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“What do you like about Sashiko?”. I convinced myself to ask this question to the public in 2022. I was scared of facing reality. I am still in fear of unknown changes within Sashiko. However, it is my time to speak up – if it isn’t too late.

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What do you like about Sashiko? I believe the answers can be roughly categorized into 2 big points of view: (1) Design/How it Looks, and (2) Meditative/Relaxing function. Of course, everyone has their own answer to the questions. So I am not generalizing “you”, but I believe when they use the word “inspired”, it is either “simplified-design” or “hand-stitching” part.

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Both outcome (design) and process (stitching) are incredibly important in Sashiko. However, it doesn’t explain the whole. Understanding the expectation that the ordinary Japanese would have is important. “Sashiko” is a Japanese word. Therefore, we call it “Sashiko”. Without “willingness” to learn what isn’t obvious, it can be any other name, and I believe each culture has its name for stitching.

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Please do not get me wrong. I am NOT asking anyone to stop using the word “Sashiko”. Use it for your stitching project. However, please keep learning. It has at least 100 years of established practice. They say it is 400 years, or could be more. I cannot simplify the significance, and therefore, I am teaching & sharing Sashiko as a Japanese who was born in Japanese Sashiko.

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この数年で僕の中でも様々な価値観が変わりましたが、一番大きな変化が「家が一番好きになった」ということです。昔は出張とかホテル住まいとか好きだったし、なんなら外資系に勤めてた友達が年間の半分ホテル滞在とか聞いて羨ましいなぁと思っていた側なのですが、今では逆で移動したくない感じです。空港に滞在する感じ、マスク装着している以外はもう以前と変わらない混雑さだし。とはいえ、こんな状況下にもかかわらず、「ワークショップ楽しみにしているよ！」という声を頂き、一緒に時間を過ごしながら刺し子を共有できるのは、本当に有難いことだなと思うのです。  

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Fabric carries Stories. Some call it fabric’s memory. Others may call it the history of fabric. I sometimes call it “Spirit” in Fabric. Cloth/Fabric separate us (human beings) from other mammals, and therefore, it is important to be mindful.
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Sashiko/Boro is just a Japanese word. However, words also carry Stories. It is understandable to use the word to get attention, or even better profit, in this society. I am NOT sharing stories to prevent them using the word. I am just asking, if they want to use the word, use it “appropriately” instead of filtering the possible stories because they may be inconvenient to them. I am NOT asking them to spend years of time learning, or thousands of dollars to get a degree (like higher education). If they want to learn what Sashiko is (especially for us), I am here to share. If they do not care for learning – even worse, keep ignoring the voice from Japanese, then they need to stop using the word: Because fabric and words both carry the stories: the stories identify who I am today. Sashiko is more than stitching. Boro isn’t a word for mending technique.
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昔は刺し子が大嫌いでした。貧乏くさい針仕事だと思っていたし、布そのものにも全く興味が湧きませんでした。所詮、布。それから人並みに、あるいは人様よりもちょっと起伏の激しい人生を歩んでみて、布という存在に惹かれ続けています。刺し子が好きになったから布が好きになったのか、布が好きになったから刺し子が好きになったのか、いまでははっきり覚えていませんが、それでも恵子さんが作る刺し子作品を見る度に様々な知覚が刺激されるのは、やっぱり布が持つ力なんだろうと思っています。来週はそんな刺し子をフロリダで教えてきます。また報告できたら良いなと思っています。って毎回同じことを言うのですが、いざワークショップが始まると集中しすぎて写真すら撮らないのですが……今回こそは！
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I am a mere Sashiko artisan – who just learned the word “Cultural Appropriation (C/A)” in 2019 after a painful experience. I try to learn not only my pain, but the possible pain for others. I am still learning C/A, but please do not worry about it too much especially if you worry about appropriating the culture at this point.
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The key phrase for C/A is “acknowledgement”. If you acknowledge Sashiko is more than technique, the change in culture will be healthy. If you acknowledge my voice, and spread the words, it is preventing Sashiko from being appropriated more than necessary. So, without you, I cannot preserve the Sashiko I practice today. Thank you.
