As a native Japanese, the biggest fear of Cultural Appropriation is NOT about someone “stealing” it. It is the cultural “westernization” in its filtering – which potentially could “destroy” the beauty of original culture. That’s the reason I speak up in Sashiko. I respect the western culture to be very effective and logic. However, a teacher needs to understand the difference in cultures.
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There are a number of styles of Sashiko in Japan. Starting from 3 major Sashiko (Kogin, Hishizashi, Shonai), there are many Sashiko survived, revived, and lost in both named & nameless condition. In my memory, I have never seen any discussion about “what is the right Sashiko” regardless of this huge variety. This harmony/indecisiveness is the fundamental of Japanese culture. We do not need “absolute” justice. We can all co-exist. I still feel the same. Therefore, I say, I would like to protect “our Sashiko” with respecting the other Sashiko. We didn’t share our Sashiko for more than 40 years, however, it doesn’t mean we didn’t exist. There are millions of similar practices, I believe.
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Unfortunately, when Sashiko is filtered by western dualism and justice system, they start looking for the “answers”. They think “their teachers are (supposed to be) the only answer” and start excluding others – although the teacher wouldn’t want those disputes. Isn’t it absurd to see non-Japanese discussing what is a more “authentic” or “traditional” way to do Sashiko in non-Japanese language? A condition of being undecided (middle) is called Chudo (中道). This is one reason for the richness of Japanese culture. I do not want non-Japanese to destroy this richness – and therefore I speak up the “insufficiency” within Sashiko in English.
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争い事を嫌い、結論を先延ばしにし、なあなあで済ませる。妥協し、折り合いを付け、有耶無耶にし、果ては馴れ合い共に笑う。問題解決が至上である現代において、この日本人的な行動パターンは、「日本人の駄目なところ」として認識されているかもしれません。実際、弊害も出ているし。でも、文化的に見ると、「正解（勝者）を作らない」というこの「どっちつかず」こそが、日本文化を豊かにし、独自性を持たせているのかなと思ったりしています。英語で西洋人が「これが伝統的な刺し子だ。いやいやこちらが正真正銘の刺し子だ。」って議論してるのを見ると、その段階で、「おぉ盛大にズレてるなぁ」と思うんです。でも笑ってられない。日本国外で議論された正解が逆輸入されると、今度は日本国内でも喧嘩が始まっちゃうので、それまでに「そもそも議論になってなかったし」と紹介しておかねばと思うのです。
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2021-04-08 12:52:42
Wow. I thought you were giing to name hitomezashi and moyozashi, and you named other two I do not know what they are !😮 (shonai and hishizashi)
This is a beautiful and really important sentiment. Thank you for keeping our traditions true ❤️
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❤️ It is personal, it is your heart,home,culture,family
As a western (Swedish) person who never felt at home in the dualistic paradigm, I’m finding your posts very interesting. For that and for a number of other reasons.
👍😌🙋🏻😊
As an Irish person, I may have a slight advantage over others from more historically “dominant” cultures in understanding the problems around CA and also the unsavoury and self righteous attitude of “you should be happy we appreciate elements of your cultural heritage”. I have been enjoying your IG posts and YT videos, very informative and enlightening. I appreciate the time and effort that you are dedicating to safeguarding your culture. Keep up the great work 👍
Thank you—helpful advice and perspectives!!
Thank you, for how you clear up the point of view from which you speak about Sashiko.👏👏👏
I simply stopped going to the Asian market and I don’t purchase Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese product anymore. No culture is worth being harassed by an internet mob.
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective! It’s so easy to overstep the mark when you are trying something new from a different culture. It usually is a fine line that many westerners miss unfortunately.
I am really enjoying your discussion on the history of Sashiko and appropriation issues. Thank you for your teachings.
I’ve only recently learned about Sashiko and someone pointed me to your page. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your culture. I see there is so much more to Sashiko than I imagined and realize I’m ignorant about this beautiful cultural practice. You’ve given me a lot to think about and a desire to learn more about the history of Sashiko.
Stunning 👏
As a western (Norwegian) I wonder:”Are all westerners perceived as dualist (in general) or are certain westerners perceived as dualists…? And who do we define as westerners? The culture difference between countries within Europe and within States in the USA are quit big on certain aspects. So I’m curious.
I love learning about Sashiko from you and the historical and cultural elements of your teaching enriches the “learning-situation”.