#sashikostory

[mirandanetannis]

[sashico]

This is the last (3rd) story of the Sashiko Analogy Series with Pizza. 1st one was about “Fear of losing something important by defining one pizza as THE pizza” (3/1). the 2nd one was about the “difference in tomato sauces” (3/2). The 3rd one today is about “how” to make/enjoy pizza.  ☆ Imagine that you receive a fantastic tomato sauce recipe from your grandparents. You enjoy making it. Others around you enjoy having it, too. One day, pizza became so famous all of sudden, and people outside of your culture started arguing “how we should make/eat pizza”. Well… what you received is only a recipe. You never thought of “how to (rules)” so much… although, of course, there are the ordinary practices & ideal choices. Meanwhile, people are saying, “the thickness of the sauce should be just about 1cm”, “each slice should be divided by 8 equally”, and then some start saying “Well, people there don’t use a knife to cut - they tear it off and nibble” as if it is the “rule”. Again, there is Nothing Wrong with tearing the pizza piece off by hand. But, it isn’t the rule… it is a choice. I want you to learn how to cut the pizza as you wish so you can keep “tearing it” as a choice, not the only option. There is no rule in Sashiko. There is much “wisdom” to make “it” better, but it isn't the rule. Please “choose” to tear pizza instead of forcing one option as if it is the rule. ☆ Lastly, no matter how precisely you follow the “general rule”, if you forget to put the cheese on top, it is bread with tomato sauce - not pizza in general (for me). When you respect the original structure of pizza (dough, tomato sauce, and cheese), then improvise it as you wish. You may choose a different kind of cheese you like, and add the topping you want - even pineapple is fine (just not my preference, sorry). There are no rules in how to make/eat pizza - but one can make it so good. I want you to learn & make the good homemade pizza, if you are gonna tell what the pizza is. ☆ - 「刺し子はお味噌汁のようなもの」という例えがあまりにも秀逸すぎて、英語でたとえ話を書くことに躊躇していたのですが、なんとかピザを使ってたとえ話を書きました。また配信で紹介しますね。もし原文で読んで頂ける方がいたら、感想をお聞かせ頂けると嬉しいです。お味噌汁の例えの半分くらいは形にできたかな（お味噌汁が凄すぎて）。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStory #日本の日常 #刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9ewZ9p3dL/?igshid=v2kcqo1agj6d

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #sashikostory #日本の日常 #刺し子

[sashico]

I say Sashiko isn’t (Fine) Art. However, I humbly accept an admiration to our Sashiko as the Art (because I believe they mean well). I just don’t want “Art” to be an excuse to whatever, or even worse, “Not learning”. As long as one keeps learning & listening to the voice behind the word, I am happy for them to call their stitching “(Sashiko) Art”. ☆ Similarly, my mother Keiko never considered herself as an Artist. When I tell her how “creative” her works are, she laughs them off saying “I am just stitching”. Well… it is quite interesting. In Japanese culture, the title of “Art” may be something “given” rather than “insisting”. Another cultural difference and perspective to look at. Anyhow, I think Keiko makes a great Sashiko Art. The photo is Sashiko with numbers of natural dye Sashiko threads & vintage fabrics. It shines like a rainbow by her choice of thread & fabric. I sometimes share that Keiko is a genius Artist, and there are stories to support my idea (Having a great artist as a mother “can” be a bit of a nightmare). ☆ - - - ☆ 「刺し子は芸術とは少し違う」と発信しています。理由は様々あるのですが、民藝の根本的な話だったり、また英語圏で感じる「刺し子は”芸術”だから何をしても良い」という、少し乱暴な定義へのアンチテーゼだったりします。「刺し子はアートじゃない」というのは、それだけで、日本文化を含めた刺し子に興味があるからには問題提起となりますから。では、刺し子に芸術性が全く存在しないかというと、そんなことはありません。極論は好みの話になるのですが、伝統柄で藍と白のコントラストを好む人がいれば、同時に華やかな色使いの刺し子や楽しい図案を好む人がいて良いと思うのです。実際、一番身近な刺し子作家である母親の恵子さんの作品は、時に「芸術だなぁ」と感じるときがあります。というか、そっちの方が多いかな。伝統の枠内でどうしても収まってしまう僕には作れない作品をどんどん世に出しています。本当に素晴らしい。この草木染刺し子糸と古布の組み合わせも、簡単に見えてとんでもないセンスです。この作品を「綺麗」と思わせるのと、「なんかけばけばしい」と思わせるのは、ぶっちゃけ紙一重です。僕がやると「淳、それは止めたほうが良い（刺した後で）」になります（笑）いやはや。刺し子はどれだけ掘っても物語が出てきます。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #WhatisSashiko #SashikoStory #SashikoArt #Hitomezashi #NaturalDye #KeikoFutatsuya #刺し子 #刺し子アート https://www.instagram.com/p/CMPlJwnJx1m/?igshid=1ut32n8i5m6ve

