Happy New Year! It is another Japanese custom to share the new year’s resolution, which I believe many culture have the similar custom. My resolution for 2021 is to overcome “fear” of being judged (disliked). As much as I try to write honest insight here, I am often scared of…
Tag: Slowstitch

While a society shout out the importance of “productivity” as if they can price
While a society shout out the importance of “productivity” as if they can price someone’s life based on “value” they produce, Sashiko stands on the completely opposite side of “being productive”. What do we want by achieving higher “productivity”, and “winning” in a capitalistic society? It is probably the “comfortable days…

I write stories based on my memories, so it isn’t much about “my opinions”. At t
I write stories based on my memories, so it isn’t much about “my opinions”. At the same time, in order to explain the memories logically, I learn around my memories & why’s. The more I learn, the more I realize how much Japanese & American are different in culture/mindset. (I…

A very cold day in PA today – to remind me the stinging clear air though the han
A very cold day in PA today – to remind me the stinging clear air though the hand-stitches, yet for some reasons, the air wouldn’t freeze us. It is cold, but not freezing (I don’t know how to describe it). ☆ Winter is the season for Sashiko, and the beginning…

I occasionally wonder… “Don’t you feel sad when someone summarizes your culture
I occasionally wonder… “Don’t you feel sad when someone summarizes your culture in one sentence?” What if the “someone” is from outside of your culture? What if the culture is strongly rooted in your whole life? ☆ I am very happy to see Sashiko getting so popular. A quick answer…

In my understanding, a majority of western people believe in monotheism such as
In my understanding, a majority of western people believe in monotheism such as Christianity. In Monotheism, there is only one God. God makes what is right. God forgive them. It is understandable that western people naturally expect to ask what is “Right”. It is ordinary. ☆ The Japanese who practiced…

We are proud of being “makers”. We are Artisans who happen to teach. We are Crea
We are proud of being “makers”. We are Artisans who happen to teach. We are Creators who decided to sell what they use. Yes, “business” is very important to sustain the practice of Sashiko. However, money is not the purpose. Money is just a means to make “Sustainable Sashiko” happen….

Sashiko and Boro. For some reason, many people think that Sashiko and Boro are t
Sashiko and Boro. For some reason, many people think that Sashiko and Boro are two separate techniques in Japanese stitching. I have been sharing what these words mean to us on SNS, Youtube, and my website since 2015. You probably know it already, but let me rephrase it again. ☆…

In my understanding, the Japanese once chose to discontinue Sashiko. Many years
In my understanding, the Japanese once chose to discontinue Sashiko. Many years ago, they stitched out of their necessity for survival. It is natural to put Sashiko behind when they obtained some wealth (It is different in the northern part of Japan known for Kogin, Hishizashi, and such). Most of…

Do you like Sashiko?
Do you like Sashiko? – Or – Do you like “something you may get (attention, recognition, superiority, fame and/or fortune)” by saying it’s Sashiko? – – I am not here to judge anyone. I just don’t want people to change the culture that Sashiko identify. – – I understand if…