I often receive inquiries asking whether we offer Sashiko workshops in Japan, especially in major cities such as Tokyo or Osaka. Unfortunately, we do not have enough resources to offer workshops simply as an activity or entertainment for visitors. However, it is my sincere hope to offer something memorable to those who genuinely wish to learn Sashiko with us—from a group of Sashiko artisans who practice it as part of their lives.
My mother, Keiko, occasionally offers workshops in Japanese. For those who have completed my [Core & Essence] class, we can also arrange a personalized workshop with her while visiting our hometown, Takayama.
Since I am still unable to structure the next Japan Retreat, I decided to make information about this opportunity available here on the website.
Why do I ask for taking Core & Essence to everyone.
Before Contacting Us
Please note that Keiko’s workshop is NOT open to the general public. Due to the language barrier and our limited capacity, each workshop must be arranged individually through an email exchange with Atsushi.
To participate, you must have completed at least six hours of [Core & Essence], either through:
- a one-day workshop in NYC/Dumbo,
- a multi-day workshop or retreat, or
- the Live Session included in the Online Sashiko Class [Core & Essence].
If you are interested, please contact me with your name and the email address you used for your [Core & Essence] registration. In most cases, I remember you, and the arrangement should be quite straightforward from there.
Please make sure to contact me well in advance so that we have enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Keiko has a busy schedule as well, so she may not be available for requests made on short notice. If Keiko is unavailable for your requested dates, we will suggest alternative dates when she is available.
About Keiko’s Workshop
Keiko’s workshops focus on enjoying and exploring thread, needle, thimble, and fabric—especially Kofu (Japanese vintage fabric).
Rather than teaching the basics of Sashiko, she focuses on sharing her expertise, ideas, and inspiration. Since she will not spend workshop time teaching how to use the essential Sashiko tools, completion of [Core & Essence] is a required prerequisite.
Both private workshops and small-group arrangements of up to seven people may be available. However, please understand that each participant must have completed [Core & Essence], unless we specifically agree otherwise in advance. One person completing the prerequisite does not qualify the rest of the group to participate.
Family members who aren't interested in Sashiko are welcome to visit and stay nearby. There are many things to enjoy around Takayama, so family members who are not participating in the workshop explore the town and surrounding area while the workshop is taking place.
Please also note that Keiko and her assistant do not speak English. Communication during the workshop will be a mixture of simple English, Japanese, gestures, and translation apps on a phone.
At this point, however, I would not worry too much about the language barrier. Understanding the [Core & Essence] of Sashiko removes many of the obstacles. Many participants have already visited Keiko, and they have enjoyed their time stitching with her.
Choices of Workshop Contents
For a first visit, we will most likely arrange the [Boro to be] workshop.
For those who are returning or who have graduated from one of our five-day retreats, other workshop options may also be available.
Boro to be — Play with Vintage Fabric
Keiko’s artistry is strongly connected to patchworking with vintage fabric—reviving a piece of fabric and giving it another opportunity to become something we can use.
I often hear her talking to fabric and thread:
“I will bring you back onto the main stage again.”
For me, the “main stage” means becoming cloth or a garment that can once again be used and worn by someone.
It can take years to complete a single garment through patchworking, mending, and stitching with vintage fabric. Yet every piece begins with one piece of fabric and one stitch.
This workshop is intended to encourage you to take that first step toward creating your own “Boro to be.”
Before your arrival, Keiko will prepare a selection of vintage fabrics of her choice. While learning how she approaches the placement and combination of these fabrics, you will also have the opportunity to choose additional pieces from her collection of vintage fabrics currently “in use.”
This experience is possible because Keiko is an active Sashiko artist who works with vintage fabric every day.
Dive into a pile of vintage fabric and enjoy the time—connecting the past, present, and future stories of the fabric.
Just before stitching - after placing the Vintage Fabric with Keiko.
Samples of initial Kofu Setting
Result can be used in anywhere you want to apply.
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Workshop Fee Estimate: About 15,000 JPY per person for an about 3-hour workshop, including all necessary supplies and tools.
Location: Keiko’s home in central Takayama. The exact meeting location will be shared upon confirmation.
Hitomezashi Kinchaku Workshop
For those interested in Hitomezashi and making a finished item, a Hitomezashi Kinchaku (drawstring bag) workshop may be available.
Please contact Atsushi for details and availability. A sample photo is shown below.
Coasters, Bags, and Possibly More
Similarly, we may be able to arrange workshops for making Sashiko coasters, bags, and other items.
There is no single “correct answer” in what we make. What we can offer is what we actually practice ourselves.
These options are generally intended as follow-up workshops after completing the Boro to be workshop. Please contact Atsushi for more details.
Keiko Is a Fantastic Sashiko Artist
I am still not sure whether we should call Sashiko “Art” or not. For that reason, I do not really consider myself an artist. I see myself more as a craftsperson or artisan.
However, to me, Keiko is definitely an artist.
She is also simply a lot of fun to spend time with.
It is my hope that someday we can open this opportunity to everyone who is interested in Sashiko. However, our resources are very limited, while interest in Sashiko continues to grow. We are already close to the limit of what we can offer.
In order to preserve this practice with the best intentions and with respect for the people who have carried it forward, please first learn the Sashiko [Core & Essence], and then consider arranging a workshop with Keiko in Takayama.
Please note:
The introductory Sashiko course on Domestika does not satisfy the prerequisite for [Core & Essence]. While it is an introduction to our Sashiko, the format does not give me an opportunity to personally observe and check your stitching.
We may ask you to sign a simple visit agreement once the workshop arrangement is confirmed. Unfortunately, we have experienced a number of no-shows and cancellations without communication. This is one of the reasons we now offer these workshops only to people for whom I can personally take responsibility in making the arrangement.
Thank you, and Keiko will be happy to welcome you in Takayama!