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #whatissashiko #sashikostory #sashikoart #hitomezashi #naturaldye #keikofutatsuya #刺し子 #刺し子アート

[sashico]

I am NOT asking/expecting you to agree with me on what I share all the time. Of course, I would like you to agree with & like me. However, since I sometimes say something strong, I understand if you disagree. The voice from another culture is occasionally uncomfortable to take in. What I consider “Cultural Appropriation” is not really what you make/do - it is more like how you approach the cultural word. When you intentionally “Ignore” our voices (not dislike the voice), then the issue will be significant and extremely painful. ☆ I want you to acknowledge the voice from the culture. Is it too much to ask? By interacting with many people here, I am confident to say that your Sashiko is NOT a whole if you do not understand the Japanese language. Your understanding of Sashiko is NOT wrong, but insufficient. So, even if you disagree and dislike what I say, please don’t ignore. If, in any case, you “choose” to ignore what I (& other Japanese) say, stop calling what you do “Sashiko/Boro” because it is the typical case of “Cultural Appropriation”.  ☆ It is very easy for me to say what everyone wants to hear. Telling something comfortable to hear is what most of the “Sashiko/Boro business” do (in English). Making customers happy is the business 101. Keeping the voice positive & saying “Oh that’s pretty” is the way to go if my goal is to make money. You know why I am here by now. My goal is to share the true voice so I can be the last one to suffer the pain in Cultural Appropriation to Sashiko. ☆ - - - ☆ なぜか最近急に、日本語で励ましのお言葉を頂くことが増えました。めちゃくちゃ嬉しいです。（でも、なぜ増えたのかは不思議ですｗ）。改めて思うのは、日本文化って独自な発展をしてきたんだなぁということ。日々の当たり前は文化と密接な関係があるので、刺し子も日本文化なしには語れないのです。 ☆ 「なんでもいいよ〜」という言葉には2種類あります。寛容と無知。器が広いのか、あるいは知らないのか。今の英語圏の刺し子の「なんでも良い」は寛容だとは思えないんです。寛容にはある程度の土台が必要だから。日本での刺し子の「何でも良い」と英語圏での刺し子の「何でも良い」には大きな違いがあるなぁと学んでおります。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #JapaneseBoro #SashikoStory #Boro #日本の日常 #刺し子 #襤褸 #ぼろ https://www.instagram.com/p/CL1rMvCJaLA/?igshid=6a2dd3bo0629

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #culturalappropriation #japaneseboro #sashikostory #boro #日本の日常 #刺し子 #襤褸 #ぼろ

[sashico]

Has anyone realized that our entity name has no word “Sashiko” in it? Keiko’s project name is “Sashi.Co” and my company’s name is “Upcycle Stitches”. There are reasons behind it. We carefully choose the name without “Sashiko”, and it is our way to pay respect to Sashiko. I know it isn’t the best idea in “marketing strategy”. However, advertising ourselves as if we are “the (only) Sashiko” is against the Japanese aesthetic. ☆ From all of my 30+ years of experience in Sashiko, I came to a conclusion that “No one should(can) own Sashiko”. When I started sharing the Sashiko in English, I already knew the potential of my voice - I don’t know many Japanese-Native Sashiko artisans, with many years of experience, who do not need a translator to express their experience. A potential equal to a risk. I do NOT want anyone to consider our Sashiko is “the absolute (only) Sashiko”. We do not own Sashiko. There are numbers of great Japanese Sashiko artisans/teachers in Japan who do not wish to speak up. It is another form of Japanese aesthetic. ☆ I would rather be buried in the ground with the Sashiko if I had to go against the Japanese aesthetic. However, I learned that many people care for what we do & what I say. So, this is the in-between point. I know I can do better in terms of “marketing” and “making profit”. However, please understand that I am the Japanese after all. Going along with the western “strategy” isn’t always the best way to go. ☆ - - - ☆ 米国での活動では、「@UpcycleStitches」という名前でビジネスをしています。Sashikoって入ってないんです。でも、刺し子を紹介したり販売したりするのであれば、Sashikoという言葉を商売名に入れるのは基本中の基本。ここに実は「刺し子には絶対的な正解はない」というアンチテーゼが含まれています。日本人じゃない方が、Sashikoという文字を使い、あたかも全ての刺し子を代弁するような商売をしているのを見てきて、とても嫌気がさしていて。日本人で背景もある僕が「これが刺し子だ！」と言ってしまうと、僕の声だけが残ってしまうリスクがあります。それは嫌なんです。僕の声”も”残したい。日本人の美徳が喧騒にかき消されてしまわないように。☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #TraditionalSashiko #SashikoStitching #SashikoJacket #SashikoStory #UpcycleStitches #日本人の刺し子 #刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CLrw59bJoVF/?igshid=1tzjeicr7yu2a

