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Since May 2019, I have been sharing many Sashiko Stories on this account. Since my goal was sharing, not so much “delivering the message”, I tried to write a new story everyday. I tried one story per day for a long time. 

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I will keep sharing the stories. I won’t change my life. At the same time, I am realizing the importance/significance of “Delivering the Message”: Unfortunately, it is too late for me to just “share” the stories. There is so much “filtered information”, which causes several critical misunderstandings, and I need to re-repaint the “common sense” in today’s Sashiko. Otherwise, we may not be able to “raise” Sashiko artisans who can stitch this type of Sashiko Jackets & Pants. I do my best to pass them down in my class, yet the speed of trend is much faster & stronger than one individual can do. 

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If you are new to this account, please enjoy each Sashiko Story here. Each day, I have something new for you to read, and then make you think. If you are a long time follower, could you please share the post which you remember the most? Or the Sashiko Story I wrote that most influenced you? It would be great if you remember which post (specific date), but the contents of the posts are good as well. Or even, just memories will help me to go through the ideas. I will try to repeat the stories in different way to describe the Sashiko Story. Thank you for your time, in advance.

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「結果も効率も考えず、我武者羅に（僕が知っている刺し子を）伝える」ことを何よりも重要視して、このアカウントを継続しています。今後も方針は変えないのですが、同時に、「伝えたいことを伝えるための努力」をする必要もあると思うようになりました。それほどに海外での刺し子の人気と流行の伝播は早いものがあります。「結果と効率を考えて、伝えたいメッセージを繰り返す」ことにも力を入れていこうと思っています。

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最近フォローを頂いた方。是非これまでの投稿とYoutubeに残っている配信等をご覧頂いて、僕が刺し子に抱いている思いをご覧頂けたら嬉しいです。長い間フォローして下さっている皆様、記憶に残ったり、それは伝えるべきだというような思いを抱いた僕の投稿があれば、是非教えてくださいませ。力強い物語からしっかり伝えていきたいと思っております。依頼を受けて、久々に日本語で長い文章を書きました。また自分のブログでも文章に残します。大好きな刺し子が残りますように。

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

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I received a comment summarizing my situation well. It is an unfortunate misunderstanding based on cultural differences. Since I often receive similar criticism (usually not nicely summarized like this, but with more anger), here is clarification.

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The Comment is: ““If I were to practice Sashiko techniques as a non-Japanese, my efforts are inauthentic by default. At best inspired imitation. I cannot therefore “seek authenticity” in my own work, and certainly not with importation of materials.””

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I don’t think so, and I never said so. As any non-Japanese can enjoy Sashiko, anyone can be “authentic” if they try to. I don’t even see the need of distinguishing what is authentic or not. If one wants to be authentic, then they just try to learn more. This may not make sense in dualism culture because the value is “Authentic” or “Imitation”. Many get angry with me because of what they think I say. In reality, all I am asking is to “acknowledge” and “care to learn” more so that we can avoid the Cultural Filtration. 

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I know it is difficult to feel natural about it. Therefore, I ask them to take my Sashiko Class. I believe many graduates understand what I mean above by practicing Sashiko as we do. When one thinks Sashiko is (just) a technique, it is probably difficult to understand fully. “Sashiko Thread” isn’t only a vehicle to be authentic. It’s not that complicated. I simply need the thread for our Sashiko, and I would like to protect the small manufacturers. I believe, none of my Sashiko friends woud say “whatever thread is fine” because they know the threads change their experience. Needle, thimble, fabric… everything we use is key to enjoy Sashiko:  I want to protect them from those who do not know anything about Sashiko but trying to make money out of “just words, not practice”. 

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Please don’t label your stitching so easily. Authentic, Traditional, Inspired, Imitated…Sashiko can exist without labeling. Therefore, I say no “right or wrong”. Your Sashiko can be authentic when you learn. My Sashiko can be fake when I stop caring. Sashiko exists outside of dualism, and therefore I speak up.

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また英語が長くなりました。伝えても伝えても伝わらない。繰り返すしかないんだろうと思います。

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When I talk about “Sustainability (& our thread)”, there is a disagreement saying “It is about you. I do not have to spend any dime by using the thread I purchased a long time ago”. Yes, this statement is true. If one has a pile of thread, I wouldn’t want them to throw threads away. I want them to use it for other purposes like mending. If they decide to use it for Sashiko, then I want them to understand the difference in threads, and explain it when they call it Sashiko. If they insist on using the word Sashiko shouting the importance of sustainability, then I want them to think about Cultural Sustainability as well. Is it too much to ask?

