Japanese Sashiko I practice & Sashiko introduced in English today. In Western Culture, “Being in Control” is quite an important concept. Many think that “In order to make even stitches, I need to control the needle”. This isn’t wrong, but what I teach is different. I teach how to minimize the control of the needle in Online Class and In-person Workshop.
☆
One can make beautiful stitches by focusing & controlling the needle with great skill & precision. However, it isn’t the core of Sashiko, especially considering how Sashiko was practiced in Japan for many years ago. This story may ring some of your bells if you know any other Japanese cultural practices – many Japanese teachings are based on “relaxing” and “releasing the handle”. If one calls Sashiko “Zen”, then they need to understand the concept of “Kuu (empty)”. Therefore, I keep saying, Sashiko in English is NOT wrong, but insufficient. And I am here to share (teach) what is missing. It would be great if you can take my class. If it isn’t a good time, please keep reading my stories & watching my Youtube Videos.
☆
In-Person Workshop in FL at the beginning of Feb may have some spots available. Online Sashiko Class has a few spots available for the month of Dec. 2021. Check link from profile for the details.
☆
–
–
–
☆
「運針を楽しめるようになると、針そのものに（針目を）委ねられるようになる」という、針を擬人化するような表現は、日本語ではそれほど違和感はないと思います。針は道具です。厳密に言えば、針に生命はありません。ただ、自然に「針にも（何かが）宿るんじゃないか」という考え方は、現代では珍しいと思われることはあっても、正気ではないと言われるようなことではないはずです。八百万の神とはそういうことですから。
☆
刺し子を教える中で日本と西洋の違いを日々感じているのですが、西洋で針仕事をする時は、「針をコントロールすること」が正義であり正解です。少し言い方をきつくすると、「針を支配できる能力」が称賛される技術です。刺し子を僕のところに学びに来る人も、まず技術の期待から入ります。終わる頃には技術以上の何かを学んで頂ければ良いなと日々教え方も勉強しています。
☆
刺し子をしていて思うのは、僕が本当に好きだなと思える針目は、針に自分を完全に委ねた時にできる針目です。針をコントロールする技術は必要ですが、同時に針に自由に動いてもらう状態を作ることこそが、刺し手の醍醐味だと思ってすらいます。極論になりますが「綺麗な針目を作らなければ」と思っている間は、綺麗な針目はなかなかできません。一時的にできたとしても、気を抜くと針目はバラバラになります。「気を抜いた時に揃う針目」こそが、人を魅了するような刺し子になるんじゃないかなと思っています。ちなみに、一目刺しは（相当練習するまでは）気を抜いてはいけません（笑）運針会でも同様のことが伝えていれば良いなぁ。たぶん伝わっているよね！？
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

In 2015, before I truly faced my fate, I was all about the “desire for approval”. I wanted to be someone that I wasn’t. I was always looking for something to be “recognized”. After a year of talking to myself after tragedy, I learned how to be a friend of “desire for approval”, not a slave of “desire for approval”. Therefore, I can prioritize my stories over publication or publicity. It doesn’t matter if my work/voice is hugely approved or not because what I care is “who” is trying to listen.
☆
You may wonder, “Isn’t teaching also for approval (recognition)?”. Maybe. If I decide to eliminate the desire for approval, stitching by myself for the purpose of creation may be more comprehensive. However, I decided to continue teaching. Why? Because I realize what I teach in Sashiko can help many people, especially those who suffer from being trapped in “desire for approval”. Unfortunately, some make money by clicking on the weak point of the raw desire. Society asks us to be “someone useful”, and we have to be “productive” to be successful. How do we measure it? By someone’s approval. I used to believe in this, but I no longer follow it. No one has to suffer from “not having or not being able to”. The major suffering comes from “comparison” and “unsatisfied expected desire”.
☆
Japanese in the 18 century knew how to deal with their “desire” in such a limited society. At least, Sashiko & Boro taught me how they would have handled.Therefore, I really want everyone to learn Sashiko from us, instead of learning from someone who uses Sashiko/Boro as the way to get approval. Why do you hand-stitch? For approval, or for someone(something) who you care about?
☆
–
–
–
☆
毎週金曜日夜の配信、今回は30分程度の短いものになってしまいますが、どうぞよろしくお願いします。「承認欲求」について話そうかと思っています。30分で終わらんだろ？と言われそうな気もするのですが、触りだけでも。現代社会はどの分野でも「承認欲求」を避けて通ることはできません。認めて欲しいんです。それは僕もそう。今は少しはマシになったけど、昔はその塊でした。ただ、刺し子と承認欲求はそれほど相性はよくありません。特に昔の作品は承認欲求という前向きな欲よりも、様々な喜怒哀楽の過去が詰まっている感じがしています。だからこそ、今の英語圏での承認欲求の塊の刺し子が、刺し子の全体像だと言われると、どうも嫌なのですよ。襤褸に畏れるのは、それが人間らしいからです。他の誰にもならなくていい（他の誰にもなれない）日本人の意地が垣間見れるんですよね。
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

One of the biggest misunderstandings about Sashiko & Boro exists in the difference of “Approach”. In English, they say, “Sashiko is Mending Technique” and “Boro is Salvage”. They aren’t wrong statements but it filters the core of its practice.
☆
Sashiko isn’t a miracle drug to solve the current clothing culture in SDGs. Yes, a pill of Aleve is like a miracle when we have a headache. However, taking Aleve everyday, or expecting a headache to enjoy Aleve is out of the line. Unfortunately, without proper stories, Sashiko can be one twisted like a ill-person who damage their health for the purpose of taking pills.
☆
Again, each definition in English about Sashiko & Boro aren’t so much “wrong”. They are just insufficient to represent the whole practice. Therefore, continuous learning is very important, and therefore I keep sharing stories so one day, we can all enjoy the full picture of Sashiko and Boro. If you are willing to learn, enjoy the rides. Hopefully, please start driving by yourself. If you think you know enough about Sashiko & Boro already without being fluent in Japanese language & culture, then please stop & doubt because it can innocently damage & filter the culture. Sashiko is simple stitching culture, but more than how it is introduced in English – because it carries many stories about “being ordinary Japanese” in its practice.
☆
Sashiko is simple, fun and much richer than what is introduced now. By following this account & Youtube, I believe I am proving it.
☆
–
–
–
☆
大変お待たせ致しました。今年も福袋の販売を無事、準備することができました。ギリギリ間に合った……という感じです。恵子さんからアイディアを聞いた時から予感はしていたのですが、想像通りの大変さです（笑）それでも、刺し子を楽しんで頂きたいという恵子さんの思いはしっかりと形にできているのではと思っています。
☆
草木染めの今年のテーマは、「赤＆朱」と数ヶ月前にお伝えしました。そのつもりで準備してきてますし、文章も「朱」が前提なのですが、恵子さんから「赤＆朱ができないので、福袋にはピンクとか紫が入りそう」と連絡がありました。いろいろ考えたのですが、まだ年末までは時間が有るし、福袋だし……という訳で、”まだ”刺し子糸のテーマは「赤と朱」です。実際に販売開始する段階で、現実をしっかりとご紹介差し上げますね（笑）赤は難しいんですって、恵子さん本人も言ってたんだけどな〜できるって言うからなぁ……。
☆
#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #日本人の刺し子 #刺し子

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)

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

via IFTTT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atsushi & Keiko Futatsuya (@sashikostory)