In the past, I once thought it had to be the “Japanese” or “well-experienced” in

In the past, I once thought it had to be the “Japanese” or “well-experienced” in order to practice the “authentic” Sashiko. I was wrong. I had neglected what I could have done (which is “sharing”), and drew an unnecessary boundary. After almost 10 years, I am confident in saying that Anyone Can Enjoy Sashiko regardless of any “difference (ethnicity, culture, social status, gender, age… and any differences)” – the only common key is a willingness to learn the Japanese culture & common sense (which leads to respect). Throughout Sashiko Workshop/Class, I met many friends. They are the one who changed my wrong idea. They shifted my paradigm to the point that I say “I am the past. You are the future (of Sashiko)”. 

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These photos are not mine. Some are from “young Japanese”. Some are from non-Japanese. They all learn the “fun” of rhythmical Sashiko stitching (Unshin), and they are as fast & good as I am in Sashiko. I sincerely respect them. I am sure that they are on their own way to find their Sashiko (They don’t need any “Kits” to enjoy Sashiko). My goal is to share Sashiko to pass it down to the future. “Tutorials on how to” is an important process, but not a goal. What happens when the trend ends & “businesses” decide to move on from marketing? I do not want that kind of shallow culture. What I share is the “beginning” of Sashiko. I will teach you how to drive, but I do not want to limit where you want to drive to. One day, you may be able to drive in the sky. That’s how I feel, “I am the past, you are the future” – I enjoy a change in future based on the past.

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Special thanks to @natsuki__ishihara, @na.na_45, @scsarchet, @sharondenner

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今回ご紹介する写真は、僕の刺し子でも恵子さんの刺し子でもありません。運針会や英語での講習にご参加下さり、運針を学んで下さった方々のほんの一部の写真です。様々な企画（運針会ジャケット等）を通して、運針を楽しんでいらっしゃる方の刺し子を引き続き紹介していけたらと思っています。

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英語圏で刺し子を紹介すると、「私は下手だから刺し子とは呼べないなぁ」という謙虚な反応をする方がいます。違うんです。どれだけ下手でも、刺し子だと思えば刺し子で良いんです。ただ、「芸術だから何してもいいし、日本文化とか関係なくね？」という方の刺し子は、どれだけ針目が揃っていようとも、刺し子とは名付けて欲しくないんです。言葉にも魂が宿り、その宿る魂に僕は生かされているので。

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2020-12-17 11:31:44

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