#sashikojacket

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

After the Tohoku earthquake and Tsunami, some people in Otsuchi learned about Sashiko. After 10 years, they are still stitching. It is our sincere honor to support the Otsuchi Sashiko Project.  Sashiko Noragi with Traditional Designs Made by @ootsuchisashikoproject with @Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya Estimate production lead time: 12 months. MSRP: $3,000.00 and up.  Completely one of a kind Jacket.  Power of hand-stitching. Pray for Japan, with you. 大槌刺し子プロジェクトの皆様の、手仕事の刺し子を繋ぎ合わせて作られた野良着です。10年目の今日を迎えて、これからも引き続き手仕事を楽しむ皆様を応援して行けたらと思うのです。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #RunningStitches #OtsuchiSashiko #SashikoJacket #SashikoStitching #SashiCo #KeikoFutatuya  #刺し子 #日本の刺し子 　 https://www.instagram.com/p/CMR8ZgRnMdD/?igshid=1dz6rn0mhj006

We are a group of Sashiko artisans after all. While I keet sharing the words, Keiko and her friends keep stitching. Keiko doesn’t really talk much. However, it doesn’t mean that she has less messages. After Covid-19, I want you to see and touch what we makes. It may explain “what Sashiko is for us” 10 times better than reading my words. You may find your Sashiko there, too. ☆ Keiko isn't the only silent voice. I was surrounded by those quiet yet proud Sashiko artisans. They rarely talk in public, yet they never stopped talking off the stage. It is my privilege (once “curse” in the past) to receive those “chatting” - which is now my foundation & wisdom.  ☆ I am NOT here to convince you to agree with me. Using logic & words to argue is already an opposite value-system in Japanese culture. In our culture, we sometimes expect them to “sense” something. It is not a matter of right and wrong. I am NOT saying someone's Sashiko is wrong. I am just here to share what we do - which has the precious word (spirit of sounds) - Sashiko. I am stepping out of my cultural comfortable zone by being logical. I decided to jump into “non-Japanese” field so that I can explain better. It would be difficult to learn what Sashiko is if you decide to jump into “our Japanese” field - because some artisans expect you to “sense” rather than “discuss”. The Japanese ordinary can be more abundant (and messed up) than you may already know - as this Jacket communicates to you.  ☆ - - - ☆ 様々な刺し子の作品や、刺し子の楽しみ方はあれど、こういう刺し子ジャケットを作れるのは、やっぱり恵子さんだなぁと思うのです。何度か僕も挑戦してますが、（まだ）無理。一生無理かも。僕はどうしても言葉に頼りすぎです。でも、昨日書いた事も真実で、まずは議論ができないと話にすらならないのが、僕が移住した先です。一年に数着できる刺し子ジャケット。あと何着世に送り出せるかな。僕の役目は、いかに「継続性と再現性」を確保するかなんです。コロナ禍が落ち着いたら、オフ会したいですね。1年後でも2年後でも、いつか恵子さんの作品に触れてほしいので。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoJacket #SashikoDesign #SustainableFashion #VisibleMending #Patchworking #日本の日常 #刺し子 #刺し子ジャケット https://www.instagram.com/p/CJL0NJvJk-Z/?igshid=1q4us0oumphq