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #culturalappropriation #traditionalsashiko #sashikostitching #sashikojacket #sashikostory #upcyclestitches #日本人の刺し子 #刺し子

[sashico]

I am glad that the analogy I made yesterday was helpful to understand my message. It was an analogy. This is not an account to define/discuss what is “The Pizza”. Yesterday’s post was more about sharing my fear in Cultural Appreciation. Today, it is more like a wish I have for anyone who wants to learn Sashiko (with the analogy of pizza). ☆ I want you to know the difference between the Ketchup and Tomato Sauce. They look similar & from the same ingredient, tomato, but there aren’ the same. In my preference, Tomato sauce for the pizza, and Ketchup for fries. You don’t need to agree, but I want you to know the difference.  ☆ Let’s say, you decide to use the tomato sauce. Now, I want you to try to seek the joy & taste of homemade Tomato Sauce made from shiny red tomatoes - not only the packaged tomato sauce. Each family may have their own recipes. Some may be sharing online. Learn it before denying the difference. And then, with respect to the origin, you may find your own Tomato Sauce to make your pizza “yours”. ☆ Please replace “Ketchup”, “Tomato Sauce” and “Pizza” with any words you may know in Sashiko. Pizza can/may be more than a baked bread with tomato sauce & cheese on it. ☆ I respect each preference. I used to enjoy(?) vegan pizza (since my wife was vegan). However, I do not like talking as if “vegan pizza” is “better” for everyone. Both are good - but different - so learn the difference. Same as Sashiko. Please know what kind of Sashiko you are practicing. Then, you can expand your Sashiko more. I really want you to try how tasty the homemade pizza is. ☆ - - - ☆ すごくとても不思議なのですが、「刺し子を学びたい」という人に、「日本文化・言語も学んでみてね」というのは、「なんで？」って聞き返されるお願い事なんでしょうか？トマトソースとチーズが乗ってないピザは、普通の円盤型のパン（？）でしょ。いや、パンが悪いんじゃないのよ。でも、それをピザって呼んだら文化が壊れちゃうじゃん。ご飯だけ握ったら、お寿司じゃなくておにぎりじゃん……というたとえ話。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #SashikoStory #日本の日常 #刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7g8C3p527/?igshid=1kffu02b0757w

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #culturalappropriation #sashikostory #日本の日常 #刺し子

[sashico]

