#sashikostory

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

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

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

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

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

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

I often use “味噌汁 (Miso Soup)” to explain what Sashiko is in Japanese. The ordinary & a character of “No Right and Wrong”.  ☆ Pouring hot water to Miso doesn’t make regular Miso Soup. Often, Miso soup requires the “Dashi (kind of broth)”. A choice of Miso & Dashi makes one’s own Miso Soup - no right or wrong - a taste of each family from mother to daughter.  ☆ We often use instant powdered Dashi to make Miso Soup. Making Dashi from raw materials such as Dried Bonito and/or Kombu seaweed is quite tiring. However, we also know that the authentic Miso Soup is made with “real” Dashi instead of powdered Dashi. I know no cooking teacher who doesn’t know how to make Dashi from scratch. It is okay to use instant Dashi, but I want everyone to know that there is “real” Dashi & Miso soup that often requires Dashi. ☆ There is no right and wrong in choosing Dashi & Miso. However, if they are proud of their Miso soup, I want them to “try to know” the difference. If I could ask more, I want them to understand why we enjoy Miso Soup so much (there are reasons). I feel the same goes for Sashiko. Some of the “Sashiko Looking Project” I see are like “Miso Soup without Dashi”. There is nothing wrong with that - I just hope that they will learn how actual Miso Soup tastes like. It is BETTER than what they think. The Sashiko is much MORE fun than they think. (*I will explain more about this on Patreon.) ☆ - - - ☆ 久々に英語でお味噌汁と刺し子の関係を文章にしてみました。実はインスタは文字制限があるので、少し言葉足らずな感じはするのですが、本体はPatreonっていう英語での刺し子支援サイトにガッツリ書こうと思っています。それにしても、お味噌汁の例えはマジで秀逸。 ☆ お味噌汁に正解も間違いもへったくれもないのですが、でも、「出汁の取り方を知らない人」が、お味噌汁教室開いてたら、「おいっ！」ってなるでしょ？料理教室行って、「出汁必要ないです。っていうか出汁取れません。」っていう先生は、流石に厳しいのは伝わると思います。英語圏での刺し子の先生って、こんな感じなのかもしれません。勿論全てじゃないよ。でも、”出汁がいらない味噌汁”をお味噌汁として広めるのが嫌なように、刺し子ももう少し深く掘って欲しいなぁと思うのですよ。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #Unshin #MisoSoup #Sashi #HandStitching #RunningStitching #SashikoStory #日本の日常 #刺し子 #味噌汁 #出汁 https://www.instagram.com/p/CEmCPQCJhWh/?igshid=qtz0cp2h0cii

I will write it more about this… but a brief version. A truthful statement can hurt others depends on “Who uses it when and where”. It is true that we all should have mutual respect, but please be advised that I share the Sashiko & its Japanese culture. ☆ When I ask, “Please respect Japanese culture here”, then I get a reply, “Why don’t you respect ◯◯’s culture as well”. Well. I do respect the other cultures when I belong to that culture. I live in the U.S., and I respect the culture here. I never push my views - like pointing out someone’s chopsticks standing on the rice (It is very bad in Japan).  ☆ “No one owns the culture - it is like a flow. Japanese culture is also affected by other cultures, and restricting the interpretations is wrong” is a very true statement. However, in the process of learning the words Sashiko & Boro, the true statement above ignores the feeling & stories.”I am NOT trying to exclude non-Japanese from Sashiko/Boro. I welcome them more than anyone. I just want them to try to understand the Japanese culture when they use the Japanese words - since it may be deeply related to someone’s life. Is it too much to ask? Isn’t it reasonable to ask to take off their shoes when they visit my Japanese house?    ☆ - - - ☆ 英語で文章を紡ぎながら「日本語の言葉を使う時は日本文化も一緒に学んでほしい」という想いを刺し子を通して伝えています。言葉のひとり歩きが怖いのが1点。もう1点は、「間違いじゃない考え方でも、人を傷つけてしまうことがある」ことがあるからです。「郷に入れば郷に従え」とは良く言ったもので、日本の家を訪れる際は靴を脱いで欲しい。でも、「刺し子に興味があります！」という人に、「じゃぁ日本文化も学んでね！」というと、「なんで？自由でいいじゃん！文化なんて誰の所有物でもないんだから」と返事がくるのは、本当にどうしたものか。そんなに無茶苦茶なことを言っている訳じゃないと思うんだけどなぁ。 ☆ #Sashiko #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoLive #Criticism #SocialIssues #Boro #BoroArt #JapaneseBoro #SashikoStory #JapaneseCulture #日本の日常 #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CEencd2pkNS/?igshid=1sdao8d6xmab