Globally Connected @ FIT: Sashiko and Cultural Sustainability for the Japanese People

Engage with sashiko, a traditional Japanese embroidery type, in this conversation with Atsushi Futatsuya, sashiko artisan and founder of Upcycle Stitches.

Sashiko (Japanese for “little stabs”) is an old Japanese mending technique that originated from a very poor community in Japan. Fast forward to today, the technique has been adopted by big brands, such as Kenzo and Maison Margiela. According to Atsushi Futatsuya, sashiko introduced in English is not wrong, but unfortunately, it isn’t usually introduced or described in its entirety.

This virtual discussion will explain what sashiko means and represents to the Japanese people, as it is often communicated with missing elements and can be romanticized in Western culture. Moderated by Cultural Fellow Hinako Ishii, Fashion Business Management, who is an international student from Japan.

Atsushi Futatsuya was born into the third generation of a surviving sashiko family in Gifu prefecture. He grew up with sashiko, surrounded by thread, needles, and fabric. He launched the “Sashi.Co” project with his mother, Keiko, who has over 30 years of experience in sashiko stitching as a platform to introduce masterful works of sashiko.

In 2017, Atsushi began introducing the beauty and philosophy of sashiko to the world through his website and workshops as “Sashiko Story.” His website is upcyclestitches.com.

Hosted by the Office of International Programs, History of Art, and the Cultural Fellows.

This virtual event is free and open to the public; REGISTER HERE.