Sashiko and Cultural Appropriation // Sashiko Story Vol.10 // Sashiko is more than a trend
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- Опубликовано: 20 мар 2021
- Cultural Appropriation is a very sensitive and difficult topic to discuss. However, I decided to not to keep quiet anymore. So, here is my statement about Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko.
I am not 100% sure if what I feel is “Cultural Appropriation” or not. However, the concept explains the pain when I see the word “Sashiko” in a non-related context or usage in someone’s convenience. I will keep learning, and here is my footnote.
0:46 Questions from followers - Am I causing harm?
1:10 Atsushi's personal & simple statement (with sharing one condition).
4:08 Please know that you do not know enough about Sashiko
4:46 Question about "Sashiko/Boro Inspired"
7:28 Boro is a bit different story
9:34 Second additional note - that I am still learning
*Please be advised. I say, "Don't worry too much". However, it doesn't mean that "Whatever" is fine. In fact, it is opposite. By sharing the stories, I am saying "whatever" from ignorance is no longer valid.
I am working on the script on our website to dictate this video. Meanwhile, please read the first article I wrote about Sashiko & Cultural Appropriation.
upcyclestitches.com/cultural-...
Please watch more "Sashiko Story" to avoid unfortunate Cultural Appropriation.
• Sashiko Story Vol. 1 |...
In order to learn more about Sashiko & Boro, please follow us.
/ sashikostory
Toward the end, I ask you to learn about Cultural Appropriation from the others. They may have a different view from mine. However, it is important to learn from them. I am learning from them. I say “Do not worry about it too much (when you try to respect the Japanese culture)”. However, please do not take it too easy either. Keep learning is what we need to do here.
Instagram Account I learn a lot from (No intention for the Order):
(I will keep adding accordingly).
makikohastings.blogspot.com/2...
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/ made.by.yuki
/ leila_sews
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Your support for our Sashiko is always & very much appreciated.
Supporting by purchasing supplies & tools from us
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Supporting on Patreon (Thank you for your generousity!)
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When you said "if you aren't interested in the stories behind sashiko and boro, please don't use those words" (my paraphrasing), that was the clearest description of cultural appropriation I'd ever heard. Thank you for making this clear and compassionate statement.
Thank you. I used to think "no one would call their stitching Sashiko/Boro if they are not interested in the stories...", but, in fact, in the trend, there are people who use (twist) the words for their convenience. There are many angles to look at the Cultural Appropriation, but this "twisting it for their convenience" is the biggest issue for me.
@@SashikoStory If you could give us some examples of true cultural appropriation of sashiko, it would be helpful. Many of us have a lot to learn!
@@violetstitches4008 I have had many cases of Cultural Appropriation. Yes, I will make a video about that. In short... when a non-Japanese say something definitive and share, it can be a form of Cultural Appropriation. Example would be... you tell (teach) your friends that "Oh! you can use whatever thread for Sashiko". It is true only "when they can explain the difference between the Sashiko thread & Non-Sashiko thread". If they are saying "whatever" for their convenience, it is "repainting" the culture, and therefore Cultural Appropriation (They do not call their stitching Sashiko if whatever is fine). I hope it makes sense.
@@SashikoStory Thanks for giving an example. I happen to know the difference between shashiko thread and non sashiko thread because I watch your youtube channel. I have, however, seen sewing shows on American television introduce sashiko and the hosts did indeed say "use whatever thread you want." The TV hosts did share that sashiko came from Japan and that it was a traditional mending stitch, but gave no mention to original threads used...I suspect they did it because sashiko thread is not easy to come by in the US (I had to order mine from a Japanese owned shop on etsy). Cultural appropriation is an important issue to be aware of....please continue to share and speak on the topic.
@@violetstitches4008 I will cover this request in another video. It is very important & I do not want to cause any misunderstanding.
I do NOT say/think that "One has to use the "Sashiko thread",otherwise it is Cultural Appropriation". Although I hope many try to use the Sashiko thread (and purchase them from us), not everyone can access the Sashiko Thread easily. I am NOT excluding the one with limitation. For that, "whatever thread is fine" for Sashiko.
However, "whatever thread is fine" cannot come from non-Japanese people's mouth because there are stories behind the Sashiko threads. The person who say "whatever" erase the important story of Sashiko thread - which can end up with erasing the whole industry of Sashiko thread. That's what Cultural Appropriation can do to harm the people there.
I have many other examples, so I will make a video. Thank you.
Thank you so much for clarifying the "Sashiko and Cultural Appropriation" in the video. Our western thinking take almost every culture and turns it into a trend. We never take the time long enough to learn or appreciate the work effort. We value cultures by adding a price tag.
I too am a lover of the art and technique of Sashiko and have been practising it, I've attended online workshops for Sashiko (throughout covid) and love tuning into your videos each time. I'd like to thank you for this channel and your transparency. Reading Makiko Hastings's post regarding the sensitivity of C/A, I'm very aware I still have so much to learn about the history & culture around sashiko and will continue to do so, thank you for pointing me in the right direction.