It was interesting to read many comments on the previous post (1/23) about “Is Sashiko really Little Stabs?”. The replies from Japanese were “Oh, I didn’t know how Sashiko is translated lik that” and “I think Sashiko is the word for “a person''. Interesting, but my worries reside here. ☆ I personally like the translation as “Little Stabs”. I enjoyed other interpretations such as “Child of Stitches” and “Stitches as our children”. They are beautiful. The issue is, however, some Japanese are not aware of the English translation of Sashiko as “Little Stabs”, yet the non-Japanese believe that the “Little Stabs” is the correct & absolute definition of Sashiko. Isn’t the “Cultural Repainting” happening already here? ☆ Again, I am NOT accusing the translation as “Little Stabs”. I just want to know the story of its translation - why Sashiko became “Little Stabs”. If it comes from wisdom & their intentions, I would like to pass the stories down. If it comes from ignorance (intentional or unintentional), then it is important to learn the fact, and then share “Little Stabs” is merely an interpretation of many possibilities. I may be the one who used “Little Stabs'' for Sashiko first in 1998...so, I feel responsible, too. The continuous learning is very important in this “freedom” world.  ☆ - - - ☆ 先日の刺し子の英訳（Little Stabs?）に関して、沢山のご感想ありがとうございました。刺し子が英語圏で、「小さな針目」と英訳されていることは、個人的には素敵だと思っています。同時に、刺し子を「刺す子（人）」と認識していらっしゃる方が多いというのは、とても嬉しい発見でした。なかなか深く考える機会はないですから。 ☆ 正解はわかりません（笑）ただ、一つ怖いのは、日本国内で正解が明確ではないのに、英語圏では「小さな針目」が定義として正義を持ってしまっていることなんです。「刺し子はLittle Stabsでしょ？何が問題なの？」と。どこかでズレてしまったんです。 ☆ このズレを意図的に作った方がいるのであれば、お話を伺いたい。学びたい。「意訳」そのものは素敵なことですし、刺し子をLittle Stabsと訳す際に思いがあるのであれば、それも一緒に紹介できると思います。ただ逆に、刺し子も日本文化も表面だけを学んだ人が、”なんとなく”で、「小さい針目」として新しい正解を作ってしまっているとしたら……文化はそこで違うものになってしまいませんか？日本人ですら正解がわからないのに、日本語圏から出たら、そこには正解があるって……変じゃない？これは「正解が必ず必要」な西洋の文化に由来しています。また声が大きい人が正義になるという社会構造からもきています。だからこそ、少しだけでも僕の声を大きくしようかなと思っているところなのです。 ☆ #Sashiko #RunningStitches #LittleStabs #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStory #LearnSashiko #刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CKZIRDZplJv/?igshid=9b5k99f40lb7

#sashiko #runningstitches #littlestabs #sashikostitching #japanesesashiko #sashikostory #learnsashiko #刺し子

[sashico]

I usually have plenty of time when I teach/lecture the Sashiko. The in-person workshop is 6 hours length. Therefore, it is very challenging & also refreshing to condense my message into a short version (like Pecha-Kucha format, which I am not sure how I feel about the word-usage). In 6 minutes, I need to be more “direct to share the message. Although I feel that I am shaving the essences off, this is a great opportunity to try. I have been thinking about it nights and days. Can you guess what the condensed theme I came up with? ☆ It is: “Sashiko isn’t the past (yet)”. Many people ask me to talk about the history of Sashiko. I am happy to share stories about how our Sashiko was developed in its history. However, at the same time, I would like to emphasize that Sashiko is an ongoing practice in Japan. Therefore, repainting the culture is painful. My voice isn’t an opinion about the past. It is a voice from today.  ☆ Photos I share here are stitched in the last 7 years by me, my mother Keiko, and/or Sashiko artisans who help our projects (or all together). Therefore I ask to learn & respect the story behind. You can still learn Sashiko from the real voice - because it hasn’t become history yet. Learning from History is very important. However, please do not make our reality “the history” earlier than it should by ignoring the voices. Sashiko isn’t the past.  ☆ - - - ☆ 講演や講座として刺し子のお話をする際は、1時間以上のお時間を頂くようにしています。ワークショップだと6時間かな。丁寧にゆっくりと刺し子について語るのですが、今回承ったミッションは6分ちょいで刺し子のお話。各スライド20秒で強制移動 x 20枚というドMな感じの挑戦です。普段だったら受けないのですが、夏に一緒にお仕事をすることもあり、力になれたら……と引き受けました。6分に纏めるとなると、ひたすら削ぎ落とす作業が必要です。結果残ったメッセージは、「刺し子は（まだ）過去じゃない」というものでした。刺し子はいにしえの針仕事と紹介されることもある中、現代の刺し子にもしっかりと目を向けて欲しい……という願いからです。現代で刺し子をされている方々が、職人として、または芸術家として食べていけるようになること。居場所を作った後の、次の目標の一つです。 ☆  #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStitching #SashikoStory #日本の日常 #刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CMM5N1lpRzB/?igshid=e8lfsygmqo9r

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #sashikostitching #sashikostory #日本の日常 #刺し子

[sashico]

