In 2019, I realized that I have many reasons to speak up about Sashiko in Englis

In 2019, I realized that I have many reasons to speak up about Sashiko in English. I appreciate your time in reading mindfully and understand how “a Japanese Sashiko individual” feels about Sashiko/Boro.

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You may wonder… “Oh, is there so much incorrect information in English?” No. I don’t really find “incorrect” information. There is no such a thing as “Right and Wrong” in Sashiko anyway. Then, what? I feel “strange” when I see some non-Japanese Sashiko. Not “Wrong” or “Bad”, just “Strange” and rarely “Uncomfortable”. Is it “how it looks”? Am I being too particular about what Sashiko should be….? (BTW, There isn’t such a thing as “Sashiko Should be ◯◯”).

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I have been wondering why to “strange”. Last night, I felt something. It is probably “self‐assertive”. I cannot think of any Japanese Sashiko artisans who are “so proud” of their work. They are way too humble. None of the Sashiko artisans I know say that they do “great Sashiko”. They all would think that they are not good enough (yet). I often say, “Sashiko is a process to accept who you are”. It is a true statement. However, the message is for those who cannot have “self-affirmation”. A person with self-assertion saying “Look at my beautiful Sashiko” is a very beautiful image. There is nothing wrong with that. However, It gives me a feeling of “strange” – it makes me wonder if they care to learn what Sashiko really is. (I am not judging those. I want to share what Sashiko is for the Japanese.) – The photo is Sashiko by Keiko with many stories of her inner self – the same photo on the post 2019.5.7 that I wrote the exact same message I share today. I haven’t changed at all.

Note:
Please read what I write. I am encouraging you to enjoy Sashiko. Please try Sashiko without worrying. Sashiko is fun.

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ふと、非日本語圏での刺し子への違和感（時に嫌悪感）の理由の一つを見つけた気が。それは、「自己主張と自己肯定の強さ」。沢山の憧れや尊敬を抱いている刺し子作家さんがいます。中にはお話させて頂いた方もいるのですが、皆さん揃いも揃って「私なんて（まだまだ）」って謙遜をされるんです。幼少期から、「もっと自信持てばいいのに……」と疑問を抱いていた程。

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「謙遜をして欲しい」と言っている訳じゃなく、謙遜を（必要以上に）する文化から生まれた刺し子だということを知って欲しいなと思うのです。日本文化至上主義じゃありません。寧ろ嫌い（苦手）なことの方が多い。でも、必要以上に変えたくないんです。好きも嫌いも含めて、僕の原点なのでね。まだまだ役割はありそうだなぁ。

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2020-12-12 10:15:24

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