Sashiko was developed as ordinary stitching by Japanese women. In the severe con

Sashiko was developed as ordinary stitching by Japanese women. In the severe condition, they stitched to care for the family. The care includes both positive and negative emotions, such as love and struggles, I believe. Therefore, Sashiko is powerful and inspirational. We can feel the “pride” of Japanese women in their stitching.

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In my childhood, I often wondered why I wasn’t a woman in practicing Sashiko. Some even told me that my Sashiko will never be the “true one” because I would never experience what women would go through. It is true. I cannot go through the same experience (suffering, pain and joy). Therefore, in my life, I have been trying my best to listen. I have been trying to offer what I could do. I cannot speak on behalf of women, but I can try to imagine their suffering & joy. 

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After all, all of what I do is for the three generations of women that I respect the most – my mother Keiko as a genius Sashiko Artist,, my wife who offers unconditional support to me & helps others, and my daughter who creates the future with her mixed heritages. Happy International Women’s Day for them, and for you who enjoy Sashiko stitching today.

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今日、3月8日は国際女性DAYです。「女性の生き方を考える日」です。刺し子という生まれ持った縁で、昔から女性に囲まれた日々を過ごしてきました。まだまだ男女平等という社会には程遠く、一人ひとりの認識や、少しの行動が大きく社会を変えていくんだろうと思います。刺し子というご縁に生まれた関係で、沢山の女性の中で生きてきました。時には「女性に生まれたかった」と思うこともあるほどに。「淳の刺し子はホンモノにはならない」と言われたこともあります。ただ、僕が男性に生まれたことは事実で、そのおかげで恵まれたこともあって、だからこそ「想像力」が大切なんだろうと思うんです。痛みも喜びも共有できる想像力。

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3世代の女性の為に生きると覚悟を決めた2015年。なんだかんだでその通りになっていて、嬉しい限りです。毎日大変だけど。恵子さんの、妻の、そして娘の笑顔をずーっと見られるように頑張り続けます。

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2021-03-08 09:42:52

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