My work is creatively inspired by the art but is not fully the art itself. I naturally have a western approach and therefore, do not feel I can label my work as Sashiko and will be labelling it as simply hand stitching. I will, however, continue to reference the inspired pieces with correct terms and credit the native craft or pattern used. - Thank you so much for posting your perspective and voicing your personal experience.
Thank you for sharing. This is such a tough topic but I feel like the way you have explained it makes so much sense. It is my appreciation for Japanese culture and the idea of making fabrics/garments stronger and beautiful at the same time which drew me to your channel and wanting to practice Sashiko. I also appreciated your example below in the comments of what cultural appropriation looks/sounds like. Making those distinctions is so needed. I am also a quilter and there have been a lot of conversations in that community on this topic as well. Just grateful that people keep sharing their experiences. Communicating is the key to understanding. Appreciate you, your incredible gift in this work and your humble and kind approach to teaching. Thank you.
I currently have to conserve my money, and my clothing gets many holes and tears because my family works hard. Buying new clothes is not an option for us, so I'm grateful to the Japanese people who created Sashiko. Through the art, I hope to lengthen the lifespan of my clothes that work so hard to protect me, and to create beauty even when life seems bleak. Thank you for sharing this message. I will learn as much as possible about the stories behind Sashiko creations and the people that made and continue to make them.
Adaptation and development of artistic practice will always happen, however it is essential to educate yourself from the best sources if you're going to become interested in another culture's art . I believe this channel is the best source . Be humble respectful, and appreciative of the origins of Boro and Sashiko.
It is interesting that "We (Our Sashiko artisans including myself)" do not consider Sashiko as the Art. It is already a "filter" we are experiencing. We humbly accept the admiration for the Sashiko as "Art", but that's how "too late" I was to speak up. Anyway, "Sashiko isn't Art" is another topic I need to discuss (It is already on my Instagram). I appreciate your willingness to learn. My pain come from someone saying "Sashiko is Art so we can do whatever we want". Thank you.
@@SashikoStory I would be fascinated to hear your perspectives on this. I have called sashiko "art" myself, and didn't realize the connotations of that (meaning anyone can go ahead and steal it without care).
I should have said artisanship instead of art . An artisan is always learning. Thank you for your gentle correction 🦋
@@SashikoStory that's interesting... I'm a Latino American mestiza, so I have a lot of cultural issues (I'm a lot of things but nothing at the same time), and an art historian. Many things that we consider as art expression never was at their origin. As a highly delicate example, I can refer to the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Moai at the British Museum. That's a spiritual alive practice, and it's an ancestor that MUST be on the island protecting their descendants. But it's exhibited as a piece of art in a museum on another continent, and their descendants have to travel every year to make their rituals in the museum; insane!
But, it's ok if Athena is at the museum because her religious practice is dead nowadays. We can appreciate Athena sculptures at the museums as an art expression, even if they were meant to be part of religious purposes.
My point is, if the development of clothes technology release the need to reinforce clothes or make it warmer to work in the fields in winter by Sashiko techniques, Sashiko it's an alive culture or a developed technic with other purposes nowadays? It's part of the cultural history, or it's a practice that is still alive as were originated?
(Btw, as an art historian, I'm not specialised in cultural appreciation or cultural studies. I study Islamic art, so I'm not an expert, but I want to know better about this.)
Thanks for your answer; I really appreciate it!
I'm so glad I found your channel so I can learn how to do sashiko in a mindful, respectful way! I'm so excited!
I’m enjoying learning to stitch the sashiko way by watching you and listening to you talk about it. I’ve had a special fondness for Japanese culture since I was young even though it’s not my culture- I’m looking into any history of sashiko and the people that started it- thank you for your talks
All of your video's, in my heart's opinion, are Amazing in the sense of your spirit. You care . . deeply, gently, respectfully. You genuinely care to give, to share, to help us all grow, those who also care, and respectfully see by depth, and meaning which speaks truthfully . . . that will go on giving by gentle, and kind words.
I love listening and learning from you. I am someone who has always, since very young, deeply admired, saught out, examined, and learned from old linens, considering the stitchers before me. My grandmother from the old country, who left due to severe persecution, came to America and had her sewing shop in her home. I am following in her footsteps. I highly admire, respect, and love traditions, the people, stories, and their life .... retold in cloth. I thank you, most sincerely, for your teaching, your kindness, your video's. For your time given, and the sacrifice that entails.