There is no such a thing as “Right and Wrong (rules)” in Sashiko. Similarly, there is no “wrong discussion” here . Well-thought comments are treasure even if it is a disagreement. A discussion implies the “care” for Sashiko. The “Care” is all I am asking.  ☆ However, interestingly, a discussion is almost opposite from the core of Sashiko. A discussion is based on logic and hugely depends on words. Often, the goal of discussion is to form a “decision (mutual understanding)” so the majority can share the definition. In some Japanese culture, the process of discussion was more important than the result. More precisely, “reading between the lines (sensing without discussion)” was the general expectation. In the ordinary (things to do everyday), sensing became more important.  ☆ This explains why I know no discussion about what is “Right and Wrong Sashiko”. There are Sashiko with specific rules (right and wrong) in their jurisdiction, but no one “unify” Sashiko, because they acknowledged (respected) each other. It is NOT my intention to decide what is right Sashiko or not here. I also respect the difference in Sashiko. I just can't let non-native “unify(simplify)” the culture of Sashiko/Boro. Therefore, I speak up. In order to protect, I need to explain in the language non-Japanese would understand. “Logic before Sense” so that I can communicate the importance of sense over logic.  ☆ We are Sashiko artisans after all. We think “Sashiko we make will speak on behalf of us”. It has been true for a long time, but I guess it is time for someone to speak up in a form of discussion. ☆ - - - ☆ 刺し子における「結論を出さなくても満足できる日本的文化」を伝える為の活動な気がしています。前提として、日本の当たり前を当たり前に感じて下さる方のご意見には、正解も間違いもありません。見ている角度が違うだけ。角度が違うというのは学びの場でもあるので、基本、日本人の方のコメントはとても有り難く拝読しています。ではなぜこれほど英語で書くのか。それは英語では議論のみが力を持つからです。「はい、空気読んでくださいねー」というのは通用しません。刺し子が英語圏で不思議な変容をしているのであれば、まずは相手の土俵で、「空気を読ませる議論」を展開する必要があります。それが僕が日々毎日していることなのかもしれません。刺し子したいなぁ（笑） ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoJacket #SashikoDesign #SustainableFashion #日本の日常 #刺し子 #刺し子ジャケット https://www.instagram.com/p/CJJx2m3pGEJ/?igshid=177oezt3kkcvn

Sashiko may be just a trendy word for them. However, please know that there are people behind the word - here, some Japanese people who spend (spent) their life there. ☆ Art makes us human. Playfulness encourages Art. We all need freedom. They are all true statements. I would like to call mine “Art”. I enjoy the playfulness (joke) to enrich my life. I appreciate the freedom I have today. However, I dare not want them over someone’s pain. I understand that my ordinary today is built on someone's pain already (in capitalism). What I am saying here is, respect & learning are the key to avoid unnecessary pain. ☆ Some of the free interpretation for Sashiko is painful. I am not here to accuse anything. I am just here to share my pain because I learned that silence is not a kindness. I learned how important it is to speak up about my own culture because there are people who care about others (but they do not know). ☆ Please do NOT react to this message. If you do not like what I write today, first, please read what I have been writing. Then, I will try to share more.  ☆ - - - ☆ 文化は変化すると頭では理解しながら、「できるだけ何も変えたくない」というのは望み過ぎなのでしょうか。「文化は多数決で決められるものじゃないから、どんな声も拾って考えていきたい」という理想論の横で、手軽さや人気だけで外枠が決まってしまっていく現実に、どう反応したらいいのか。親父が死んで、僕はきっと、とても「優しく」なりました。もっと親孝行しておけば良かったという罪悪感を外に向けているだけかもしれませんが、刺し子に対して怒ることが増えました。それこそ、親父がいた頃は、刺し子について怒ったことなんて一度もなかったんじゃないかな（それ以外のことには常にピリピリしてたけど）。願いは一つ。居場所を作ってきた刺し子を、表面的な「アートだから自由」という言葉で変えられたくないんだと思います。こんな素敵な刺し子を裏にして世間様に見せないようにするのも、それなりの意味があるのです。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Unshin #Sustainability #SustainableFashion #SashikoLife #SashikoJacket #日本の日常 #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CGxs01kpb7s/?igshid=wy1f6ptekawc

