Another cultural observation here. ☆
In some culture (some Western), asking a question is admired, so people understand that asking questions is a good thing in general, correct? In Japanese culture, it is also good to ask questions in education (a teacher – a student relationship). However, asking a random (quick) question out of nowhere is not a good action in Japan – a question can be made after proper introduction and/or some relationship is established. Taking someone’s time is one of the things should be avoided in Japan Courtesy. (I have mentioned it on my website). ☆
One may say, “It is just asking a question. The worst case, no reply will come. I got nothing to lose.” Well, he/she loses an opportunity to show respect (in/to Japanese culture). I understand some actions are based on the “me / I” concept in the individualism. The Japanese on the other hand, focused on “me in a group” (some say “our/we” but more accurately, it is “me in us”). Therefore, asking a question and taking someone’s time is not recommended unless a good relationship is established in advance. Don’t get me wrong. I am not talking about which is a good culture. I encourage my daughter to ask ANY questions – I am not a big fan of “some” Japanese culture. ☆
However, when a person wants to call their stitching “Sashiko”, I want them to care for the culture in the word. There are people behind the culture & behind the screen. I am sincere to those who care about the Sashiko. (A deeper insight will be available on Patreon). ☆ – – – ☆
文化の違いとは、とても凄いもので、日英露ユダヤの文化が入り混じった国際結婚生活は、試行錯誤の毎日です。だから、刺し子における文化の勘違いは、「理解できる」のです。願いは、「刺し子という日本文化に飛び込む」気持ちがあるのであれば、一緒に日本文化も学んでほしいなと思うのです。このアカウントは、そんな感じのメッセージ性の強いものになりつつあります。（笑い取れなくてごめんなさい）。 ☆
2020-04-21 11:19:24
Thank you for these insights.
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So interesting, I’ve learn something new! Thank you! ☺️
This IS the other side of internet, an exchange of culture. Love it
この洞察が大好きです！共有していただきありがとうございます。あなたのすべての投稿で私はもっと学びます💛
Thank you for sharing these insights and the beauty of sashiko with us
Thank you for your cultural notes, it is very interesting. I feel like I’m a little bit Japanese, because I think it’s not good to take someone’s time, asking questions “out of nowhere” 🙂
People take it too far asking quick questions on Instagram- often I see people asking a question answered in the CAPTION!
I love to read your texts and learn more about a completely different culture to mine (Scandinavian) your texts are so informative, personal but also spiritual. Thank you for taking the time to write them 🙏🏻
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Well said.
I appreciate your comments on Japanese culture. We would love to go back to Japan for a 2nd visit. Such a wonderful culture and friendly people. Attended the Arimatsu shibori festival while there. So amazing! When I can afford it I’d love to take your class on sashiko.
Thank you for taking the time to teach us about your culture.
Living in Tokyo I observe not asking a quick question further isolates people. While walking to the train a man lying on the sidewalk, all of his fellow Japanese walking past him. I stopped to check on him, 大丈夫ですか. Turned out he wasn’t a drunk man passed out, he was having a medical emergency. I hope he wasn’t annoyed that I asked a quick question.
Thank you for that fascinating inside. For a better understanding of those who ask: here in Swizzerland, as in many european country, asking questions is often a way to show interest and that you are caring and get into a dialogue. It‘s not only because you have nothing to lose, but but to show respect to the adressed persons knowledge and hear their point. Of course it is also consideret rather rude, to ask something, that was allready explained.