#sashikolive

[sashico]

Thank you for watching another Sashiko Live Streaming today on Friday. I try my best to be honest in this account. I used to be “silent” to be liked, but "no more silence” to pass down what we are proud of. ☆ One may face “inconvenient facts” in reading/listening to what I say. However, when they read enough, they should find out that I am NOT excluding others. In fact, opposite. I am welcoming. To be straight to the point, I am just asking for a bit of respect as a human being. I try to understand them as a human (not something I can just block and ignore). I want you to think of me as a human being as well - not Alexa in Amazon devices or Google Browser who answers any questions without “Please” and “Thank you”. ☆ After all, I believe they are here because they are interested in “Sashiko”. Sashiko is a form of hand-stitching. Sashiko is beautiful because it is done by “humans”. We live in such a different world after the Internet. However, let’s keep thinking (respecting) who we are as human being, each other.  ☆ - - - ☆ 今週の配信もありがとうございました。日本語の配信のアーカイブがインスタグラム上で見つからないので、アーカイブはYouTubeにてご覧頂けましたら幸いです。1時間というのが何かあるんだろうか……調べてみます。 ☆ 英語で配信をすると、毎回のように、「質問だけ投げて、その後に何も音沙汰がない人」がいます。「こんにちは」もなければ、「ありがとう」もないんです。この世の中、そういう人の方が多いのかもしれませんが、僕がグーグルでもAmazonのアレクサでもないことだけは今後も主張していかなきゃなと思うんです。詰まるところ、刺し子の手仕事で伝えたいことって、そういう思いやり（想像力）の大切さだと思うので。表面的な情報と綺麗なデザインだけ欲しいのであれば、ウェブで調べて印刷すればいいだけです。それをせず刺し子まで辿り着いてくれる人には、尚更、少しくらい厳しいことを言っても、「人間らしさの素晴らしさ」を伝えていきたいと思っています。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoLive #SashiCo #SashiCoYoutube #LearnSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CGsj0mvpF8-/?igshid=nvj334zoooz6

[sashico]

Importance of the ordinary. ☆ We are scared. I feel the fear of the pandemic. Therefore, please keep the ordinary days. It is absolutely important to follow the safety precaution. Wash your hands. Don’t cough to someone’s face. But, don’t be skeptical of another human to protect yourself more than necessary. The virus is out there, but we all have the ability to fight back, the so-called immune system. ☆ The “ordinary” days will increase the immune system. Eat healthy - enjoy the local green/fruit instead of processed food. Sleep well - instead of searching for the reasons to be freaked out. Laugh & Enjoy days - instead of being stressful to even talk to your close friends. Good diet, good sleep, and good laughter (instead of being stressful) is the best way to prevent this outbreak, I believe. ☆ Enjoy hand-stitching, eating handmade food with lots of caring. The ordinary days in which the ordinary people enjoyed before the “competitive days” may be the key to defeat the outbreak. I will continue Sashiko live streaming because it is my ordinary. I hope this will be a time to remember the importance of the ordinary. ☆ With respecting the professionals who sacrifice their ordinary to resolve the issue, we as the ordinary citizen can try to be as ordinary as possible. At least, that is what I can do. (I am NOT encouraging the socializing. Please stay at home as much as you can to prevent the spreading. I am advocating the importance of “ordinary” with following the necessary precaution.) ☆ - - - ☆ 世界中で不安と心配が渦巻いています。こんな時だからこそ、「日常」の大切さを言葉にしていきたいと思います。ご飯をしっかり食べ、しっかり寝て、沢山笑う。市内感染があり、誰が保有者かわからない今、個人の免疫能力こそが一番大切だと思っています。だからこそ、日常。ストレスを感じたら刺し子。少なくとも僕は、この期間、刺し子を沢山しようと思っています。「目的を達する為に無理をする」時間が多かったからこそ、今、この瞬間、「日常とはなんだろう」と考えながら刺し子をして、文章を紡ぎたい。終息に向かい、その日常を犠牲にしても頑張って下さっている専門家の方々に尊敬と感謝の念を懐きつつ、僕はやっぱり日常の大切さを伝えていきたいと思うのです。 ☆ #Sashiko #Ordinary #SashikoStitching #SashikoDays #SashikoLive #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子 #刺し子の日常 https://www.instagram.com/p/B9pUgZKJwbF/?igshid=i6lmhcawkxbd

