For the new followers (thank you!), please let me repeat the important messages.

For the new followers (thank you!), please let me repeat the important messages. I want you to enjoy Sashiko. I encourage you to call “it” Sashiko (if you want to). What I write here is an honest insight as a native Japanese Sashiko practitioner, instead of a “flattering” message to navigate you to make business. Sashiko has been my life (whether like or not), and it is therefore my identity. However (therefore), I want to share the “joy” of Sashiko.

☆

As I wrote in the article about “Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko”, what I ask is very simple. It is “Respect” to the Japanese culture (people, mindset, and stories) behind the word. Being said, be creative as you want. Use colorful thread as much as you wish. I just want you to keep learning – which is a sign of respect to the culture.

☆

I see many Sashiko teachers & artists (which was rare in 20th century). I am happy to see many people have so much passion in Sashiko. However, as I explained in the previous post, I occasionally experience the “strange” feeling. The “Professional” teachers & artists… in my understanding, it comes with some responsibilities.

☆

Here is an extreme analogy. Let’s say you want to eat Sushi. You visited a Sushi chef who says they know about Sushi. You ask them how long they learned Sushi in Japan. They say, “I have not been to Japan”. Sushi Chef continues, “I learned how to make Sushi from books & Youtube” and “Well, I don’t know how to clean certain fishes, so let’s use chicken”… They may be a good chef in other foods… but wouldn’t you wonder what makes them a “Sushi Chef”…? This may be too extreme but it may explain “strange” there.

☆

There are many reasons behind my words. The point of my writing is to encourage you to think about Sashiko so that we can enjoy it together. If you feel I am excluding others, I am not. Please read more & if you find a specific phrase that made you feel excluded, please let me know. I can explain more. Sashiko became a trend.  For some of us, Sashiko is more than a trend. I am here to share & protect the silent voice.

☆

長くなった……ごめんなさい。また配信で話します！言語が違うとこれ程までに難易度が上がるのかと日々勉強です。

☆

2020-12-12 22:21:58

Source