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I have been sharing “Raw Scenery of Sashiko Stitching” for 4 years+. While I sincerely appreciate the support to me via taking my Sashiko class, I do not want to decide “who can learn Sashiko” based on what they have. Anyone can learn by just watching me stitching. Many have done that. I believe they spread my voices. The Sashiko stitching I share is unique: as not many Japanese people take my class. I was advised that there are people who may have “copied” what I share on Youtube, and shared “their Sashiko” with others with no reference. Well. It is sad but It happens. Many advised me that “Sharing it for free” is a horrible idea. But I have a bigger goal. Please copy. But, please keep listening to our voice. “Technique” itself won’t fulfill what Sashiko is. Unfortunately, those who just copied what I do on Youtube can only share the surface. When they ignore the stories and push the surface as “Sashiko” for their profit, then it is Cultural Appropriation.
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Please be mindful of who you learn from. You can have as many teachers as you want. However, please, acknowledge that Sashiko may be more than what non-Japanese teach. It is “you” who form the future. Today is Thursday, Live Streaming at 9 pm EST on Youtube.
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来週のワークショップに向けて準備に忙しい週末です。普段は目の前の刺し子に手一杯で、完成した作品をじっくり眺めることはないのですが、ご購入頂く可能性がある作品もあるので、準備段階で丁寧に針目を見るようにしています。改めてですが、これだけの針目を手刺しするって狂気の沙汰ですよね。やってる本人は気がついたら刺し終わっているというレベルですが（笑）金曜日は配信の日です。本日も夜10時半開始で日本語の刺し子配信をします。是非遊びに来て下さい〜。
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I appreciate the feedback that they like my writing – some even say it is like a poem. The instructor in the Writing Center (in Collage) will be proud of (or even surprised at) this feedback. Well. I am aware that my English isn’t very good in the most standard. My goal is to encourage readers to read between the lines. I want you to imagine (reflect) while reading what I share. If one looks for a quick answer, my writing is a scribble. If they think/imagine while reading, I hope they get something out of my stories. I don’t know what resonates with you, but I try my best to keep sharing.
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The Sashiko I teach is like that. Needle Techniques, Skill, and Designs… all of them are important, but secondary. Of course, I teach all of them thoroughly. On top of that, I want them to learn how Sashiko may offer you a different perspective in life. That’s the beauty of learning something different, and Sashiko is indeed something new to those who aren’t familiar with Japanese culture.
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I received an announcement that the 3-Days Workshop I am offering in Stuart, FL between 1/31 to 2/2 are just above the minimum enrollment. If you would like to learn what Sashiko really is for us, and make these 3-days available for Sashiko, I believe I can offer an “eye-opening” experience for you. It is rare to have this small group workshop for 3-days (well, it is rare to offer In-person workshop anyway in this pandemic). I hope to meet/see some of you here in FL next week. The link is available on my Story, or simply visit https://ift.tt/3r1dzDd to look for Sashiko Workshop. Thank you!
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現状での対面式のワークショップの集客はなかなかに難しいのでしょうか。主催者から「開催はするよ」とご連絡は頂いていたのですが、ギリギリで最低履行人数をクリアしたようで。これまで毎回キャンセル待ちが出るような状態だったので、頭を冷やす良い機会になりました。私の頭を冷やす機会はそれとして、主催者の方に申し訳ない気持ちもあるので、もう来週のワークショップですが宣伝させて頂きました。ま、開催する以上利益は出るんだろうし、コロナ禍を考えると対面でワークショップができること自体有り難いのだけど、でもやっぱり引き受けた仕事は全力で且つ巻き込む皆が喜べるような結果が出せたらと思うのです。残り数日ですが宣伝頑張ってみますー。
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In the previous post, I summarized my voice regarding “Boro” as follows: it exists in a world where there are no answers, and often no definition, but with mutual understanding. As I received a comment, I realized this (no answers, but mutual understanding) is the most important message I need to deliver to the people who enjoy Sashiko in non-Japanese language.
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I have been thinking of something less confusing. We DO have answers and definitions, but they often do not exclude others. Therefore, it is “my” answer yet someone’s new learning. So, here is the updated version of my voice: “Less Definition, More Imagination”.
