The talk event for the release of Sleeveless was successfully completed.
On October 1st, we held a talk event to commemorate the release of Sleeveless Clothing with natural farming expert Yoritaka Okamoto.
Our relationship with Yoritaka is based on the fact that he grows the indigo plants used in indigo dyeing, and we have collaborated on a product called "Kosu Tatsuke" and have held talks together like this.
Yoritaka's stories are wide-ranging, and include topics about his farm, the old houses he is renovating, and clothing...all of which are told from the perspective of being "self-sufficient" and speak to a way of life itself, so there is a lot to learn.
To be honest, his words may seem harsh at times, but I feel that this is only because Yoritaka-san has such great love.
I've been working in the indigo fields for about seven years, but in the past few years I haven't been doing very well. When I consult with Yoritaka about various things, he gives me logical, specific methods, which is a great help.
(We also guided them around the indigo fields.)
But not only that, they also look at things from a broader perspective, encouraging me rather than criticizing me, which makes me want to try again next year.
I'm not a farmer, so I'm not particularly good at growing plants, and in fact I feel like I'm not very good at it, but as long as I have the desire to try, I think it's important to continue as much as I can, even in situations where I can't (such as poor health or child-rearing).
Don't strive for perfection too much, don't be too hard on yourself, and just keep doing it every year, even if it's just a small thing.
From my experience so far, I feel that by doing so, the seeds will gradually become friends with the soil, begin to understand the land, and produce better indigo.
As I continue to work in the fields, Yoritaka-san has been a powerful mentor to me. Although we don't do any specific tasks together, I am grateful for the support he has given me.
Many people came to Itoshiro for this talk. It was a very happy time for us because we haven't been able to hold such an event in recent years due to the coronavirus.
It's really important to be able to talk and interact with people face to face. The connections between people, the fact that we live in relationships with other people, lead to great joy. It's a simple thing, but it was a day when I really felt that.
I am truly grateful to everyone who came all the way to this mountain town of Itoshiro. (Even my black cat was happy to come out, which is a rare occurrence.)
Our main store will be open until the end of October, but we hope you will visit us again.