Shoshannah Y
Thank you for bringing it up! I think it’s so important to know the history behind techniques such as sashiko and boro. Your video came up
in my feed after I uploaded a video on the history of mending. I included a bit of a Japanese section due to these techniques popularity in the west in recent years. I am sure there is more to it than I covered and I am looking forward to watch your sashiko stories to learn more. I initially after watching this video thought “why didn’t I find your channel before I finished my video?l However, it turns out that I used your website as one of my sources and I learnt about Fukin & Zokin from you. 😂
What an interesting gentle statement. For the last week few days have immersed looking at as much videos on Sashiko on u tube.
I have appreciated the history and stories behind the techniques. Marvelled at the intricate designs that can be made from a simple run stitch . Intrigued by the mindsets that develop such a disciplined art form of stitch work; thank you for this statement, I have learnt a lot.
Thank you for listening to!
Thank you very much for this video! My colleague told me about sashiko and boro .. my boyfriend his family spent maybe 3 years in Japan (Americans) and I can see to this day, their continued appreciation for the culture and that inspires me to be very thoughtful in making sashiko items. Thank you for your perspective and candidness on the topic!
Love your work! You’ve inspired me to not give my old jeans to goodwill. I’ll share the boro and sashiko inspired project.
Thank you for so kindly explaining the implications of using terms like ‘Sashiko/Boro inspired’. I am very interested in the learning the techniques AND the rich cultural history of sashiko and boro. Please continue to teach and explain through your excellent videos!
I love how you phrased a lot of these things and appreciate the transparency.
Thank you!
Thank you for this video. I am at the beginning of a beginners journey with sashiko but I love it. I’ll make sure to keep up my education about the history, practice, and culture around this beautiful art.
Thank you. Keep learning & please find some Japanese Sashiko artisans to learn from.
Thank you for giving voice to your understanding of the subject. Admitting that it isn't something you've experienced much before is an honest view many refuse acknowledge. Thank for sharing your culture in your way. I hope that as I continue to learn about and practice Sashiko I can do so with the same honesty.😊
Thank you!
You communicate the significance of sashiko well. And I do respect it's meaning. I enjoy watching your educational videos. They are useful. You are modest; learning is a life-long process.
thank you for your beautiful insight into the use of the words Sashiko and Boro. And thank you for explaining about cultural appropriation in such a sensitive and heartfelt way.
My pleasure. Thank you for listening & acknowleding.
As l listen to your heartfelt words, l thank you for your kindness and re-assurance that if we non-Japanese take the time understand what is behind the stitches we take, we should not be offending anyone....hopefully.
In hearing you speak about Boro, and seeing the example on the screen, l was struck by in America would have considered a “well loved” piece of fabric, having been patched and mended, worn to a buttery softness that only time can give, and co trash that to the description you gave of drinking water from a disinfected toilet. We don’t give much thought anymore to our Depression days when people had nothing, saved everything, and wasted zero. Much like your Boro our Grandmothers and Great-Grandmothers stitched quilts and cloths, mended pants, shirts, and darned socks, because they couldn’t buy anything new. Boro, l believe comes from the tradition of use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do with out. And with winters being cold and snowy, warm clothing is a must. The patches must had to be patched to stay warm and so it went. This is survival style, not vintage style. (I hope l got this somewhat right)
I would like to make a jacket like the one you showed during the presentation. It may take some time, but l think it would be worth it.
Thank you.
Atsushi san, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on ‘Sashiko or Boro Inspired’ used outside Japan.
Thank you for helping me know I have a lot to learn. This stitching speaks to my soul but before I pick up a thread and needle I will learn more of the art and people behind the art. Many thanks
Please pick up a thread & needle, too. Sashiko isn't something with strict rituals. I just want them to "learn" instead of "filter" the culture. Enjoy stitching!
@@SashikoStory You seem both kind-hearted and passionate, you really want people to care and learn plus enjoy. I don't understand why people would want to learn something with such strong cultural significance ("just for fashion") without gaining an understanding of the stories and the history. (For example, I have friends from Morocco who shared with me the basics of Fessi henna/mehendi and I wanted to learn everything I could, all the stories, history, meaning...) I am so happy & grateful you are sharing these stories. Thank you again. I have admired Sashiko since I went to Japan for the first time many years ago (I have been to Okazaki, Tokyo, Nagoya - I would love to know more about regional variations...)
Thank you so much for making this video.
My pleasure. I started writing a script in 2020. Hahaha.
Thanks for telling your thoughts, they are really interesting. I think your art gives life to the past.
Thank you.
Thank you for your wisdom at this time when we are losing strong, iconic, ancestral imagery.
Thank you very much for the kindness and patience. I would love to learn more about the significance of the traditional sashiko patterns. The sashiko books which I have read so far were either translations or were even written by americans. The meaning behind the patterns was mostly missing and that makes it impossible to combine the designs with a deeper understanding.
Very much appreciate hearing your point of view. It all helps me to clarify cultural appropriation which I feel is a very complex issue. Thanks 🙏
Thank you for watching. I hope you would keep watching my messages!