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I believe in the power of “imagining”, and Sashiko and Boro are deeply related to that. When we “define”, then we try to draw a clear line between right and wrong. Instead, why don’t we try to “imagine” first when we enjoy stitching: where I hope it will be a less judgemental environment. Hand-stitching can give us a LOT of time to imagine. So, instead of asking for answers or rules that someone else defined for someone’s profit, let’s imagine how “Japanese would have practiced Sashiko, and then left us Boro”. The power of imagination is much more important than knowledge – especially in Sashiko & Boro. Please help me to spread this out. Don’t look for answers and definitions first. Instead, enjoy imagining. Then, you will find an answer & definition from your imagination – and the outcome of your imagination will not be so different from each other: that’s what we call “Mutual Understanding in Sashiko & Boro”.
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来週金曜日の刺し子の配信、リクエストを頂いたので「侘び寂び」について語ろうかと思っています。拙い知識ではありますが僕なりに考え続けている「わびさび」についての考察です。ネットで調べたら出てくる感じのお話だけで終わるのではなく、考え続けている事を基準にお話できたらと思っています。
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わびさびを説明する際の肝心な共通理解が、「想像力の大切さ」だと思っています。僕が過去4年ずーっと言っている「想像力の欠如が一番だめ」という問題提起の中で、侘び寂びを端的な言葉で説明できるとしてしまわないように、丁寧にお話できればと思っています。わびさびに絶対的な色はありませんが、皆様が想像する色は似てくるハズです。なぜショッキングピンクを思い浮かべないのか。そこに語れる物語があると思うのです。28日の夜10時半からです。
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I have been sharing what Sashiko/Boro is for us. I hope you understand that what I share is “My” Stories – and there are no “Right and Wrong” in Sashiko. I just want to share the original stories as a Japanese person who practices Sashiko, instead of interpretation by non-Japanese who have limited understanding of Japanese language & culture. For me, a non-Japanese defining what Sashiko is in non-Japanese language is quite strange, and I believe you feel similarly.
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In 2020, I had an honor to meet & talk to Ms.Yoshiko Wada about Sashiko and Boro. If you like Shibori – a form of Japanese dyeing – you must know her name. She is like a living legend. Ever since we had a deep discussion about Sashiko & Boro, we have been exchanging updates. It is too casual to say she is my friend in Japanese culture, but I feel a bit like that: I prefer email, she prefers “WhatsApp”… hahaha. She is now doing PhD research on the boro phenomenon. Yes! It is what many advise me to do in Sashiko (after completing my job as a father)!! I sincerely respect her & I would like to support her as much as I can. Her organization, Slow Fiber Studio is offering a series of stories about “Stitchery”, and they are mainly about Sashiko & Boro. This is a great opportunity for us to learn from another Japanese person, who has been in this field for a long time. I will be there & I may receive an honor to present myself in one of the stories.
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I respect many people in many ways. In Sashiko, however, I am quite confident in what I share. I mean, I should be, in order to “teach” Sashiko. Wada-Sensei & I had a disagreement once, and I learned how “deep” and “wide” she studies & thinks. I am very much looking forward to learning from her again. Link available from Story.
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今日の配信楽しかったー！来週も頑張ります。
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日本には沢山の、僕が尊敬する刺し子作家さんや職人さんがいらっしゃいます。はっきりと「憧れてます」と伝えた方もいれば、一方的に思いを寄せている人も。これは昔からも一緒なのですが、なぜか素晴らしい作家さん＆職人さんは、あまり声が大きくありません（笑）結果的に今の不思議な英語圏での刺し子や襤褸があると思うのですが、同時に「研究し話を伝える役割」も大切だなと思うようになりました。僕が大学に戻りたいと思うようになった一つの理由です。そんな「研究」としての刺し子・襤褸の大先輩、和田先生がウェビナーのシリーズを開催されます。今日、少し話したのですが、僕の固定概念の一つを壊してくれた方です。いやはや。英語ですが、もし興味の有る方は是非。日本人が英国の博士課程で襤褸を研究する。いやー夢ですなー。
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Another episode of my continuous challenge: “What is Boro, anyway?”. I will have a Thursday Youtube Live Streaming today (1/20) at 9 pm EST. Bring your own stitching project, and join via the comment section. Boro in English is interestingly transformed into something else. The culture changes, but the change should be done mindfully – not by someone who takes it for their profit in their privilege. The words aren’t someone’s marketing tools.