I wrote: “Your understanding of Sashiko is NOT a whole if you don't understand the Japanese language”. Don’t jump into the defensive mode. I am NOT saying you need to master the Japanese language to enjoy Sashiko. A respect (caring) to the Japaneseness is only what I ask. In my opinion, there is no need to master the Japanese to teach Sashiko (when the teacher has proper understanding). Of course, I want you to learn the Japanese. It will significantly enrich your experience. However, it is not a “rule” to enjoy Sashiko. I am here to share - not exclude. ☆ The point is, though, the risk of “conceit (the act as if they know a whole picture” in foreign culture). Well… it is a very bold thing to say, “I know the whole picture (of Sashiko)”. I dare not to say so... Regardless, saying “I know everything” in the native language (here in Japanese) is less risky to repaint the culture because there are Many Others who practice the same ordinary. Let’s say, if I say, “the Sashiko I practice is the (only) Sashiko”, someone can/will point it (conceit) out.  The culture should be secured collectively. ☆ Loud voices from the majority in the most-used language may minimize, or even worse, erase the voice. Therefore, I say, “One needs to master the Japanese to talk about the whole picture of Sashiko” so other Japanese can help them to fulfill the pieces when needed.  ☆ I “can” write in English. If I weren’t, I cannot even discuss the “analogy” of Japanese Sashiko to pizza. If a person defines the (insufficient) whole picture of Sashiko written in English, then no Japanese can fulfill the missing parts. Again, the Sashiko in English is NOT wrong. It is insufficient - and therefore I am here to share. ☆ - - - ☆ 日本語で「これが刺し子だ！」って言うのは不安を感じません。なぜなら、それに対して様々な思いを以て補完してくれる人が沢山いるから。日本語以外で、「これが刺し子だ！」って言われると、とても不安です。なぜなら、刺し子への思いを共有する前に英語という言語の壁を乗り越える必要があるから。誰も指摘しない（できない）文化の変化なんて、怖すぎますよ。（靴脱いでって英語で言えないから沈黙せざるを得ない日本人を見てきましたから）。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStory #日本の日常 #刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CMACaTWJQPb/?igshid=1qz9myfpm7f40

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #sashikostory #日本の日常 #刺し子

[sashico]

One of my goals in sharing Sashiko is to preserve the voice from Japanese people who practice(d) Sashiko. It is very challenging because the Japanese tend to keep their personal stories inside, especially when the stories are related to their ordinary. It took almost 20 years to start sharing my stories. This is another reason that we do not find a Japanese author in Sashiko/Boro in English much. In this big challenge, a live streaming sometimes gives me a great fortune to hear the actual voice. The comment was: “I do not like the self-deprecating word [Boro]. I think Sashiko describes the Japanese culture of [appreciating what we have]. It isn’t [Boro], it is [treasure]”.  ☆ Some may use the word “Boro” with positive phrases such as “Joyful” and “Fun”. I have seen a phrase, “Happy Boro Stitching”. You may see how far the word travels by itself. This is the fear I feel of “freedom” in interpretation. There are native Japanese who do not like the word “Boro”, yet some “teaches” us it is “joyful mending”? Some say, “Boro is the age old Japanese art of mending textiles”. The Japanese didn’t make Boro to enjoy it as the art of mending textile. It is someone else who defines the values in it and uses the word for their new trend. If they refuse to learn, then it is Cultural Appropriation, isn’t it? ☆ - - - ☆ 配信をしていると、時に宝物の様なお言葉を頂けることがあります。日本で刺し子をしていらっし���る皆様の言葉を残すことが第一の目的なので、日本の方々の一般的な感覚でのお言葉が一番嬉しかったりします。「ボロという自虐的な表現はあまり好きじゃない」という一般的な感覚は、残念ながら米国では認識されてません。ボロは称賛されるべきアートだから……と。価値観すら塗り替えてしまうような言葉の一人歩きが嫌なだけです。何度も書いて恐縮ですが、襤褸の上で食事をすることを絶賛するような文化の残り方は嫌なのですよ。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Mending #JapaneseBoro #SashikoStory #Boro #日本の日常 #刺し子 #襤褸 #ぼろ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLzQDmnpoDV/?igshid=1ql0g9zzije7f

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #mending #japaneseboro #sashikostory #boro #日本の日常 #刺し子 #襤褸 #ぼろ

[sashico]

