Ikigai, Umami, Kotatsu, Kakeibo… There are so many Japanese words “translated (transformed, interpreted, or sometimes even twisted)” into the English Community. Sashiko and Boro aren’t as popular as the others, but they are already establishing their own meaning – unfortunately & sadly. Wabi-Sabi, Zen, Mottainai… these are popular words often combined with Sashiko to “market” their products to get more attention. There is nothing wrong with playing with the words, but the words themselves do not describe the whole picture. When someone starts teaching the “insufficient” concepts with catchy words, the students start believing what they are learning is the “truth” in their foreign culture. That’s the danger – and often – violence over the language.
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Almost all authors on Sashiko & Boro in English are (white) Western people. I wonder about many “whys”, but one of the reasons is the English language as a privilege. In cross-cultural discussion, a person needs to learn English to defend their own culture. I don’t think any of those authors can discuss (or share ideas & wisdom) about Sashiko and Boro with us in Japanese, yet they consider themselves as Sashiko (& Boro) masters? I really hope the world will realize the craziness. I am putting all of my life into Sashiko. Therefore, I learn English so hard, to defend my own identity. Please be mindful of whom you are learning from. That’s the only way to balance this craziness. (When you enjoy Sashiko for yourself, don’t worry about it. I exist for you to enjoy more without worrying about the language. If you were to teach it, be serious – otherwise it can be quite disrespectful).
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前回の配信で「本音で話してスッキリした」とお伝えしました。基本的にこれまでも本音だったのですが、空気は読める人間なので、嘘は付かずとも本音とは言えども「言わなくて良いことは言わない」ようにしてきました。少しずつ配信でもそのフィルターを外していくかもしれません。すると、過激な発言だけ切り取られてしまう可能性も出てきます。配信や投稿で「あれ？なんか嫌だな。」と思ったらDMでもコメントでも良いので突っ込んで下さい。ほぼほぼ100%言葉足らずと文脈ミスです。4年間の配信をずーっと聞いてくれている人は深く考えてくれるとは思うのですが、それを当てにして思いを綴るのもまずいのでね。変だなと思ったら挽回する（説明する）チャンスを頂けたら幸いです。
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2022-05-01 15:16:38
This happens with everything o every language, it probably always has, I suspect media and speeded up communication nextworks have accelerated this phenomena and we notice it more because of that.
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This is very true and very sad as well.
I definitely hear you. And just love the stitching.
スッキリされてよかったです
たまに、ん❓と思うことはあったら遠慮なく連絡させていただきます
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It is very true indeed and it is not only about sashiko and boro . It is about other things , too . Many valuable things get diluted and disrespected through haste and desire to make Fast money or gain social reputation. It is the first time when I SEE it spoken clearly , publicly .
Loved your post. Just yesterday I was talking about boro & sashiko with fellow embroiderers and I was thinking exactly about what you wrote in this post. So I started to researches Japanese boro & sashiko artists. Let’s learn the real thing. Respecting it.
Thank you for all of your hard work. You have put together extensive resources for Western English speakers, and I’m so grateful. お疲れさまで、ありがとうございます！