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One of MANY surprises I had in the US is that many American people think that Sushi is a healthy choice. Yes, in comparison to fried chicken, Sushi is probably healthier even if it is topped with deep fried items. However, personally, I have never met any Japanese who “choose” Sushi as a healthy option for their dietly. In fact, some consider Sushi as a “non-healthy” choice because of the salt amount from soy sauce and rice (too much carbs). Well… it is a completely different food culture in the US because they also “soak” Sushi into soy sauce. I love Sushi in the US, don’t get me wrong. However, it has become something completely different.
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This is how we only look at what we want to. In other words, the power of marketing. If one chooses the word “Sashiko” or “Boro” to market their items/services innocently, it is unfortunate for everyone on the stage: so therefore I share. Sometimes, innocence won’t justify what they do. If one intentionally “changes” the expectation the word carries, then it isn’t fair activity: especially in a privileged language like English. If they know that the Japanese wouldn’t speak up, and then re-writing the culture, it is… umm… give me the word to explain this feeling. Disgusting?
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So, Boro is more than what is introduced in English now. Please learn from someone who knows what they don’t know: instead of someone who offers the “instant answers”.
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明日のこれくらいの時間、金曜刺し子配信をします。今週もできるので有り難い限り。襤褸についてまた語ってみようと思います。「また（笑）？」と思われるかもしれませんが、刺し子と襤褸は切り離すことができず、襤褸が全く違うものになってしまうと、刺し子もなかなかに伝えていくのが大変でして。刺し子をしながら襤褸について思いを語る、そんな配信にできればと思っています。配信はYoutubeで。日本時間の夜10時半頃開始予定です！
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I share my honest Sashiko Stories. I say that Sashiko in English isn’t wrong, but insufficient. For those who think they already know about Sashiko, my voice can be interpreted as an act of “Division” or “Fragmentation”. No, “Exclusion” is the opposite of my voice. All I am asking is to “learn” more so that they (non-Japanese) will not exclude something that already existed in Japan innocently. For that, I am trying to share the Japanese way of being consistent, or more broadly, how Japanese “Wa (Harmony)” works. “Wa” doesn’t exist in rules or extreme dualism. An act of willingness to understand more will bring us the Japanese “Wa” harmony. (Don’t get me wrong: the concept of “Wa” has also some issues…in a different way).
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Insisting individualism is kind of the opposite of this “Wa”. In Western Culture, “Being Right (Justified)” is very important. In “Wa”, inclusion is much more important than being “correct”. Therefore, I often hesitate to define the words. Definition will define the “answer” and it may leave some nuance behind because of my ignorance.
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Boro is NOT a technique. The question will be: “What is Boro then?”. Well, this account exists for that. Boro isn’t the word for colorful patchwork. Boro isn’t the choice of sustainable fashion. Boro isn’t an environmentally friendly textile. Those are all “outcomes” of interpretation. The interpretation done in innocence is okay: However, unfortunately, there is some intentional filtration. I do want to include those who intentionally twist the culture – since they are also a part of on-going culture. All I am doing is to pass down something that identifies myself, to someone who may appreciate it.
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月末と来月の出張に向けて、ずーっと花瓶の下に敷いていた襤褸を持ち出しました。米国で襤褸を紹介する時に、「実物に近いサンプルがあればいいよね」と恵子さんから受け継いだ襤褸です。布は重なり厚いのですが、摩擦には弱いので普段遣いはできません。なので花瓶の下に敷いて呼吸だけさせるようにしています（ほんとは草履とかの下の方が本質に近いと思うのですが、ほら、米国なので玄関が無くて。正面のドアを開けた所は泥まみれになるので、普通の雑巾を置いています。まぁ、襤褸の本質はその「泥まみれ」にあるとは思うのですが（笑）
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襤褸の美は「刺し手の美に対する意地」だと感じると同時に、「刺し子を繰り返してりゃそれなりのものにはなる」という気楽さを感じています。というか、10年先の布の痛み具合を計算して刺し子するのは、もう芸術家の域ですしね。普通に大切に使い、必要があれば針を通す。多くの方に見て頂いて、襤褸に近い何かを感じてもらう。そんな大切な役目をこの布には背負ってもらっています。
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A Jacket like this takes about a year to complete, starting with “finding the best vintage fabric”. Other works can be done in much shorter time, but I no longer take commission work. (I used to, but I got tired of many inconsiderate interactions). When we become friends, I can introduce someone who I trust in Sashiko. However, unfortunately, we have only time left to make a piece for someone who cares & values what we do.Most of our items can be for sale, but most of the items are “Back-Ordered”. We are happy to take custom orders, but please be considerate. It takes months of our life.