As a White person who grew up in America, who would be glad to integrate the beauty and culture of Sashiko into my wardrobe, and wants to respect the feelings of those around me, I appreciate that you have shared your perspective and want to create an environment of understanding, respect, and celebration. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Please keep learning. Your learning will support the Japanese Sashiko Culture.
Thank you for talking about it. This absolutely makes sense and is a question of respect. I just learned about this stitch, would like to mend my clothes and my poor needle work won't be even near to your beautiful creations. I hope to remember this name but won't use it. In my case it's not an issue but any artist should respect your opinion. When i saw Sashiko I thought about One Thousand Stitch, just because I knew this name, knew is Japanese, both require a lot of patience but have very different story and meaning.
Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to share and inform with us. I am learning and feel like I am appropriating as an American. I always say it is inspired by Sashiko and Boro as it is not from my culture.
Don't worry about Appropriation too much - this is the video for those who minimize the issue (you are being careful to acknowledge - and that's what matters in my understanding).
Many of Us are enjoying Sashiki stitching and Your information of its history. I can’t wait for You to write Your future best selling book on this topic🐝
thank you. I agree fully with your message.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your view on this matter.
My pleasure.
Thanks for letting your opinion be known! I am an American who's recently gotten into sashiko. Like you said, my knowledge of the craft and its history is always going to be less than a native Japanese person who learned the skill in Japan, but I believe that we can all learn from and appreciate eachothers' cultures and the world can benefit from the sharing of handicrafts and ideas. I also think your last statement, about not wanting to see sashiko morph into something it's not in the hands of outsiders is very fair and reasonable. Sometimes people take something and change it and then tell everyone "this is how it is," without understanding how it really is. Then everyone thinks that changed version is the true version and the true version gets lost and unappreciated. I hope that makes sense, haha. I will definitely check out the rest of your videos to learn more. I know the history of fabric crafts is not always a happy history, especially when it comes to crafts that come from the need to conserve and reuse, and I think we all need to learn and appreciate that history so that we can truly appreciate the craft and the abundance that many of us have now in the present.
Thank you for your statements regarding cultural appropriation in sashiko and boro. If only non native people of any cultures would take what you said to heart and keep that respect in mind when appreciating another's cultural history, art, dress, language etcetera.
In art school the professors would make a special assignment. The best stone lithograph I made was a ‘choose an artist you admire and print your subject “in the manner of that artist. I had a drawing from life drawing class of seated model’s back. I used that drawing replacing the lines for shoulder blades, knees etc with Navajo current garb. I added feet peeking out at an angle from a long skirt and a full shirt. This is typical for the artist, RCGorman, a Navajo printmaker. The woman in my print is very much an iconic Navajo figure. Currently the women wear a colorful tiered ruffled skirt, a loose shirt and all Navajo wear their turquoise jewelry. The women dress up like this to weave. I have had a chance to study Navajo rug/blanket weaving with a male weaver. I started off with a geometric style but he encouraged me to change it.
For me the thing most important if I weave a rug that looked like their often regional styles I need to be very clear to say this is “woven in the Navajo manner” and make it clear I am not Navajo. One of the big casual clothes designers sold clothing, bags decorated as if it was Navajo. There was an uproar in the Navajo community about cultural appropriation, rightly so. They weren’t thrilled with a design so easily identified as Navajo. More importantly advertising used the word Navajo but failed to differentiate who made it. That is cultural appropriation by my definition.
Any people who now dress as Americans do are touching social appropriation.
Thank you. I learnt a lot from this video.
I used to do black work when I was younger and living in the UK, and I look at Sashiko and see similarities in the designs I used to sew.
Thank you for sharing this. I also kind of worry about this, since I've been learning more about the visible mending movement. Often it feels like the term "visible mending" is being used a rebranding of sashiko for the west, which is frustrating. And it worries me that applying my own take on visible mending - applying western embroidery techniques and patterns to my patches and repairs - erases sashiko as well. I'm trying to learn more about the history, concepts, and techniques so I can honor the origin of this trend and of what I'm trying to do with my own culture's embroidery.
Your "trying" is all I ask. Thank you for learning with reflecting what you already know.
@@SashikoStory Thank you. It's a really interesting rabbit hole I've found myself in. A lot of cultures really do have a tradition of some kind of visible mending. The initial purpose being to repair and reinforce but with a secondary decorative spin because human beings can't help but want to make nice things and express themselves in whatever way they can.
And I found out something interesting - that this idea I saw I think in another video about calling other cultures mending the word in your own culture if the purpose is the same (like calling the mending embroidery sashiko even when it's another culture's embroidery because the purpose is the same) goes the other way too. A LOT of articles about European darning techniques (the traditional visible mending method in most of Europe) refer to sashiko as "Japanese darning" because it's the same stitch and the same idea except in European darning, you make the stitches so small, they weave under and around individual threads to create an entirely new piece of fabric woven into the old one. But it's still essentially the same running stitch.
