UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura

I placed a chair in front of the closet back at the flat.

I can see myself in the mirror at the end of the closet when I sit on it. I studied myself in the mirror. I looked loose and relaxed.

That was a bit of a relief, I must say. This was a free-spirited journey which, in turn, brought storms of thoughts and ever-increasing anxiety. But here in New York, I felt as though I was growing, if just a little bit. Something inside me was definitely changing.

So what is this, this self-development, this change?

For one, a recluse like myself now has a friend I can share anything with. Secondly, I’m not as self-centric in my outlook of the world. I can place myself more objectively in relation to it.

By this time, almost two weeks have passed since I started living in New York. I had become accustomed to this small flat with the grand piano, the sceneries on this Upper West Side, people I pass by on the streets of Manhattan… I could feel that incredible tension I had initially easing just a little.

I sat on the chair and carefully studied the clothes Jack had left behind.

Why does his wardrobe intrigue me so much? To find out what I’m feeling, I studied his clothes like I would a painting in a museum. In the one corner was a stack of my own clothes.

The thought that came to mind then was, what are clothes…?

“I want clothes” – since when did I begin to have such desires?

Why do I want clothes…?

Because I want to look stylish. Want to be looked upon as a stylish person – I guess that is the basis for such desires.

Do clothes make people stylish? Better yet, is it a form of self-expression to create this ideal image of oneself in the eyes others? In other words, clothes are what lets you communicate the type of person you are. It’s one way to assert yourself, a mode of communication. This is why we choose the clothes we choose, wear the clothes we wear.

Jack’s wardrobe is extremely simple. A handful of colors, familiar materials, and simple design, all underpinned by premium quality. That premium quality was what expressed the kind of person Jack is.

Then I had another thought. What happens when you wear clothes?

“The world’s most comfortable room shoes”— this is the passion UNIQLO has dedicated to our room shoes. This comfort has been realized thanks to double-layer mid soles. The secret to the airy comfort you enjoy from the moment you set your foot in is in a mid-resistance urethane sheet. The urethane molds itself as your weight shifts.

The Soft EVA cup sole fits the back of your feet for cushioned comfort. These are slippers that offer both airy comfort and shock-absorbing function.

I feel energized when I put my clothes on. It’s like this burst of contentment pierces through my body… so said Seth. His joy of putting on a down jacket on a cold winter morning was precisely that. The various design and materials, the fact that it protects the body from the cold or the heat. These are all the roles clothes play to lift one’s spirits.

Clothes are something that raises the spirit and brings out a nice look and style for that individual. And they do this every day.

Come to think of it, choosing what to wear every day is a subconscious decision we make about the combination of clothes that would raise our spirits.

The darling-shaped room shoes I wear in the room now are something I always take with me because they make me feel at home.
The answer to the question about the meaning of clothes.

It is a daily essential, packed with many ideas and wisdom, strictly designed to connect one to the life, the work, the everyday, to energize, and to express one’s beautiful qualities.

Clothes exist so that you can stay true to yourself.
After much deliberation, this is the conclusion I reached.

In the afternoon, I put on a red down jacket, the white knitted turtleneck, and the faded denim jeans from Jack’s wardrobe and headed out for Strand Bookstore to pick up the books.

The store was crowded than usual, given that the holidays were approaching

I roamed around the store to see if I could find Jack. And there he was carrying a book, speaking to someone who looked like a store clerk.

I went up to him and said, “Hi, Jack.”

Jack immediately said hi, but it looked to be a bit of a serious conversation. He gestured to ask for a moment and resumed the conversation with the store clerk.

While I was waiting for Jack, I settled the bill for the books I had on hold and made them my very own possessions.

When I went back again to where Jack was, the conversation looked more serious, this time including an old gentleman. The old gentleman was trying to take back the book to which Jack shook his head and resisted.

Jack noticed me again. This time winked for a moment and said, “I’ll be with you soon.”

There is meaning to the lovely design with the slightly upward curve at the toes. This slight lift allows the feet to take steps forward easily, making walking more easily. The dynamic shape that snugs the entire feet is the secret behind the pressure-free wear. It’s also designed to give a bit of wiggle room for the toes upfront.

In the final stage, we use heat-molding with the foot pattern, a method for shoemaking, to create the dimensional shape. You will love how you can always keep it clean as you can hand wash them. Yes, this is the world’s most comfortable room shoes.

Not just at home,
when you are travelling,
or wherever you may be,
as soon as you step into them,
the place becomes your home.

FLEECESLIPPERS$14.90

Choose this shoes

What is “LifeWear story 100?”

At UNIQLO,
there exist these lines of clothes
which has remained for many years,
trend-neutral
yet never dated.
Out of the line-ups,
they are the unsung presence,
sitting quietly behind in TV ads.

Yet, they are the culmination
of the years of passion and devotion,
where UNIQLO sought to pursue
more comfort,
more durability, and
more quality.

They give shape and gravitas
to what and who UNIQLO is,
and what UNIQLO continues
to nurture with great care.

To go beyond yesterday,
to reach higher tomorrow.

When you take it in your hands,
when you try it on,
it softly speaks to you,
almost like a friend.

What is a rich quality
lifestyle?
How is such a quality day spent?
What does happiness mean to you…

And you will find yourself
surprised to discover that such
piece of clothing has existed.

What is the UNIQLO principle?
Why do we call clothing LifeWear?
What kind of clothes constitute
LifeWear?

Here, we go deep into
the root of LifeWear,
to know
and to tell.
And I hope to write
stories that revolve
around LifeWear and myself.

LifeWear story 100 will be
a story about a journey with me and LifeWear.

Yataro Matsuura

Essayist, editor. Born 1965 in Tokyo.
For nine years from 2005, under the leadership of the founder, Shizuko Ohashi, he was the chief editor for the magazine, “Kurashi no Techo.” Since, he launched an online media site, “Kurashi no Kihon.” Currently, sits as a director for Oishii Kenko Ltd. Recognized for his eye for style and experience in presenting ideas for quality lifestyle. Regularly writes in his columns in newspapers and magazines. Has penned numerous best-sellers including “Kyo mo Teinei ni” and “Shigoto no Kihon Kurashi no Kihon 100.” Hosts a radio program on NHK Radio 1, “Karen Style.”