Angelina Jolie visited various Japanese artisans and makers. When it comes to Japanese culture, she said, “I don't want to pretend to know or understand Japanese culture, but I will say I’ve always felt that there’s a grace and an intention that seems to come from things that are made in Japan".
In one of her visits, she met Mitsugu Sasaki, who, together with his wife, remakes of antique fabrics and clothing from 50 to 60 years ago, using technique of sashiko.
According to Mitsugu, “Sashiko was developed in Tohoku over a hundred years ago. People had nothing but hemp to endure the freezing winters and so created this technique to enhance insulation".
"Also known as ranru, sashiko is recognized not just as a sustainable way to mend clothing and make it more durable, but as an art form in itself".
“Clothes can last over a hundred years with continuous sashiko, and their value doesn't diminish".