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I am one of the few who write/speak in both JP/EN language & being with Sashiko for more than decades. Most of the information you can find is edited/translated either by non-Japanese or Japanese who started Sashiko recently. Their explanations are NOT wrong, but not “a whole”. I dare not say my Sashiko is the whole, but I have so many stories. Therefore I can write 1K of stories here on SNS and 130+ long articles on Patreon. Sashiko is more than what is explained in English. If your situation allows, please consider supporting my stories & our Sashiko on Patreon. You can make a significant difference by as low as $5.00 per month. I will answer most of your questions there, too. Your support goes directly to our days & Sashiko. I am not interested in luxury items… if you find me wearing a Richard Mille watch, I will refund all of the money I receive. Ever since I accepted my fate in Sashiko, I decided to use all of the surplus to Sashiko & related fields. Your choice (support & purchase) directly helps the Sashiko I have been with since I was born.

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Patreon: https://ift.tt/2xUP7a9

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英語圏での刺し子に向き合うようになり、2年半が経ちました。あっという間……ではなかった（笑）毎日相当量の英文を書き続けるのは想像以上に大変です。またSNSではリスクも有る為、本当に書きたいことはお金を頂いたPatreonという場所で書いています。お金を頂くので、やっぱり丁寧に書きたい……と思い、結果日本語が蔑ろになってしまっています。英語ではありますが、もし僕が2年間半書き続けた事に興味を持って頂ける場合は、Patreonをご覧頂けると幸いです。ただ、書いていることは、日本人には当たり前のことなんですけどね。それも日本語で書く日を作ります。

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I am so grateful to have so many friends who help me to learn more here, youtube, Patreon and everywhere else. I keep educating myself to represent “it” better. Thank you.

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Sashiko is, indeed, the practice of Sustainability. The resources we have are limited. Therefore, we need to educate ourselves to act smartly. In Sashiko, people had to choose to be sustainable because they lived in a harsh condition with limited resources (I do not define it “poverty”). They stitched to make fabric stronger, and last longer. They used all of the materials domestically because logistics was limited. When we live on land, we care for it. We usually do not take a dump where we eat. 

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“Sashiko as a practice of sustainability” is true, yet it is only one aspect of Sashiko. One History, but so many stories around the History. By focusing on one aspect of sustainability, we shouldn’t destroy someone’s culture, especially if it can be maintained sustainably. Your choice of supplies in Sashiko will directly support the artisans in Japan who make Sashiko thread. By saying, “we can use whatever thread we want in Sashiko” without understanding the difference, then one may be contributing to the damage to cultural sustainability, by supporting the bigger, convenient, and cheaper suppliers. (There is nothing wrong with using whatever thread they want & enjoying Sashiko with the convenience/cheap way, but it may not be sustainable in a bigger picture when we mix both materialistic & cultural perspectives). I will make a video about this. Thank you for all the insight you share.

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昨晩の配信、遊びに来て下さった方、ありがとうございました。最近英語に集中してしまっております。依頼を頂く中で、「持続可能性」という現代におけるキーワードと刺し子を一緒に考える機会があり、それがずーっと頭の中にある次第です。ずーっと考えています。知らないことばかりなので、英語でご意見を頂きながら、結果として配信も英語に……と、どんどん引きずり込まれていますが、今は我武者羅になる時なんだろうと思っています。必ず、いつか日本語でも全てを説明します。引き続きフォロー頂けましたら幸いです。簡単に言うと、現代の社会問題、日本人は「嫌々ながら」最適解を見つけていたのかもしれません。考えれば考えるほど、日本が好きになります。一瞬で良いから帰国したいよー！

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#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Sustainability #刺し子 #持続可能

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Sustainability is a critical concern to care for, yet the definition can be widely discussed. I am learning how I can contribute tol. There is no wonder that caring for Sustainability is good for the environment, which is better for us & future, that we reduce the plastic waste. Reducing the possible pollution is of course important. Since Sashiko became a word for “mending”, I often receive a question about Sustainability. Then, I realize the voice comes from a privileged group in developed countries (including myself). Then, I wonder if we hear the voice from other groups. 