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A few Jackets per year. We don’t know how many more jackets we can make. It is our sincere pleasure for someone to “wear” it as Sashiko’s true beauty exists in its ”using” it. At the same time, if you would like to have a similar Sashiko Jacket/Denim and/or wish for our consultation, please consider taking our class – either In-Person or Online. I will probably open up the eyes, and that will answer many possible questions by itself.
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I cannot answer all the questions & requests. I appreciate it, but I need to choose what I can work with in order to protect myself. I have made terrible mistakes in the past, and I cannot repeat that again to keep sharing Sashiko Stories. I wish I could be everyone’s friend here, but I am not, until I become your friend. Interacting as if I am a human is all I am asking. I am NOT a “Siri” or “Alexa” to give quick answers for instant gratification: I am a person with decent emotion carrying life-long stories & family to support.
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母（恵子さん）と僕の二人が、沢山の方々のお力添えを頂いて形になっている私達の刺し子です。SNSの時代、誰でも気楽に繋がることができます。「敬う」という仕組みが違う場所と言語で活動していると、ある程度のフィルターはかけなければいけません。じゃないと、「おっ！そのデニム良いね！いくら？」という質問に一つずつ答える必要があり、「お前誰やねん」という僕の突っ込みだらけの日々になってしまうからです。商売が目的なら丁寧にお答えすべきところなのですが、売れりゃ何でも良いとは思っていないので。
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ただ不思議なのは、日本語だと、嫌な経験がほぼゼロだということ。日本語でも失礼な人はいるだろうし、これまで幸運なだけかもしれませんが、過去3年間の積み重ねの中で、日本語のコメントやご連絡を頂くと、心が弾むのです。で、必要以上に長い返信を書くという（笑）日本語で読んでくださっている皆様にもお届けできるように工夫をしていかなきゃなぁと思うのです。
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Thanks to reactions on the previous Reel.Video editing & design aren’t my strength. I neither have the budget to hire professionals. I subscribed to Canva Pro this year, and I am impressed how “easy” it becomes. (At the same time, I am realizing how “great” professionals are…). Anyhow, I can make more “fun” videos without spending hours of investment.
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Sashiko isn’t difficult. Anyone can make the Denim with Sashiko like this, especially when they learn the way we stitch. After 4 years of teaching, I am confident to say it because some of them are not Keiko’s or my work. Many rising Sashiko artisans/artists practice Sashiko to make so many beautiful items & Art.
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As long as one doesn’t give up, they can get the Sashiko to our level. It usually takes about 6 hours to get it. For some, it may be 6 days to be like us. For others, it may be 6 months. However, as long as one continues, it won’t require 6 years to accomplish this. Again, one has to follow our “mindset”. Unfortunately, the other “techniques” probably won’t make this type of Denim happen – it is simply too painful to fingers, and too time-consuming with focusing on each stitch.
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I teach everything in my classes. If you continue Sashiko as I introduce, you can make this type of Denim by yourself. I will be there until you can do it. I used to stitch for commission, but after all, I would like you to make the Denim like this instead of just mending it and calling it “Sashiko”. The comprehensive In-Person workshop in FL is still available. Please contact @aya_fiber_studio for the details!
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先程のリールへの反応が思ったよりも大きくて吃驚しています。実は今年からCanvaというデザインツールを導入しまして、時間ができると遊ぶようにしています。ま〜、どんどん物事が簡単になりますね。テンプレートに動画を入れたら完成ですもの。だからこそ、本質がどんどん希釈されてるんでしょうね。刺し子も似たようなものなんだろうと思います。本質よりも簡単さを求める。だからこそ、僕の仕事は残っているんだと思います。
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「誰でも刺し子はできる」と心底思っています。リールのビデオも僕の刺し子じゃないです（笑）僕から運針を学んでくれた方の作品。僕の針目とも並べてみてます。刺し子、楽しいですよ。
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