I sometimes say that it is “too late” to pass down “Sashiko”. Many encourage me saying “nothing is too late”, yet some agree with me that the Sashiko in English has become something different. It is true that nothing is “too late” to start. However, there are reasons for my pessimistic expression: Why is it so difficult to find someone who shares stories about Sashiko rather than just teaching “How To”? As Sashiko is a cultural practice, there should be millions of stories out there, right?
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The language barrier kicks in here. Decades (or +50) of experience & English Proficiency do not come together often. Also, a Japanese character of “Shame” may influence why their “personal” stories are not out there. I understand that the Stories often are contained within a family. So, what I am doing is insane, or even embarrassing for some Japanese. Yet, therefore, I say, it may be too late to fully understand what Sashiko is as those family members who received Stories are getting old.
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Well. “Too Late” isn’t a reason for me to quit. No matter how devastated I become, I won’t stop stitching & sharing stories as I receive much support. The more I receive, the more I realize the importance of my role. It is just “Sashiko” as ordinary. But, because it’s ordinary, it is so precious to preserve. The visit to Japan is this. I am so fortunate to greet a number of Sashiko practitioners in Japan. I sincerely appreciate your Support (Donation) on GiveButter, and I will make sure to use it as effectively as possible – to share the Stories we, as Japanese Sashiko Artisans, will carry. (Detail Story will be available in a dedicated webpage).
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昨日、無事運針会を開催することができました。開催を重ねる毎に運針とは面白いものだなぁと実感を重ねています。刺し子に限らず日本的な技術や知恵というのは「見て覚える」側面があります。学ぶ側の努力が必要なんですね。逆に西洋では教える側が努力することが求められます。「技術を伝えられないのは生徒か先生かどちらの責任か？」面白い文化比較です。
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見て覚えることが当たり前だと、教える側が「何が分からないか分からない」と言う究極の悩みからはある程度解放されます。私が運針会を始めた時に、「運針の何をお教えするの？」とこぼした言葉に真実があります。刺し子を再始動する中で一人になり、刺し子と向き合い、自分にとって当たり前をできるだけ細分化してきました。結果が運針会であり英語圏での活動です。結果、とても簡単に刺し子をお伝えすることができます。まじで。簡単だと思う。
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次回運針会、5月22日（月）の朝9時からを検討しています。興味のある方は是非プロフィール欄のリンクから詳細を一読頂き、ご連絡頂けましたら幸いです！
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