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I am happy that some find Sashiko as a remedy for Sustainability in Clothing. Sashiko is indeed a practice to appreciate the fabric & what we have (repurpose instead of replace). However, in this trend of “mending”, I often see people saying “We can use whatever we want & upcycle whatever (no need to discuss)” without trying to understand the cultural context behind the word, Sashiko. As a result, they may be repainting, or even worse, destroying the “Cultural” Sustainability. By saying “whatever”, people do not learn the significance of the wisdom, technique, supplies, and many stories why we practice it as “Sashiko”. Is it sustainable? For them, it is sustainable because it satisfies their needs. However, for me, their choice o “repainting culture” isn’t sustainable. 

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I am looking at 2 sides of sustainability. Therefore, I would like to keep thinking, and try to “acknowledge” the voices from all possible view-points. Sashiko is MORE than a mending technique. What is “Sustainability” for you, after reading this post?

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「サステナビリティ」。日本語で言うと、持続可能な循環（社会）のことを指します。布を大切にする針仕事である刺し子。英語圏で頻繁に、この社会課題の解決策の一つとして取り上げられるようになりました。大量生産大量消費の対比となる動きとして……です。僕自身、持続可能な社会には関心があり、できる限りの事はしようと思っています。ただ、ふと思ったのが、「持続可能！」と叫んでいる人に限って、「今の生活がある程度安定している人」だと気がついたのです。尻に火はついていない。少し乱暴に言うと、他人事。刺し子も似ていて、僕は今なりふり構わず刺し子について情報発信をしていますが、英語で「刺し子は〜」と薀蓄を語っている人は、刺し子がどう変化しても大丈夫な人達です。次の流行に移るから。残されるのは、形が変わった文化だけです。それは持続可能と呼べるのか？「持つ人」の自己満足になっていないのか。いろいろ考えながら、今後も刺し子を発信し、日本的な思いを言葉にしていけたらと思っています。

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The final In-person Sashiko Class in 2021 is completed. I may be able to squeeze one or two toward the end of 2021, but as of current plan, I will focus on Webinars & enriching the online contents in 2021. The new friend generously became a model on our Sashiko items. I should be able to work more on photos as well. There are several online events planned. Please check below (I will share the notification on InstaStory later on).

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-10/8 (Fri) around 9 pm EDT: Sashiko Live in English (InstaLive).

-10/15 (Fri) around 9 pm EDT: Introduction of Sashiko Tour to Japan with an organizer (InstaLive).

-One Podcast toward the end of Oct.

-One Webinar toward the end of Oct.

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On top of that, I will add casual Lives in Instagram & Youtube. I am learning the importance of “delivering the message” on top of “sharing stories.”

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まだ10月ですが、年内の予定していた刺し子講習、完了いたしました（少し追加入るかもですが、原則的に妻が忙しくなる年末に向けてはあまり予定は入れず）。落ち着いたので、配信も少しは増やしていけるかなと思います。今週と来週の金曜夜（日本時間の土曜昼）は英語で宣伝的な配信をします。それ以外の日で日本語で配信できたら良いかなと思っています。

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若い男の子が刺し子を学んでくれました。上手で、且つ自身のデニムブランドを作ることを夢に見る俺よりも1周り以上若い青年。いやはや。嬉しくて仕方ないです。彼の目標の一部になれたこと、本当に嬉しいです。俺が（太りすぎて）履けなくなったデニムもしっかりと履きこなしてくれました。カッコいいなぁ。ダイエットは……明日……から……。

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One of the biggest reasons for this account is to share the “full stories”. I am tired of people “cutting & pasting” what they want to hear & learn, and resulting in changing the cultural contents. Therefore, I ask you to read as many stories as possible here before trying to “define” it. Instead of reading the comfortable stories, I want them to have a moment to “stop & think”. I believe that’s something I can offer to this world. 

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So, as a result, I am trying my best to be as “difficult” as possible on SNS. Sometimes, I have more “unfollowers” than new followers in a day. It probably means I wrote something they didn’t want to read. It is okay. “Being liked” is not the (only) goal in this account. (of course, I would like to be liked.)

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However, when one approaches me with respect for Japanese culture (courtesy), I believe I am quite decent & welcoming. I shall never forget someone’s kindness, too. So, when a daughter of someone who I received kindness from asks me for help, I do everything I can. More than 6 hours of conversations, with theme shifting here and there, the Story by Isabella about Sashiko went on Air last night on a public radio: The World. She cut and pasted what we talked about. However, she also did her best to understand the whole picture. I laughed how she “cooked” our raw stories, and I appreciate her for the massive effort to make it happen. 

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I have A LOT to say about the story about Otsuchi. (I have only shared stories about Otsuchi in Patreon since it is too personal to me). It is probably time to share more. I plan to have a Webinar about Isabella summarized beautifully. (The link to the Radio is on Today’s Story).