For darning, people would even often not have new thread to USE for it. You want to use thread that's similar to the old fabric because it has to become part of the fabric, so they'd often take stronger threads out of the hem of the very same garment to use as their mending thread.
All these different regions and cultures poor people had a dilemma: the need for repairs and the lack of resources for new fabric. And came up with a similar solution: patching up with running stitches - either adding new fabric or creating new fabric. And each one also put their own cultures' creative spin on it.
I started learning it because I saw a lot of people calling crafts inspired by sashiko and boro that really had nothing to do with them and I didn't like that. I decided that I wanted to actually learn about it. I accidentally chose a very difficult sashiko kit to start with, but I'm getting used to the materials. I have a great deal of respect for people who can do this well. I'm trying to learn proper terms, but may not be able to ever read Japanese because of a neurological problem.
Thank you for relating your view of cultural appropriation with such patience and inclusivity. I don't know many of the stories behind sashiko but from what I have read the technique was born out of practicality and thrift, using what you have and making it work as a necessity of life. It's like not seeing why our grandmothers darned so many socks! (There was a depression on and no one had the $ to buy/knit new socks just because of a hole, everyone had to make do the best they could, Asmuch as I love needlework I've never learned how to do darning despite inheriting 3 wooden darning eggs, I was initially attracted to sashiko stitching by it's seemingly simple but clean designs that had such an eye-catching result. I'm very willing to explore the culture that produced it. i have no interest in appropriating anyone's culture. Sometimes when a something becomes "trendy" it make one appreciate that culture and become more interested in learning how it came about. I see it opening more doors than closing them. We're all learning everyday, even if we don't realize it. thanks for your eye-opening take on the cultual aspect, I really didn't know that I might be stepping on any cultural toes when I became interested in this fascinating style ofstitchery. I refer to it as "Japanese embroidery" rather than any xxx-inspired term. . Thanks again, I'm enjoying your channel very much.
Thank you for your time to watch the video carefully. I wouldn't need to make this type of video if everyone is mindful on what they do like you are. I appreciate your perspective, and I agree 100%. It is so interesting to see one comment like this - and completely opposite comment saying what I share is non-sense...
Interesting.
Thank you!!
I am interested in Sashiko because it is so unique and beautiful and I sew, quilt, and do embroidery. I googled Sashiko, and saw your blog post about cultural appropriation. I read it because I want to be respectful of this practice. Thank you for this information. I will go forward learning about the cultural and historical context of this artform.
Thank you for your acknowledgement!!
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. Sashiko is such a wonderful technique both for practical purposes and as an art form. I love learning about the history and techniques and want to learn how to make similar pieces for myself. I would like to use this style of stitching to embellish new garment rather than a used one. Is this something that was done historically as well?
Thank you for your patient and compassionate discussion about cultural appropriation. I am a Chinese-American who has lived and worked in Japan, but when I was there topics like this were not on my radar. Now I am very curious as to what Japanese people feel when they see, for example, how the word kimono is (mis)used here. One of the most beautiful and miraculous things about artisanal work is the deep history and meaning behind the art. I'm grateful to hear your perspective.
Thank you. As I mentioned in the video, it is very difficult for the native Japanese living in Japan to see this issue because they (we) do not have to face to the difference. Cultural Appropriation of Sashiko will not happen in Japan in Japanese language. That's the difficult part of Cultural Appropriation - the person needs to learn the "majority language".
I have kind of "soft" insight about Cultural Appropriation because I just moved to the US. Some have more strong message, and I respect that. So... what I can do is keep sharing so we can find a mutual understanding. Thank you.
Thank you
At the moment, I am learning Sashiko. It is very similar to embroidery, except that most designs are geometric. I've never seen anyone else that embroiders around the world claiming that hand stitching is culture appropriation given that the entire world stitches in one form or another; manual or mechanical. To each his own.
That's what you thought I would say by reading the title. This comment is completely irrevent to what I say in the video. I hope others watch the whole video before making this type of comment.
roadrunner123 You'll never hear indigenous Europeans complaining or having hurt feelings. Woke worshippers claim its because we have the upper hand. Incorrect. Look at Scots Aran knitting. I have my Irish crafts. If I see someone else ripping off the aesthetic of the book of kells...I don't care. It has transformed into something else to them. It is still what it is to me and my people. It has not changed it. Civilization IS the borrowing and repurposing of things. I dislike change especially for the disappearing irish. But nobody owes me an apology, or ass kissing and bowing down to pick up my craft. I cannot demand respect. These ppl in the comments are cowering and ass kissing. I respect myself, I do not demand it from others.