Many understand that we advocate the traditional Sashiko. In fact, it isn’t true. Keiko and I are quite off the “traditional” route. As much as I love the tradition of Sashiko, what I do (Sashiko Denim) and what Keiko does (combination of many colors & types of fabric) are NOT traditional. The Sashiko artisans in my family would not consider them “traditional”. ☆ Keiko’s iconic Jacket, Hitomezashi Jacket, is one example. This is a mixture of her interpretation of Sashiko in 40 years & her artisanship in tradition. Vintage Mud-dye Silk with Sashiko due to the weakness of vintage silk. Her natural dye Sashiko thread will alter its color with the fabric’s history. I can talk about this jacket hours and hours… If one thinks that they know Sashiko by reading a blog article, then it is so sad that they are missing many beautiful aspects of Sashiko. The Japanese rarely call themselves “a master”... A master is a title from someone - not a marketing tool from an artisan themselves. ☆ This 1-year-making Jacket often gets sold out immediately. Or, recent years, She makes one as a backorder. It was my dream to share this in the U.S… so I ordered & will be in the U.S. (when the logistics are better, to avoid lost packages). Sashiko is more than just stitching - it is a culture in a form of simple & mere stitching. (Please do not ask “What is traditional Sashiko, then?”. A tradition cannot be (shouldn’t be) described so easily with words and a few photos). ☆ - - - ☆ 配信でも時々話題に出してた、大島紬（絹）の古布と一目刺しから成る刺し子ジャケット。約12年前、本格的に刺し子に向き合うようになって、「ふぁっ？何やってんの！？」と声が出てしまった作品です。「大島の古布に刺し子をして切るなんて……（コスト考えてる？）」と思ったものです（笑）それでも、同一コンセプトの作品を沢山の方にご覧頂き、在庫は一つも残っておらず、また作ってもすぐにお嫁に行く優秀な子達です。年に1着作れれば良いくらいのスピードではありますが。「刺し子の伝統」からは、実は外れていると思っています。繰り返しますが、絹に刺し子……ですから。でも、伝統を大切にという僕でさえ、伝統の殻は破りたいと思っています。英語で刺し子を見ていて戸惑うのは基礎が全くできていない応用。あぁ、配信がしたいです（愚痴は微妙にTwitterで行っております。 ☆ #Sashiko #Upcycle #SashikoStitching #Hitomezashi #SashikoJacket #NaturalDye #KeikoFutatsuya #JapaneseSilk #SashikoWorkshop #OshimaSilk #RunningStitch #JapaneseSashiko #TraditionalSashiko #刺し子 #一目刺し #刺し子ジャケット https://www.instagram.com/p/B_KcnOiJQUW/?igshid=1i86z1yalvmaw

“BORO” is a result of repetitive Sashiko. Therefore, it contains the “hope/care” of ordinary People. In today’s Live Streaming, I talked about what Boro is for us, for Sashiko artisans. Boro is more than a result. Sashiko is more than technique. It is my goal to share something more than “material” or “result”. ☆ The photo is a Boro (to be) piece made by Keiko, and I keep using it and mending to make it more “Boro”. It can be a museum quality, but I would like to keep using it and encouraging people to feel/touch it when they see me. It is fantastic that people consider Boro as the Art. For us, Boro is another form of fun result of Sashiko stiching. ☆ - - - ☆ 襤褸。刺し子。12年前では考えられないほど、この２つの単語を英語で見かけるようになりました。2009年に襤褸のミュージアムができた時も吃驚したけれど、その襤褸のコレクションが世界中を旅しているというのも、生涯刺し子と一緒に生活している身としては、不思議な感覚でいます。 ☆ 襤褸にも刺し子にも、きっと、「沢山の物語」が詰め込まれています。用即美。そして、八百万の神。祈りにも似た思いが沢山詰まった布が沢山の方々に物語を届けてくれることが、楽しみんだなろうなと思います。今日の配信は穏やかに襤褸の話ができたかなぁ。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoMessage #SashikoJacket #KeikoFutatsuya #SashikoStitching #JapaneseBoro #Boro #Ranru #TraditionalSashiko #HandStitching #JapanesePhilosophy #Upcycle #刺し子 #日本の刺し子 #素敵なオン刺し #襤褸 #ぼろ https://www.instagram.com/p/B9aEJCgJlhz/?igshid=eefsj1t2lgvl

Here is a photo of a denim jacket I am stitching in the Live Streaming. I hope I can wear this in the QuiltCon when I am not in the workshop (I have a formal outfit for the workshop). ☆ - - - ☆ 麻の葉、細か過ぎたかなぁと心配していたのですが、実際に手を通してみると、相当に格好いいです。背面から腕の後ろにかけてぐるっと麻の葉柄が回る形になるのかな。ワークショップの時に誰かに写真撮って貰えるようにお願いするつもりでいます！ ☆ （昨晩の配信は諸事情で削除しました。Youtubeで見たいーという方はご連絡下さい。非公開で一応残す予定です。誰かを置いてきぼりにしたい訳じゃないので。） ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoJacket #Asanoha #SashikoJacket #SashikoArt #SashikoStitching #JapaneseBoro #TraditionalSashiko #SashikoDenim #VisibleMending #HandStitching #Mending #Upcycle #刺し子 #日本の刺し子 #素敵なオン刺し #刺し子の再定義 #刺し子ジャケット #刺し子デニム https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cZQ0ApOjK/?igshid=6mgkn22wvfjm