October 08, 2021 at 09:19AM

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. 

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. 

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?

「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。

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


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