2026 activity goals

◆2026 has begun. January is already halfway through, and there are less than 350 days left in the year. How are you starting the year? To everyone who has been kind to us through Kogin embroidery, we look forward to your continued support in 2026.
As for me, I've had a very slow start. At the end of the year, I traveled to Arizona, where I was inspired by the Native American weavings and crafts of the region . I was so excited to try my best at Kogin embroidery! But then, one by one, my family members fell ill, and this week feels like the new year finally began. So, I spent the beginning of the year relaxing and working on a prototype Kokeshi Kogin book cover and completing a leather pencil case kit. This week, I've been struggling with Kogin embroidery, trying to finish a kimono my son asked me to make. I've learned things like how difficult it is to choose a book on handicrafts you've never done before, and what it feels like not knowing what you don't know. These experiences seem like ones I can apply to my Kogin embroidery activities, so I'm going to struggle appropriately!

◆Looking back until 2025 I am now in my third winter in America. When I think back to the winter two years ago when I had a brand new start in the US, I realize that I have been blessed with a very slow but wonderful opportunity to continue Koginzashi in a new place.
It all started when I participated in the Japan Fair in my first year. I had no positive feelings about my life in America, but now I have this desire to try my best, thanks to the wonderful local people I met at the event, and the staff who run it. This year, the date of the event overlaps with the Seattle Marathon in the summer, for which I have already registered (it's a short distance, but I'm still running!), so I plan to enjoy the event as a spectator. It's sad to realize that I don't have any friends to rely on at times like this, but I'm sure I'll have friends I can rely on in the future! (I hope! LOL)

◆Activity goals for 2026Are you the type to set goals? Or the type not to? I recently conducted a survey about New Year's resolutions, and found that more people than I expected did not have any. I love setting goals, and then I end up looking at them, but this year I've also set a goal to look at my goals and get my hands and mouths moving, even if just a little, to put them into shape. Right now, the following are just a few of the goals I can think of. Putting them into words gives me a sense of encouragement, so I'll write them down here.

・Turn the unfinished Kogin into something ・Promote digital design sales ・Update the blog once a week ・Participate in events
・Teaching Koginzashi in America
・Manage an online circle (Koginsurukai 2nd edition)
・Prepare the kit
・Complete a Kogin piece that can be worn (something customers can experience at events, etc.) ・Be courageous

　There are some things I can't do alone, so I'm trying to have fun while learning to rely on others. Thank you for participating in the survey regarding digital designs. I learned that there are surprisingly many people who have no problem with digital designs, and I also realized that there are many people who prefer paper designs, so I will continue to think about what I can do.

Regarding the Kogin Embroidery Circle , thank you to everyone who participated in the Kogin Embroidery Circle last year. Looking back on the various good points and points for improvement, as the organizers we will be making some changes to make this an even more ideal event, and we plan to run it again this year. Since February is unlikely to be enough, we are planning to hold it for a shorter period this year, from spring to autumn.
The photo above shows a pattern that I gradually adapted from a Kogin-zashi plum blossom pattern. I was doing this and that to use in the design of a kokeshi doll, but actually I like doing this kind of thing in my free time, and I've learned quite a lot from this process, so I'd like to incorporate it into my club.
Last year was the first time we had a club, so I was a little hesitant about how proactive we should be and how much involvement we should expect. However, I do have the impression that the more involved people were, the more they enjoyed themselves and learned, so I would like to see more participation this year. (I thought this way based on my own experience, because when I took English classes in America and actively participated, it was a lot of fun, even though it was hard.)
At the same time, I hope it will be useful for those who have just started Kogin embroidery or those who want to start Kogin embroidery in the future. I am also considering environments other than Instagram. I will think about it in detail from now on, so if you have any good ideas, please contact me at any time.
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I'm sorry for the late New Year's greetings, but I hope you will continue to support us this year.

◆Sales destinations in Japan
・koginbank Online shop here
Contents: Goldfish Nebuta Kit

・coccia Online shop here
Contents: Goldfish Nebuta Kit

・Tuesday Online shop here
Contents: Multiple kits (tapestry, goldfish nebuta, standing dolls, helmets, etc.), hair ties available at the store

・Minne online shop is here
Contents: Kit PDF design

Satonobou