The importance of "Imagination" is one of core messages in our Sashiko. The ability to imagine "what if '' can lead us to be more caring to each other. I believe we are all "born good", not "born evil". To be more precise, what I want to share is the reminder of our ability to imagine. We have the ability, but we don't have enough time to use the ability. In Sashiko, by stitching for a while within the rhythm, we can imagine a lot. Not so much focusing the results - in losing ourselves in the movement of stitching, we can imagine about others and oneself.  ☆ The stitches made in mindfulness carry the "Caring". Since stitches can represent who we are, the stories behind the stitches are important & attractive. I want you to have the imagination to care about the stories behind stitches. When a person made a joke about me & the Jacket, I advised her it wasn't funny. I wished that she would imagine the story behind the stitches instead of minimizing my pain by calling "crying baby for attention" and justifying her by calling me "pervert". ☆ I have been thinking why it happened so as not to repeat. The key is "(lack of) imagination". The Boro-to-be Jacket that I repeatedly introduce as a "gift" from my mother to help me in sharing Sashiko/Boro. There are reasons for not showing inside much. I summarized all of the “dots” to connect “reasons” on Patreon, but I just wanted to share the importance of imagination here. Sashiko/Boro is more than stitching/patch-working for fun, for some Japanese who still practice Sashiko today. ☆ - - - ☆ 恵子さんと二人で常に心掛けていることは、「使って頂ける刺し子作品を作る」という事です。刺し子の作り手の意地……というか、ジャケットであれば着ることを前提に作り、またご購入を希望される方には、どしどし販売しています。一人で何着も着続けることはできませんし。その中で唯一販売不可なジャケットが、この”襤褸になる”ジャケットです。以前も思いを紹介したのですが、その思いはどれだけ語っても尽きることはないです。一度値段付けて、ご検討頂いた方も居たのですが、やっぱり感情が入りすぎて駄目でした（しっかりご説明してご理解頂きました）。所詮針目。たかが刺し子……です。でも、針目には思いが付随し、そして残る。だからこそ、思いそのものを何も”知ろうとしない人”に馬鹿にされると怒ります。というか、そこは怒る必要があります。このジャケットは、いつか皆様に見て頂きたいジャケットです。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #JapaneseBoro #SashikoStory #Boro #日本の日常 #刺し子 #襤褸 #ぼろ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLuBhbDpQR0/?igshid=dkhqsvd0c1iu

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #culturalappropriation #japaneseboro #sashikostory #boro #日本の日常 #刺し子 #襤褸 #ぼろ

[sashico]

This is a repetitive message, but a very important one from me. I often get a question, “Would it be okay (less painful) if I call it Sashiko inspired?”. This is a thoughtful question. However, honestly speaking, I feel there is no need to add the word  “inspired”. If you think you are doing Sashiko, please call it Sashiko. If you think you made Sashiko, call it Sashiko. Just Keep Learning what Sashiko is to avoid unfortunate Cultural Appropriation. What you know isn’t probably wrong, but not-a-whole. ☆ Of course, you can call it “Sashiko-inspired” if you want to. However, calling it “◯◯-inspired” doesn’t issue a freedom to do “whatever” you want. The word “Inspired” will not excuse anyone from C/A when the voice is ignored. When you try to respect what Sashiko really is, then no need to worry much. That’s how simple it is “to me”.  ☆ When a person doesn’t care about the culture & the voice, I really do not understand why they have to name it “Sashiko(inspired)”. For me, naming “Sashiko” means that they are interested in the Japanese culture behind them. If they don’t care, they can name it from their own culture. I really do not understand their logic - unless they are using the foreign words for the “marketing” purpose, which is disgusting and painful - which is the C/A I need to fight for. Otherwise, as you are here to learn more, please call it “Sashiko” or “Sashiko inspired”, as you want. I hope it makes sense. ☆ - - - ☆ 「刺し子風の」と枕詞をつければ何をしてもいいでしょ？という人もいます。問題の本質が見えてないなぁと。刺し子には絶対的な正解はないので、原則何を刺し子と呼んでも良いんです。でも、そこには日本への理解があってほしい。言葉の一人歩きを懸念していますが、でも、その言葉の一人歩きを止められるのは言葉じゃないことを知ってほしい。あくまで想像力なんです。想像力があれば、これほど毎日書く必要はないわけで。 ☆  #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #Hitomezashi #SashikoStory #日本の日常 #刺し子 #一目刺し https://www.instagram.com/p/CLPPpMPp6-e/?igshid=7zt44jdnmk5w

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #culturalappropriation #hitomezashi #sashikostory #日本の日常 #刺し子 #一目刺し

[sashico]