[sashico]

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

[sashico]

I say, Sashiko is not only about the pattern or making accurate stitches - Sashiko is “more” than stitching. People ask, “Then, what is Sashiko?” It isn’t easy to summarize what I have been thinking for my entire life. I have my own definition for Sashiko, but sharing the definition (only) is already contradicting the essence of Sashiko. Japanese culture is very simple for someone who lives within. It becomes extremely difficult to explain when “common sense” becomes a subject to learn. ☆ Most of my writing & videos in the last 3 years is about “explaining what Sashiko is for us”. It is quite scary to share my own definition because it includes many personal stories. As much as I rely on “writing”, I understand the risk of it. People read only what they want to read while clipping the part they want to read. Therefore, I made a platform “Patreon” to share my honest insight without fearing much. I wasn’t really confident enough to “talk” about it in English because “talking” cannot be undone (proof-read). However, in the previous Sashiko Live Streaming on Jan.31st, I felt quite well after talking about what I really want throughout sharing the Sashiko. It started as a silent Live Streaming, but toward the ending, I could share the importance of “place” in which I decided to protect by implementing the new rule “eliminating the trolls”. Please check our Youtube Channel, “SashiCo Channel”, if you are interested in learning what Sashiko is for us. ☆ - - - ☆ 刺し子を紹介することを通して目指すものは「居場所」を作り、守ること。原点であり、また僕の刺し子の活動の全てでもあります。幼少期から居場所を探して、でも全然見つからなくて、大槌刺し子で居場所は作るもんだと教えてもらって、様々に変容する居場所を刺し子というキーワードで括ってみたくて。日本語で表現するとこれだけシンプルに纏められる思いが、英語では2年かかっても表現しきれていません。それは、「答えと結果」が求められる文化だからなんだろうと思います。居場所そのものよりも、「その居場所で何ができるか」を求められるから説明が複雑になる。その居場所で何をするかなんて、僕が決めることでは無いんですけどね（でも、英語ではそこをしっかり定義しないと前に進めない）。進めば進むほど険しくなる道です。「不可能な道を選んだね」と、不可能でしょと思いながら応援してくれる様々な方に背中を押して頂きながら、今日も明日も刺し子を通して言葉を紡いでいけたらと思っています。こういう思いをご理解頂くのには、配信をお聞き頂くのが一番かと思います。Youtubeに全てのアーカイブがありますので、ご覧頂けましたら幸いです。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoLive #刺し子配信 #刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CKzQ3KnJWIN/?igshid=rz0zcz3o22bi

[sashico]

