Mottainai and Sewing
BWA Archives July 2021
Anonymous Buddhist women, over time and across the nation have sewn a variety of items for their respective temples. This likely happened among the original Fujinkai formed in 1898, through Upasika, formed in 1952 and continues today in many Buddhist Women’s Associations.
While specific sewn items have varied per era and interest, many were based on the concept of mottainai. By using donated fabrics and supplies or reusing and repairing items; this practice honored the sewer’s contribution. It recognized the value of the resources and extended their value when made reusable. Some of the items made were quilts, bibs, decorative towels and other practical gifts.
Donated fabric for sale at bazaar
Some early items sewn and donated for bazaar.
More recently, utensil wrappers, reusable cloth bags, beeswax wraps and furoshiki have been made by Hawaii Betsuin BWA members to support the green, eco-friendly efforts from Hawaii Honpa Hongwanji Mission Headquarters social concern initiatives.
Furoshiki sold at green fair
Sample utensil wraps
Sewing groups provided products for sharing, selling and practicing mottainai. Yet, perhaps more importantly, they also served as a connection among participants and those who supported the efforts. Sometimes items were sold for fundraising but they were also quietly exchanged as friendly omiyage or project sharing. Participation served as a social interest and fun friendship builder within the temple sangha.
Sharon Yokoyama with repurposed aloha shirt pillows
Glenn Yokoyama models new happi coat
For the Hawaii Betsuin BWA, a sewing hui was recently revived in the wake of mask making during Covid19. Some participants of that mask sewing cohort, in addition to some new non-sewing volunteers, have expanded from mask making to revisiting happi coat production.
Happi coats 2008
Masks 2020
Happi Coats 2021
The recent sewing group hopes to share the Obon tradition of wearing happi coats by using donated fabrics and volunteer labor to make and sell happi coats. These can be purchased and worn during whatever festival is allowed during the summer of 2021 and beyond.
History often repeats itself based on need. The mottainai concept behind sewing is not new. As things change perhaps sewing will once again find a “waste not/appreciate more” theme combined with finding joy. Watch for happi coats in recordings or live feeds as people dance in previous and upcoming festivals.
This idea is reflected in the BWA’s project name, “Make me Happi.” It is the BWA’s hope that you’ll dance with joy in your happi-est way.
If you’d like to purchase a 2021 commemorative “Make me Happi” creation, contact us at BetsuinBWA@gmail.com and/or check the About the Shop information on this site.
For more photo collages, history of members participating in sewing projects and mottainai eco-efforts, visit the Hawaii Betsuin website BWA photo gallery.
In joyful gassho,
Penny and Ruth - HBWA Archive team
Photographs by Ruth Tokumi, Penny Atcheson, Sharon Yokoyama
* black and white image from “Hosha - A Pictorial History of Jodo Shinshu Women in Hawaii” - Federation of Honpa Hongwanji Buddhist Women’s Association, 1989
