I admire the confidence. Celebrating one’s own achievement (ability) is very important. However, the Japanese are not good at complimenting themselves. They sometimes are (too) humble (to extend it is “rude”.) It is essential to understand how Japanese culture is different when you enjoy the Sashiko.
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Let me share a joke. A stereotypical reply when each American & Japanese is asked with a question if they can speak and/or teach Japanese/English. The question was asked “in English”.
★American: “Oh, I can speak Japanese. I will teach you. Sushi, Tempura, and Ninja!”
★Japanese: “Oh, I am so sorry that I cannot speak English. I would dare not to think about teaching English. I am sorry. (replying this in English).”
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I am not talking about which reply is good or bad. I am sharing the difference in “confidence” and “teaching”. It took over 15 years for me to be okay with teaching Sashiko, and I will never say the learning of Sashiko is completed within my teaching. My teaching is merely a start of the Sashiko. Can you imagine how “shallow” it looks to me when someone says “This is all you need in Sashiko!” after reading a book or taking a class? In fact, no real teachers will say such a thing like it. I know Japanese culture is kind of “messed-up” both in a good and bad way. However… it is indeed “deep”. Therefore, I ask, please “TRY” to learn it when you would like to use the word associated with the culture. All I am asking is “try”. I will speak up against the “intentional ignorance” for their convenience.
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刺し子好きな方々と話をしていて思うのは、本当に皆さん、謙虚だなと。ただ、同時に、その謙虚さが刺し子を彩る大切な要素のひとつな訳で。
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米国で上手に世渡りをする為には「自信」が大切です。根拠がなくても自信は必要。すると「できる」というハードルが下がるんです。「できる」というハードルが下がると、教えるのも気軽に始められる。時々、なんか浅いなぁと残念に思ってしまうのは、そこに理由があったりします。英語で書いたジョーク、また配信でお伝えしますね。
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2021-01-28 09:33:38
Always appreciate you! …. and your teaching!
Me encanta el sashiko, he bordado un par de cosas pequeñas. Es una técnica de perseverancia y concentración. Me encantaría aprenderlo más en profundidad. Desde Chile saludos bordadores
Thank you for your teaching. I enjoy reading and learning from your posts.
I am new with Sashiko, i enjoy your posts and warnt to learn everyday, all the best from Munich
I have sadly never even been to Japan, but in this sort of situation I am significantly more Japanese than American…! I am grateful for all the insights you share.
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I admire what you are saying deeply. Any real skill takes years and years of hard work to master, even if then, depending on what it is. We have become a culture where “instant mastery” is touted, and braggadocio is encouraged. I find the Japanese way refreshing and always have.
Thank you for staying true to your observations, teachings, and substance. It is very very appreciated and I am grateful for your bravery
Awak hebat. Saya amat nenyukainya. Saya ialah orang tua yang baru menceburi dalam Sashiko….dan ia mengasyikkan
It is very true that Japanese people are more likely to apologise for not being an expert (when they are!) and are usually self-depreciating. Please could you explain a little more about the double loops on the reverse of your work. I know it cannot be tight but this looks like a double loop.
What a wonderful explanation