Is it wrong to say “Instant Boro”? I have re-watched Friday Night Sashiko Live Streaming in English. The live was so eventful - I kept talking about something very interesting from one topic to another. Well, after 2 days of thinking, I still haven’t come up with how I can explain the strangeness of “Instant Boro”. ☆ “Instant Boro...” is not a matter of Right or Wrong. It is just strange as if mixing something completely opposite. In the video, I used an example of “Aged Beef”. “Instant Aged Beef” contradicts within the word… isn’t it? “Instant Boro” is similar. They contradict each other because Boro cannot be “Instant”. ☆ I had explained what “Boro” is for us. Boro is not a word for “technique” or “style (of patchwork)”. Some words carry their own images. Therefore, I share the importance of “learning (the culture)” in using a foreign word. I guess, an analogy would be… Would you like to learn something by “Instant (made) master”? In order to be a master, one should have a good amount of time in “practicing”... and “instant” minimize the value of “master”? It is quite difficult to explain in English. However, I do not give up because it directly connects to my identity. Please try to watch the Live Streaming. The one on Jan.15 was quite informative.   ☆ - - - ☆ 言葉には、その言葉が持つ「イメージ」というものがあります。日本語で行間を読むことができるのも、このイメージを共通認識として持っているからなのかもしれません。”襤褸（ぼろ）”という言葉を知っている人は、「即席の襤褸（Instant Boro)」という言葉に違和感を感じるのではないかと思います。それは、襤褸は長い時間＆繰り返し使われた後にできるものだという前提があるから。インスタント（すぐに簡単にできるもの）とは、対極にあるものなのかもしれません。「”即席の襤褸”と呼ぶのは間違いですか？」という英語の質問に、「正解とか間違いとか言う前に、なんか変」と素直な感想しか言葉にできなかったのは、そこには答えが無いからなんです。答えはないけれど、ぼんやりとした共通の認識がある。そんな言語＆文化です。これは凄いことですよ、ほんと。日本文化、（良いか悪いかは別として）奇跡的な成り立ちをしてる。僕は好きですけどね。 ☆ #Sashiko #VisibleMending #Invisiblemending #SashikoLive #JapaneseBoro #刺し子 #襤褸 #ぼろ https://www.instagram.com/p/CKJsQk9pLsV/?igshid=af37y6y9r2g4

[sashico]

On Friday night after an exhausting week, I had the Sashiko Live Streaming on impulse. Well, I just wanted to check if the new lighting system I invested would work (which worked great!). I am sorry for those who expected me to talk in English. Please understand that English is my second language, and it’s not that easy to keep talking for a while without specific topics. When I have a topic, I can elaborate it from there… which taught me that I would need to prepare for the Live Streaming more carefully before I start. (but too much preparation means less Live Streaming...big dilemma). ☆ I believe the Live Streaming last night was fun even if you do not understand Japanese. It was kind of new. I introduced the latest Sashiko DIY Kit to make Furoshiki. I will talk about it more in English in the next Live Streaming. ☆ To be honest, I do not like repeating the same question. However, that ruins the purpose of “getting new audiences” on Live Streaming. When I receive the same question (especially those about “techniques”), I get discouraged from talking in English. Umm. A few solutions here. (1) I change my mindset completely and then offer the Live Streaming as a “welcome” time to new people (2) Set up the Zoom and then upload it on Youtube later… Would you be interested in “Zoom Live Stitching” where I may be able to control the question & topics? (It is different from Sashiko Gathering I have been offering, but one way to share the Sashiko we practice). ☆ - - - ☆ 昨晩は突然の配信、失礼しました（Youtubeにて）。朝が早いので夜は早くに寝るのですが、眠いのにも関わらず配信をしてしましました。「照明セットを購入したので、その確認を……」というのが建前です。それでもなんとか良い配信になったのではないかなと思っています。途中、名言が生まれたような気もするし（笑） ☆ 日英両言語で行いますとは書いてあるのですが、英語だと同じ質問ばかりが飛んでくるので、どうしてもやる気がなくなってしまいます。良い質問やリクエストがあると、英語でもどれだけでも話は膨らませられるのですが、何もない状況で「英語で！」とお願いされても嫌気がさしてしまうのが本音です。でも、そうも言ってられないので、なんとか上手に多くの方に楽しんで頂ける配信を考えていきたいと思います。配信始めて3年目。漸く自己満足の世界から少しだけ足を踏み出せそうです。まだ躊躇ってますけどね。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoLive #SashiCo #SashiCoYoutube #LearnSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CIa42rvp-Gy/?igshid=5nvcw2ikj35g

[sashico]