Thank you for your thoughts and feelings about this! It’s very important to honor and understand the stories of the people and their cultures when appreciating them or trying to recreate what we’ve seen. Western culture teaches us to appropriate everything. We should unlearn this so we can better appreciate the people who contributed to the rich cultural fabric of our country. Acknowledging how bloody and terrible that history is, is just the tip of the iceberg. It is my experience that Japanese people are more generous with their culture and sharing it, but that doesn’t mean we should take it all without appreciation or even a thank you, or recognizing that something wonderful is being shared. I have admired Japanese culture ever since I first watched some Pioneer anime that came to america, and I had to learn more about this respectful, kind, and funny culture much older than ours. Even though I do love your culture, I do not claim it. as an artist, I am inspired by Sashiko, but I do not call my stitches that. What I am doing is quilting, and looking at Japan for how to make it prettier- that is much like a child cheating during a test, stealing answers from the A student. I can say that Japanese culture shows many values I wish to emulate, and by studying Sashiko and the people who make it, I may come closer to understanding, but what I have created, still may not be deserving of that name. Thank you for mentioning POC in America feeling differently about this issue, it is their right- as they stand the most to lose when others feel entitled to their cultural traditions. Thank you for your very thoughtful answer!
A bit concerned at the subtle suggestion of the comment and the presenter statement that POC ( I guess referring to people of colour?) are 'too sensitive' about issues around cultural appropriation? Well, like the presenter said he is still learning about cultural appropriation. The sensitivity, is the racism (validation & value) that surrounds it. Otherwise the culture is quite happy to share, be appreciated and celebrated.
Thank you for learning from us as Japanese Sashiko Artisans!
Well, I hope I didn't say "too sensitive". I am still learning - and all I can do is to share the honest ideas I have at that point. I thank you for sharing your prespective (It is rare to have your side of the story as ... you know, look at other's comments. They don't even watch what I say here).
хотелось бы узнать как строить выкройку этой одежды
Interesting 👌🏼
Fair enough 👍
I really appreciate your thoughts, and also your words about listening to others. We all need to keep learning, and most of all to be respectful.
Thank you for sharing so much with us :)
have you come across any books about stitching sashiko that have been translated into english. I have found several on amazon but will they be worth buying? When I begin a new craft I like to have a book to reference and make notes. I've been watching videos and listening to the stories.
No, I haven't come across anhy books that can speak on my behalf. There are good books published in Japanese... but they aren't translated into English. Sashiko Books written in English aren't wrong, but I do not recommend them as they can be misleading. They simplify Sashiko quite much.
To answer the questions I often receive for recommendation, I made the Online Course on Domestika. I understand that you would like to have a book, but please consider the course as my recommendation.
www.domestika.org/en/courses/4952-introduction-to-japanese-sashiko-stitching/sashikostory
Talking about cultural appropriations, the Japanese are in love with salsa in dance and music, with tango in dance. They even have salsa music bands with the most famous being “ Orquesta de la Luz” . So do we need to go into the whole backstory to explain why salsa was created, why tango originated from the slums of Argentina? Should Japanese people stop practicing or profiting in some cases from exploring those musical traditions? We live in a pluralistic society where cultural awareness is shared at rapid speeds. I have always loved Japanese culture. I respect all your norms. And as an artist on many occasions the message related to my art has correlated with the message behind such customs. I respect and honor all traditions. And I will continue to practice them in the same manner. Just a thought .
Thank you for your thought.
Cultural appropriation involves a power difference. One example is Israelis claiming Arab/Palestinian food as "Israeli" - it bolsters the genocidal project they have been engaged in for 75 years. Japanese people dancing a capitalistic and watered-down version of salsa and tango taught by US Americans and other non-Latin people would definitely be cultural appropriation. But learning from Latin teachers and respecting their ownership of their culture is not. Claiming that you respect and appreciate while pointing the finger at people of colour is not respectful. Your comment is very entitled.
I admire all forms of embroidery, sashiko included but it doesn't mean i want to do it. I enjoy videos on the intricate patterns of sashiko.
Thank you!
Thank you for your thoughtfukness1
Thank you for this message. Oranda kara desu. I do worry about it a bit, because I do not want to be a racist and what's happening in America makes me sad. I visited Japan (Wakayama,Kyoto, Hirosaki), love sashiko and I'm always improving my skills (with your videos). I love wearing my sashiko jeans and it's a technique that makes me happy. Domo arigatou gozaimasu!
Thank you. Your worry will not cause anything you worry about.
We are all racists in some levels (in my understanding). What matter is to take time to care for others - not ignore the voices. If everyone is like you who take careful steps to learn, I wouldn't need to make a video like this.
