The Book Sashiko - The Untold Story

I am deeply thankful to the publisher for helping bring this book into the world. In 2017, I received my first offer to publish a book on Sashiko—introducing techniques, explaining projects, and, most importantly, defining what is “right and wrong.” I chose not to accept that offer. I do not believe there is such a thing as right or wrong in Sashiko.

I am happy to write a “how-to” book. However, to avoid misleading this practice, I felt it was necessary to first share the cultural and historical perspectives of Sashiko.

In 2026, with much support, Sashiko: The Untold Story was published. The book is available in our store, as well as through major book retailers around the world.

-

This book is a collection of my Sashiko stories—an attempt to share what Sashiko is for us. It does not define answers; instead, it offers stories that illustrate this simple, yet profound, form of stitching. At the same time, the space within a book is limited. I had to make choices—what to include, and what to leave out. The stories I did not include are not any less important. All of them are part of what Sashiko is.

For that reason, I continue to share these stories on Patreon—both those included in the book and those beyond it.

Archive of Sashiko Stories on Patreon

Here are a few examples:

Sashiko Journey 103 — A Style of Hari Kuyou (針供養）

https://www.patreon.com/posts/44834150

Sashiko Journey 89 — Nike SB Dunk Low Denim Sashiko

https://www.patreon.com/posts/40850536

As of 2025, I have published more than 200 articles about Sashiko. Writing takes time, and to continue this work, I ask for a small amount of support through Patreon. Your interest and support are deeply appreciated. One day, I hope to write another book following this Untold Story—sharing further depth of Sashiko.

 

Leaving “A Live Voice” Behind

In addition to writing, I try to leave my “live voice” on the vast ocean of the internet, so that it may remain as a reference for the future.

YouTube offers a space for this through live streaming. All of the archives are available on our Youtube channel. I plan to continue offering weekly sessions as much as possible. Your participation—and your questions about Sashiko, especially from cultural perspectives—are always welcome.

 

So Many Stories in One History

There is one history of Sashiko—that stitching existed in Japan. People held needles to stitch, to care for their families, and to pray for tomorrow. At the same time, the styles, time periods, and designs differ across regions and generations. Because of these differences, there are many stories within that one history.

When we define Sashiko based on a single moment, a single region, or even a single group of artisans, the practice becomes simplified. In that simplification, we risk losing a wide range of aesthetics and cultural perspectives.

We are doing our best to leave our Sashiko stories behind. Even if it is not the mainstream understanding of Sashiko today, we believe it is important to share.

Your understanding, your support, and your willingness to learn the Sashiko we practice are always deeply appreciated.