When I share my “idealism”, some advise me I shouldn’t keep it so high saying “It is how it works in this society”. I understand it. “Freedom” is the most important factor in this society, and asking for respect can be too much of a demand. Everyone is different. We have freedom to choose who we listen to. It is how it works in this society. As my friend says, it may be too late to share what the Sashiko/Boro is for us. However, it doesn’t mean that I should give up. I can keep talking. As long as there is one person who wants to learn what the Sashiko is for us, I will keep speaking up. Sashiko isn’t just a trend for me. ☆ In today’s Live Streaming (Nov.20th), I feel I summarized my message pretty well. I don’t prepare the script & English is my second language. It isn’t easy to keep talking for 1 hour to share what I would like to pass down. Yet today, I feel I would like to re-watch my own Live again. I don’t want to be your “leader” of Sashiko. Leading you to a specific Sashiko is not in my interest. What I would like to be is to “support your Sashiko”. Again, I am the past, and you are the future. I am here to share all of the voices I have received. The Live is available on Youtube & IGTV. Youtube may have better sound & quality. ☆ - - - ☆ 普段から言いたいことを言っているアカウントなのですが、今日の配信はより一層、思いを言葉にできたかなと思っています。「日本人の当たり前」を大切に言葉にし、そして過去→今→未来という流れの中での刺し子を知りたいというのが願いです。 ☆ 配信でも話しましたが、理想は日本全国の刺し子職人さんを訪ね歩き、教えを請い学び様々な声を拾うことです。ただ、資金も、現状の僕の役目も、コロナ禍での制限も鑑みて、それは実現不可能な話です。だからこそ自分から情報を発信することによって、様々な学びを頂ければと思っています。一方的に「教えて下さい」というのも理想ですが、同時に「こんなんやってます！」という交流の方が、きっと顔を合わさない関係では形にしやすいのかな……と。自分の刺し子の枠がはっきりしているからこそ、違いも類似点も含め、やっぱり”知りたい”んでしょうね。知る所から始まると思うので。思いは配信でまとまっていると思います。IGTVでもYoutubeでも。知るために、知って頂く。まだまだ準備段階です。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoLive #SashiCo #SashiCoYoutube #LearnSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CH02KxrJ6An/?igshid=1wov3egejvx97

[sashico]

Every Friday, I offer “Sashiko Live Streaming” - an hour of Live Video of stitching Sashiko while taking about Sashiko culture, mindset, philosophy, and history (I usually do not answer the technical questions for several reasons. I will try to navigate questions to the answers when I can). On the Internet, anyone can say anything. Anyone can pretend to be someone after editing & modifying. I want to share the raw image of Sashiko stitching by those who shares the voices in Sashiko - and that’s a Live Streaming for me. (I have other reasons to offer Live Streaming, but I will not share them today). ☆ I start the Live in Japanese at 9 am EST. Then, I will have the Live in English at 10:30 am EST. As I would like to involve as many people, I do not switch the language in the Live. When I do it in Japanese, I will most likely answer only Japanese comments. When I do it in English, vise versa. To make sure that I can archive the Live, I do it on both Instagram & Youtube. Youtube is easier for me to pick a comment up because of bigger screen. Regardless, I hope you would bring your own Sashiko stitching & stitch together with me over Live. The Live Streaming is not a class or a lecture - it is simply a “sharing” of my Sashiko time over the Internet. ☆ The archives can be found on Youtube (SashiCo Channel), or IGTV on Instagram. If you are new, watching it before today’s Live Streaming may be helpful. The Live sn’t sophisticated, but you will see the actual stitching with no editing. ☆ - - - ☆ 毎週金曜日の夜、運針を大切にした刺し子をしながら、刺し子について思いを語る配信をしています。って改まる必要もないと思いつつ、最近フォローして下さった方もいると思うので、丁寧にご説明を差し上げられたらと思っています。「運針は誰にでも楽しくできる」と思っているので、気軽にご参加頂いて、コメントも頂けたら嬉しいです。尚、アーカイブはYoutubeとIGTVに保管されています。深夜の配信なので、無理はなさらず、興味を持って頂けましたらそちらをご覧頂けますと幸いです。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoLive #SashiCo #SashiCoYoutube #LearnSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CHP7r7Rp8Gz/?igshid=4y01bnztesqa