The previous photo is a part of Sashiko on this Jacket. ☆ I got an unexpected question. It was outside of my box, so please let me share. “Can only the Japanese talk the Japanese Voice?” (Question as is).  Umm. I guess we have to define “the Japanese” first. ☆ “The Japanese” I refer to is the people who can share the “Japanese Common Sense” with. The C/S in Japan can be insane outside of Japan… so, as long as the person understands this “ordinary practice in ordinary days” in Japan, then they are the Japanese to me regardless of other differences. Of course, it requires them to be fluent in Japanese and living experience in Japan.  ☆ I realize the pain when non-Japanese advocate the Japanese culture (here Sashiko) as if they know (master) it as a whole. True learners of Japanese culture wouldn’t say they mastered. “The more I learn, the more I feel it is impossible to master the Japanese culture” is the phrase I often hear. The humble (shame) is the fundamental of Japanese culture, so calling oneself  “master” or “utmost (ultimate)” is already a lack of C/S in Japan. (Those titles/admiration should be given by someone).   ☆ What I want you to listen to is the Japanese voice, and yes, “Only the Japanese can talk the Japanese voice”. I enjoy interpretation of Japanese culture, but it isn’t the same as the true voice. Imagine the pain & Respect as a whole (not partial based on convenience). That’s how we can go through the pain of Cultural Appropriation, I believe.  ☆ - - - ☆ あぁ……今週は配信ができませんでした。週末の今日こそは！と思っていたのですが、雑務を終えたら夜の10時過ぎ。ここからエンジンかけるのも違う気がするので、次のタイミングを見図ります。配信も刺し子もご無沙汰になってしまうと、反動で24時間配信とかやっちゃいそうで不安。楽しかったなぁ（遠い目）。近日中になんとか頑張ります。24時間じゃないけど。 ☆  #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #Hitomezashi #SashikoStory #日本の日常 #刺し子 #一目刺し https://www.instagram.com/p/CLN4rSJJ1Ax/?igshid=2ni79covyo0c

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #culturalappropriation #hitomezashi #sashikostory #日本の日常 #刺し子 #一目刺し

[sashico]

How do you describe the Japanese culture (people)? “Hard-working”, “Polite”, “shy”, “Collectivism”... these words are reasonable to understand. However, please know that the descriptions can be the projections from non-Japanese culture - the words do not describe not the whole picture (essence) of Japanese culture/people. Please learn “why” the Japanese receive such descriptions. For example, there are many reasons why Japanese are described as “hard-working” - please think why Japanese work so hard. There are always “reasons” when we talk about the culture. If one cannot explain one reason, then they do not know it fully. The similar thing goes to Sashiko. When one says “whatever” in Sashiko, it isn’t a sign of acceptance - it’s a lack of knowledge. ☆ What I share is a challenge to question a selfish projection in Sashiko. I know no artisans, in my memory, who thought of Sashiko as the Art form. I humbly accept the admiration of Sashiko as the Art. However, saying “Sashiko is such a beautiful Art (and therefore I can do whatever I want)” without trying to understand the stories behind the word is selfish (suppressive) action from a privileged majority. The Japanese do not speak up so often. However, it doesn’t mean that we do not have words. As the one who is approaching the issue of Cultural Appropriation from the other side, it is my challenge to question the trend: What do you think of people who push their “normal” to define foreign culture/word, with shouting “this is it”? Sashiko is more than what they think they know. ☆ - - - ☆ 昨日、日系の方の日本文化に対する想いの一部を紹介しました。最近頂いたアドバイスでなるほどなと思ったのが、「貴方が日系という立ち位置に近くなっている」というものです。日本に住む日本人という、ある意味で完結している場所から、米国文化圏内に住む日本人という、「文化について考えざるをえない」場所にきているんだなぁと。日本をルーツに持つ日系米国人の方々と、米国文化を学ぼうとする日本人の自分。同じ問題の裏表をみるような感じで学べているのは、大変嬉しいなと思うのです。娘は日系米国人なので、彼女がいつか苦しみと向き合わなければ行けない時、少しでも力になれたらと思うのですよ。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #DefineSashiko #SashikoStory #日本の日常 #刺し子  https://www.instagram.com/p/CKrFvqXJQog/?igshid=md9yv8av8np4

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #culturalappropriation #definesashiko #sashikostory #日本の日常 #刺し子

[sashico]