Enjoy Sashiko! こちらこそありがとうございます。
If me using "inspired"/style might be a problem, what would you suggest if as an eastern artist to "western" artist in upcycling/recycling use to give CREDIT to japanese culture. Because I do USE japanese developed stitches and if I do not credit the culture, then I practise imho erasure. sigh. I "could" use "blackwork-inspired" which is a western medieval style of stitching which is similar but rooted in upper class, black thread on white fabric and it has very different forms... but the fact remains, that I am using specific stitches that were developped in sashiko. This is a nuanced issue, I thank you for making your statements. I find it very very helpful , to hear ppl on this. But I frankly admit that I even struggle with learning just the japanese or even "correctly" translated names for certain patterns. sigh (If white ppl like me wouldn't tend to erase native cultures and do "them dirty" these convos might not be necessary, but I am grateful for any information and thoughts that I can learn without having to learn another language :D
I would say: "Keep learning & acknowledging the voice of people behind the culture". Then, I believe it is fine to use "Inspired", "style" or even calling it Sashiko. The problem is someone using the word "inspired" to excuse themseleves from learning or listening.
For example, I say Sashiko is NOT Zen.
However, some say Sashiko is Zen Stitching.
In this case, they are "inspired" by something they want to use for their profit instead of leaning or listening why Sashiko is not Zen to some practitoner in Japan.
When you can explain & articurate what you are inspired by, then it has no issues. When you are using the word just to ignore the stories behind (Like, I can do whatever I want because I am saying "Inspired"), then it may be the problem.
Unfortunately, in today's trend, there are many "Sashiko/Boro Inspired" photos that make me wonder what they are really inspired by/from.
Thank you.
Well, I can see som Telemarksroser in those patterns ? So who is its actually ? - is it not what humans always have been doing ? get inspiration from others ?
Well. You are missing the point as I say the similar thing on this video. Please rewatch instead of reacting the word "Cultural Appropriation".
most of all the Blue color is basic of sashiko fabric, is that have any philosophy in that color
Yes!
Hello there, thank you so much for having evolve your point of view, so can we have this text conversation, open on the internet. I came from Colombian culture, and i'm going to the my best to express here on english. By the way, my main intention is to express a point of view about the video, with the intention of help and give ideas, of how you(the teacher) and me (new student from domestika) can we talk about Sashiko on a international environment. If you don't want the feedback, i will be happy to excuse me and erase this online text.
1) what i understand of the video is: the words sashiko and boro are more than a trent, they are the representation of an ancestral cultural practice, if you want to learn the technique or the methodology or the art and the history's that came with sashiko and boro, a new student can humbly admit that he is learning Sashiko, and tell others that he/she is a Sashiko new student.
2) one way to demonstrate and recognize respect, is before presenting our art talk about inspiration teachers and ancestral cultures, from where the artist is receiving his creativity. In this case: one of my references is Ancestral Sashiko culture and i'm learning from Atsushi Futatsuya on domestika web site.
Thank you. The summary is good - but it doesn't summarize the whole (No one can summarize in English - not even me.. therefore I keep sharing stories). So I hope you would keep watching the video. Thank you for your hard work!!
In a global world, how can there not be cultural appropriation? If a culture is disrespected and someone says, "oh, what do you expect from _______(fill in the blank)" that is disrespectful, but using and enjoying the beauties of another culture, whether in art or stitchery or cooking or whatever, is endemic to people, to the human race. If you look at it, the eastern cultures and Asian cultures wear western clothing - isn't that appropriation if we are all supposed to stay in our little "cultures"? To say the west appropriates inappropriately is ridiculous - we all borrow from one another. For one person to paint a scene that another has seen and painted, is that stealing? If so, then there is something wrong in the world as we have all seen and done much of what has already been seen and done already.
Thank you for your input.
You can't just enjoy the beauties of a culture that you stole, and whose people that you oppress and marginalise.
I was just looking for some cool embroidery patterns to hang up on my wall. I ended up hearing a piece of someone's experience "becoming a minority."
It really is a fascinating journey to be on and to watch. I have a friend who, until she moved to our city, lived in a mestizo-majority town. She's begining to understand how discrimination is experienced, but she still thinks it's something unique to white-american culture. There's certainly still racial discrimination where she's from, she just no longer faces the brunt of it, so she thinks it doesn't exist. I was really disappointed in her when I heard her say that, but I think I need to be more patient with her. It's through suffering that we see the world isn't as ideal as we'd like it to be and are given that ability to empathize. I want to be able to help her skip the suffering to get to the understanding, but that's out of my control. I can really only be there for her when she does see the worst in the world.
Also I'll probably call whatever I make embroidery, but if anyone asks, I'll say the stitching was indeed imitating sashiko style 😅
I don’t fully understand what it is you believe or want from non-Japanese stitchers. I’m French, but I dot feel like other groups or races that crochet are appropriating from my culture. 🎃
We live in one world. We are the human race. One race. As long as the cultures and practices are passed on then it remains throughout time. No matter who practices the techniques. But always give the credit to where the techniques come from.
Yes, I appreciate clarifying my message on this video.
Japan and America have shared a lot of culture since the end of WW2. I think it's ok to borrow as long as you respect where it came from.