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僕の英語での活動の一番の原点は「娘に何かを残したい」という、とても個人的な思いです。崇高な思いというよりは、我儘な願い。日本とユダヤの血を引き継ぎ、且つ御母様とはご縁を頂いた,、そんな学生の方から「お話を聞かせて下さい」という連絡が来た時は、そりゃもう大歓迎です。6時間以上の取材。テーマもどんどん派生して。それでも、日本の当たり前を共有できているからか、嫌な気持ちには一切ならず、楽しんでお話ができました。それを10分に纏めた、「彼女の物語」がラジオに流れたそうです。今の僕の原点、大槌刺し子のお話です。

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I learned the word “Cultural Appropriation (C/A)” in 2019 with pain. Ever since, I have been trying to educate myself. I learned that I am not alone in this. C/A is a very sensitive and broad topic to discuss. The significance relies on the person’s experience, and for that, I am a newbie in being POC (I was a majority in Japan as the Japanese). I respect the strong statement to protect the culture from Appropriation. At the same time, for Sashiko and Boro, I am on the easier side saying “Anyone can enjoy Sashiko (if they want to)”. Occasionally, I receive worrying support that someone is using the word “Sashiko & Boro” for something completely different. I am not a “police” to rule it. So, usually I ask them to mention my account to share what Sashiko is. I sometimes write a favor to them to learn more. Not Knowing itself is okay.

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The C/A happens when one “ignores” and “indifference” the Cultural Content. Since C/A can be complicated, I made it as simple as possible (for now). “Not Knowing” and “Misunderstanding” are not forms of C/A to me. After “hearing” & “knowing” the cultural contents, and deciding to ignore the voice for their own purpose, or indifference it, then it becomes an issue. Sanding Fabric with Rotary and then stitching is neither Sashiko nor Boro. It can be a form of fashion saying “distressed”.  I just want them to stop using incorrect names. I respect their creativity and admire what they do with different names. However, it will be a significant issue when they decide to ignore the voice and continue calling their “purposefully sanded & stitched denim” as Sashiko/Boro for their purpose (marketing, popularity and money). 

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I want you to call your stitching Sashiko since you are trying to learn what Sashiko is, regardless of how it looks. The key is in the “willingness” to learn, which is the sign of respect the culture.

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会社経営＆商売をしていた頃は、一年先を見据えた計画が大切でした。毎月の収支。毎日の売上。呼吸をし続けることが何よりも大切で、一年先の生存が何よりもの優先順位でした。今は30年先を見通しています。30年先に何があるかというと、娘が今の僕の歳になるのです。その時に胸を張って「刺し子はお前の文化の一部だ」と言えるような動きを、今しておきたいのです。きっとそれが、日本で刺し子をしている皆様への贈り物にもなると思うから。

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End of September. Beginning of October. I love Autumn. I used to be a smoker. The cigarette changes its taste from heat, humid and joyful to dry, cold, and somewhat “ending” something. 

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It is the end of the Indigo Season. I am cleaning out the tiny garden in our small backyard. It takes a long time to make it: from seed to leaves, then dyes and then what we use it for. If we can appreciate this long slow process, I would like to share the importance of understanding it after taking a long time & effort. Easy definition is great, but it limits the whole picture. How can I summarize my whole life into one sentence? Of course, definition is necessary to develop the further definitions (stories). This account is for that.

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October is the most difficult month for me for several reasons. I will keep sharing my stories so that you can enjoy the process of “defining” what Sashiko is “for you”. 

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10月ですね。9月の後半から10月前半の1ヶ月は、どれだけ時間が経っても、まだ昔に引き戻されます。というか、パラレルワールドが横にあって、同時進行している感じで。刺し子にしても、家庭菜園にしても、冬の準備にしても、一番忙しい時期なんですけどね。いろいろ考え、そして迷うのが10月だったりします。

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さて、そんな哀愁に包まれつつも、一つお知らせです。僕は米国に在住して米国で刺し子を紹介することがメインなのですが、時間がある時に日本の恵子さんのウェブショップのお手伝いもしています。新しい染色とか、作品とか、なんとか皆様に気軽にお伝えできないかなぁと考え、LINEの公式アカウントを試してみることにしました。詳細はSashiCoショップのブログに書いたので、一読頂けますと幸いです。（https://sashiko-shop.sashico.com/）。

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配信して、一番迷う時期を乗り越えたいなと思っています。 また配信にて〜。

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