Ikigai, Umami, Kotatsu, Kakeibo… There are so many Japanese words “translated (transformed, interpreted, or sometimes even twisted)” into the English Community. Sashiko and Boro aren’t as popular as the others, but they are already establishing their own meaning – unfortunately & sadly. Wabi-Sabi, Zen, Mottainai… these are popular words often combined with Sashiko to “market” their products to get more attention. There is nothing wrong with playing with the words, but the words themselves do not describe the whole picture. When someone starts teaching the “insufficient” concepts with catchy words, the students start believing what they are learning is the “truth” in their foreign culture. That’s the danger – and often – violence over the language.
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Almost all authors on Sashiko & Boro in English are (white) Western people. I wonder about many “whys”, but one of the reasons is the English language as a privilege. In cross-cultural discussion, a person needs to learn English to defend their own culture. I don’t think any of those authors can discuss (or share ideas & wisdom) about Sashiko and Boro with us in Japanese, yet they consider themselves as Sashiko (& Boro) masters? I really hope the world will realize the craziness. I am putting all of my life into Sashiko. Therefore, I learn English so hard, to defend my own identity. Please be mindful of whom you are learning from. That’s the only way to balance this craziness. (When you enjoy Sashiko for yourself, don’t worry about it. I exist for you to enjoy more without worrying about the language. If you were to teach it, be serious – otherwise it can be quite disrespectful).
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前回の配信で「本音で話してスッキリした」とお伝えしました。基本的にこれまでも本音だったのですが、空気は読める人間なので、嘘は付かずとも本音とは言えども「言わなくて良いことは言わない」ようにしてきました。少しずつ配信でもそのフィルターを外していくかもしれません。すると、過激な発言だけ切り取られてしまう可能性も出てきます。配信や投稿で「あれ?なんか嫌だな。」と思ったらDMでもコメントでも良いので突っ込んで下さい。ほぼほぼ100%言葉足らずと文脈ミスです。4年間の配信をずーっと聞いてくれている人は深く考えてくれるとは思うのですが、それを当てにして思いを綴るのもまずいのでね。変だなと思ったら挽回する(説明する)チャンスを頂けたら幸いです。
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