Yes, "respect" is the key.
With all due respect, while I think it is extremely important to understand the cultural origins and stories of traditional arts and cultures...
However, as someone Japanese living in Japan I also feel you're asking non-Japanese to extend a level of consideration and understanding that Japan is not even aware of, let alone conscious enough to extend to other countries. For example, Japanese appropriation of Chicano and black cultures is something downright offensive and ignorant. I have never lived in a country less aware of distinctions between other cultures (why is there always a dichotomy of Japanese Vs Gaikoku, and Gaikoku is often just a monolith rather than the entire rest of the world with borders and culture and distinctions?) The ignorance I've encountered here on a daily level is downright embarrassing and incredibly pervasive. Even to the point of defiance.
Also, I would associate appropriation with taking from cultures and ethnic groups that have been colonised, oppressed or persecuted for their own traditions, only to have their traditions stolen or aped by the oppressor. This doesn't really apply to Japan.
I'm not saying Japanese or Sashiko artists don't deserve respect, they absolutely do. But I feel this is a tremendous reach, and something Japan isn't even aware of as a country/culture let alone willing to apply to other cultures. I'm not saying that the disrespect on their part is deliberate, but I would apply some perspective to it. I don't think it's "harmful" in the sense that you seem to be portraying it.
Hello,
thank you for your perspective as a Japanese who lives in Japan. I feel you misunderstood my message here. To prove the point, could you please write your comment in Japanese so that we can involve other Japanese? I use the word "Cultural Appropriation" - but it is probably not the same as it is defined in today's society. In this video, I explain how I think it is different.
I also share my perspective in Japanese language (which is more accurate to the point) - so I believe we can have better constructive discussions when we can involve other Japanese. What you wrote here about Cultural Appropriation & its relation to Japan is valid, I think - but it is not what I am trying to convey, or illustrate as "harmful" in Sashiko (or any other Japanese Culture for that matter).
The problem here is you ALL do not have the same voice. Some of you will say it's sashiko, some will not. I am not saying it is your responsibility to unite every Japanese' opinion on the matter, but you all might want to make a consolidation soon.
Thank you for your perspective!
Every 👏🏼Single👏🏼Industry👏🏼 (art, fashion, architecture, etc) needs to start asking themselves *”What exactly was it that inspired u? And more importantly, did u make an effort to understand its true nature before using it for ur own gain?”*
Too many ppl see something esthetically beautiful & think simply giving voice to their ‘source of inspo’ absolves of all responsibility to educate in an effort to prevent the harm perpetuation of CA causes.
Our easy world access means even large corporations frequently use values from an ENTIRE CULTURE for their own gain (money, power, or attention) & expect a ‘creative commons’ argument to suffice when criticized.
I appreciate your message of ”What exactly was it that inspired u? And more importantly, did u make an effort to understand its true nature before using it for ur own gain?”. I completely agree with that.
It is not appropriate or not. It is a matter of how to approach. It can happen to any form of culture & practice. I appreciate your comment here & I can continue thanks to those who read/listen to what I am writing/saying instead of what they think I am writing/saying.
Don't worry I have no desire in learning "Sachiko" after watching this video.
I made this video for the purpose you described. I am glad.
Cultural appropriation in STUPID! Why get mad at someone for loving something in another culture. No wonder people are divided. LETS ALL SHARE OUR HISTORIES AND CULTURES TOGETHER!
Just to clarify for others reading this. I do NOT agree with this comment. Saying "Cultural Appropriation is Stupid" is ignorance, and I will never minimize the significance of cultural conetents.
There is no such thing as cultural appropriation. All cultures learn from each other. Art and culture evolves. Nothing exists in a vacuum. Kanji originated in China; is that cultural appropriation? No.
Art and culture are for sharing, not for gatekeeping.
There is. I agree Culture evolves, but not by(with) someone like you who choose not to learn. Learn more. C/A is new concept to me, and I keep learning. Sashiko isn't Art for me.
This comment, minimizing the voice by saying "It is Art (so do whatever we can)", is the first step to the Cultural Appropriation.
that is easy to say when, as a white westerner, you are never treated with violence or racism for being "inspired" by the art of other cultures, members of whom are actively treated badly for displaying, using, enjoying, and loving their own cultures, and not "acting american" (white) or "being a real canadian," (white).
for example: white settlers are encouraged to dress up as Indigenous people, and wear headdresses or eagle feathers, and use white sage, but made indigenous religious practices and clothing ILLEGAL FOR US until the late 60s, and we're still banned from it for important times like graduation and promotions, and functionally banned from various traditional practices around childbirth.
Relax and get over it. How much you have to learn don’t embarrass you ancestors with your complaints.
I have no idea what you are talking about. Stop reacting to something you think it is spoken in this video - instead, watch the video itself then react.
Cry louder
Is this encouragement or insult? (I seriously have no clue as English is my second language).