If possible, I would like you to stop reading the following caption, and think a

If possible, I would like you to stop reading the following caption, and think about the following question from me. Can you think of one word lying down on the fundamentals of the Sashiko I would like to pass down? Today (March 11th) is the day for me to remember the fundamental (origin) of the Sashiko I practice. Not the Sashiko I received from other Japanese Sashiko artisans, but the Sashiko “I (as Atsushi)” would like to pass down.
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I have been stitching for a while… Yet, the years of stitching weren’t as easy as one sentence. I used to consider Sashiko as my curse, and I studied so hard to “end” it with my own hands. I have changed a lot – almost the complete opposite, thanks to many people who supported, encouraged, and advised me in the last 12 years: What they had taught me is the one word I am thinking now.
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It is “Pray”, the word underlying in the fundamental of the Sashiko. The frequent words I use such as “Care” and “Acknowledgement” are more practical words to actually respect Sashiko. In A Deeper area, there is a concept of “Pray”. There are so many (little) things we can control: When we face a matter beyond control, we still don’t give up: and pray. As much as “Control” is important in this society, I would like to share the importance of “acceptance”.
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妻がユダヤ人なので、ユダヤ暦の新年もあり、また暦通りの新年もあり、また中国文化圏の友達も多いので春節という区切りもあり。私個人の区切りは3/11だったりします。あれから11年。今でも活動を続ける大槌刺し子に勇気を頂きながら、また一年頑張っていこうと思うのです。刺し子を教えにいったはずの大槌で学んだのは、「日本の当たり前の素晴らしさ」でした。どこにでもあるはずの、日本の当たり前の素晴らしさを、それまで感じてこなかった自分を恥じた程に。刺し子の本質はデザインでも技術でも、もっと言うと私が教えている運針でもありません。本質は「日本の当たり前（の中に存在する祈り）」にあると思っています。運針は、ある意味では祈りに近づく為の技術、あるいは「型」みたいなものなんだろうと思っています。また一年、頑張れるように祈りを感じながら。
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2022-03-11 20:01:08

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