“Protecting/Creating a culture”. What does it mean to you? I am still learning, but there is one core concept that I keep in my mind, “Provide a fishing rod, not only the fishes”.  ☆ Let’s say, we want to create/protect a culture of “having fish” everyday. A daily habit (of eating fish) will create the culture. However, “how they get fish” will hugely influence the duration/significance of the culture - either [someone delivers the fish everyday to them] or [they go fishing everyday]. ☆ One reason I speak up in English is in this concept. I see many people saying “I know Sashiko” while enjoying “Sashiko” with the idea/materials someone delivers to them. There is nothing wrong with “Someone’s prepared Sashiko (Someone’s delivered fish)”. However, I wonder if the culture will remain existing when someone stops preparing (delivering). Instead, I want them to learn how to catch the fish using a fishing rod as well - I believe my Online Sashiko Class is an equivalent to that.  ☆ Sashiko is not a trend for us. At the same time, I know many people will move on when the trend is over. I want some of us to be able to get the fish even if they end up with not-having fish. That’s my understanding of protecting the culture. By the way, there are some Artisans who do not need a fishing rod… they catch a fish by hand. I sincerely respect them & protect their voices as the Sashiko artisans. ☆ - - - ☆ 「文化を守る・作る」とはどういうことか。まだまだ勉強不足の身なのですが、目的を達成する為に、意識していることがあります。今日はそのご紹介（詳細は個人アカウントで）。 ☆ 「魚を食べる文化」を作り（守り）たいとします。毎日魚を食べ続ければ文化は形取られてくるのですが、「魚を毎日届ける」か「魚を毎日取れるように教える」かで、10年後、100年後の文化の残り具合が違うと思うんですよね。 ☆ 残念ながら、英語圏での刺し子は、まだまだ「獲れた魚を販売する（お届けする）」という段階です。これが悪いって言っているわけじゃないんです。ただ、「魚は届けて貰うもの」というのが当たり前になってしまっている感じがしてとても不安なんです。日本だと手づかみで魚獲って食べる人もちらほらいるような刺し子業界なのでね（←最大限の褒め言葉です）。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #ProtectingSashiko #WhatisSashiko #SashikoStory #LearnSashiko #KeikoFutatsuya #日本の日常 #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CKbtosxJgvA/?igshid=13evonld7jzzl

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #protectingsashiko #whatissashiko #sashikostory #learnsashiko #keikofutatsuya #日本の日常 #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子

[sashico]

“With Freedom Comes Responsibility. (Eleanor Roosevelt)”. More than ever, we face this powerful saying in Covid-19. I believe the similar principle apply to Cultural Appropriation (C/A).  ☆ As I keep saying, please do not worry about the C/A too much when you try to respect the people/stories behind the word, Sashiko. For the details, please read my article (Link from profile). I ask them to respect & care by willing to learn. “Respect”, “Care”, and “Willingness”. They are kind of “vague” concepts. No benchmark to measure one’s “amount” of these. Therefore, to sum up, it is up to us & you who practice Sashiko today, whether we understand the phrase, “With Freedom Comes Responsibility”. ☆ In Sashiko, I finally feel a responsibility to pass “it” down. It took 20 years to reach here, but this “responsibility” is a fundamental reason I keep posting here. Therefore, I get very sad when I see the word “whatever”. Yes, “I do whatever I want in Sahiko” is a true statement. No one can/should argue for freedom. If they feel that they are responsible in Sashiko as much as I do, then I have no concern. They are my comrades. The point is… are they? Freedom will change the culture. There is nothing I should/can do to avoid the change. The change itself defines who we are. However, I want the change to come with mindful responsibility, not willful ignorance. I am NOT asking you to stop using the word. The same message in every single post. Please try to learn what Sashiko is (was) for us. I have shared a lot of information already. Please be responsible when you shout freedom in foreign culture. ☆ - - - ☆ 「自由には責任が伴う」。どこで聞いたか忘れた言葉ですが、英語だとルーズベルト大統領の奥様の言葉として有名です。今の社会で、この言葉はどれだけ”当たり前”になっているのでしょうか？15人に1人の割合でコロナ陽性者が出ている米国で、マスクをしない自由を主張しているのを見ると、どうも頭を抱えてしまいます。 ☆ 刺し子にも同様なことが言えるかもしれません。極論ですが、日本国内で日本語で刺し子をしている人の刺し子は、どんな形でも刺し子だと思っています。そこには日本人の当たり前があるから。この当たり前を共有しない人が、「刺し子は自由だ」という時、そこには、「日本人の当たり前を理解する責任」が発生すると思うんです。社会的に、法律関係なく「良くないこと」とされていることを、法律が無いから律さない……なんていう文化の塗り替えは嫌なんですよ。食卓で箸渡ししたら注意される。そんな文化は、やっぱり残したいんです。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #WhatisSashiko #SashikoStory #Boro #JapaneseBoro #日本の日常 #刺し子 #ぼろ #襤褸 https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ3mzBsJ7z6/?igshid=15xpc1bhdf11i

#sashiko #japanesesashiko #culturalappropriation #whatissashiko #sashikostory #boro #japaneseboro #日本の日常 #刺し子 #ぼろ #襤褸