It is not my intention to enhance a border between Japanese and Non-Japanese in a process of sharing Sashiko. Please do not take my message as “Japanese vs Non-Japanese”. I am just saying, “sad experiences I had experienced in the last few years” happened in English language. It doesn’t mean that “All Japanese” understand what Sashiko is(was). Some may not respect their own culture.
☆
There are many non-Japanese who understand the “Japanese-ness” I often talk about here. I respect them. At the same time, there are Japanese who use the word “Sashiko” and “Boro” for their profit (money, attention, and marketing) without understanding what they really are. It is too much to expect “everyone” even in one ethnicity shares the same knowledge & value. So, don’t twist my words. I am not accusing anyone. I am quite flexible in understanding the alternation in culture (Read my article about Cultural Appropriation C/A). I am just sad. I felt pain when I heard a scream from the fabric in between a base & flat file chisel.
☆
“How could you talk about C/A if your own people (Japanese) change the culture?” You may be confused. Please be advised. I do not accuse anyone/anything for the C/A. Culture change. “We” choose the culture to be changed (or not to be changed). I just hope, wish, that “We” choose the culture with much respect & understanding instead of self-assertion & own profit.
☆
I assume not all Japanese will agree with what I would say (No Japanese has confronted me yet). However, I know there are many Japanese who resonate with what I say, and often they hold silent voices. I hope this post clarifies
☆
「襤褸は僕も勉強中だから控えめにしよ」と思っていました。同時に今回の件で、「日本語でも、独りよがりの理解でも良いから発信しなきゃ」と考えを変えました。間違うこともあるかもだけど、議論が生まれることが大事だろうな……と。アミューズミュージアムの偉業に甘えてちゃ駄目だと反省した週末になりました。配信で沢山語ります。質問あったらコメント下さい!
☆
2020-08-09 14:35:05
👍
😍
I am not Japanese and I was unhappy to hear of people willfully destroying fabric 😔. I have been fortunate enough to visit Japan twice in the last 5 years and of the Japanese people I met, they were respectful, kind, gracious so I do not feel as though your writings are about Japanese vs non-Japanese…..Thank you for your wise words 🙌
配信たのしみにしていますす。
Your insight is enlightening. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
👏流石ですね。ありがとうございます😊
I am having trouble getting the needle through the fabric especially at the top where the thread is doubled. Do you have any advice for this? Thank you.
I appreciate this post. For me you have expressed your feelings in a way that is both clear and respectful of people who hold very different opinions on the issue. Thank you 🙏
Your insight is always refreshing and thank you for sharing your honest thoughts and opinions 👏
I love your thoughtfulness on these topics! Have you heard of the @fashionandracedatabase ? I feel like your deep love and knowledge of sashiko and boro would make an amazing blog post for their growing resources! There is a section called ‘Objects that Matter’ for posts and they are currently discussing some of the content they have for Japanese fashion. I would love to read more of your discussion on this!
@taracceleste