As a trend goes, the “name” is often used lightly. As Sashiko became the trend,

As a trend goes, the “name” is often used lightly. As Sashiko became the trend, many items now have the title of “Sashiko” in their product name – like Sashiko Thread, Sashiko needle, Sashiko Thimble, and Sashiko Fabric. Since “just adding the name” may increase the sales, it is a good marketing strategy. However, I wonder how many stores actually can explain why we call it “Sashiko —–”. As Sashiko has its long history, when we call it “Sashiko —–”, it always has stories behind it. Not everything can be “Sashiko —–”.
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As there are so many “Sashiko —-”, I cannot tell which is good or bad. When I go shopping, I feel like I am trying to find a gem in stones. Many manufacturers contact us if we are interested in selling their products as “Sashiko —-”. I declined all of these offers because we have quite strong rules in selling. [We only sell what we enjoy using in our ordinary days]. For that, I am very proud of what I am offering – and very much appreciated to those who understand & support my mission.
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Our Sashiko needle has small eyes. Some complain about the size & they prefer another needle with “Large Eye”. Although it is an easy choice for them to use a needle with a large eye for the ease of threading, the “story” why we have this type of needle is ignored. We have reasons. Each item has stories. The culture will be preserved when we acknowledge these stories & care for the people behind the words.
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Trust me. Choosing a good tool & supply will make a significant difference in resulting – and also “experience” itself. It isn’t just my feeling – it is fact based on many feedbacks I receive.
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少しずつではありますが、日本国内でも恵子さんの刺し子糸や針を販売させて頂いております。「刺し子針」とか「刺し子糸」という商品が増えました。商品名に「刺し子」をつけることで効率よくマーケティングができるんだろうと思います。実際メーカーさんも「刺し子」を考える事によって材料を作って下さっているんだろうと思います。日本のメーカーが好きなのは、「（ある程度は）調べる」ということ。これが海外のメーカーになると、もう味噌もクソもごっちゃの状況になります。なんでもSashikoと書けば売れるみたいな。
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でも、実際は「刺し子○○」というには理由もあるし物語もあります。職人が使う材料と道具をお届けし続けるために、その道具と材料を作って下さる職人さんを守れるように。今後も精進し続けます！
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2023-03-05 22:54:29

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