UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura

I received a letter from my father.

It started with, “Don’t be alarmed for writing as it’s not because of any urgent news.

You’re probably set on your way. Even if I ask you to explain what that is, I probably wouldn’t understand so I won’t. But I thought I can pass on an advice from a father to a son.

You probably don’t have much money. You may be working hard day to day, just for that one meal each day. I can just imagine the hardship you are going through, the struggle, just to make a living. I was like that when I was your age. And you are doing this abroad. I fear that the loneliness may be taking toll.

But whatever you are doing to live, however menial it may be, always keep focus on your vision. A vision is your dream, it’s the future you design for yourself, it’s what lies ahead. You may have not one but a few. But there can be a trap at times.

So write down that vision on a piece of paper and study it. It may feel very small. That vision of yours.

‘Dream big’ may sound like a cliché but that vision you wrote down may be quite self-absorbed. A vision simply to serve yourself is actually meaningless and should be deleted.

Then, you have to think of a more grand vision. You are the focal point but go far and beyond, out to the greater world. I want you to find that aspiration of yours, the world and the future you want to live in, that ideal state.

If you feel lost, the secret is to think what you would want to make come true, if you had just the one magical opportunity to make that wish come true. That should clear things up a bit.

That vision may sound impossible or ridiculous but don’t let any thought or words of doubt sway you. Don’t lose sight of your path to realize that vision.

You may be biting down to get through that menial task but know that you are taking each step forward on your path to realizing that vision. In other words, whatever you may be doing, always hold onto your vision and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

If you are asked what you are doing, I want you to keep your head up high and talk about your vision. This is my advice as a father and as someone who’ve lived much longer.

And one more thing. It’s important to keep asking yourself if that vision is really ok. Don’t think you’re set. Keep asking yourself, is this the vision I want to pursue and whether that day is serving that purpose.”

We created sweat pants that are not just a room wear, but a proper fashion piece you can step out of the house in. The fabric is a densely-knit jersey with a napped inner layer.

We’ve mixed polyester in the cotton thread to prevent bulging around the knees. A metal ring keeps the waist string hole intact, and there’s double-needle stitching on the elastic for a vintage look. The final touch is the wash, which gives it its unique feel.

At the end of the letter, it said, “I forwarded some money into your bank account that your mother told me about that you can use in the U.S.”

Suddenly, I had the urge to get out of this small flat so I carefully put the letter back into the envelope, placed it inside my jacket pocket and stepped out.

I stood there, all alone in this great metropolis called Manhattan but was suddenly filled with this warmth, the love that spanned across the world, this sense of unity. This sense that I was not alone.

I kept walking and found myself at the Bethesda Terrace in Central Park. I took a seat at my usual spot.

I took out my father’s letter once again from the pocket and poured over each word on the page.

While doing this, I kept taking my eyes off the page to look up, to stop this warm feeling from taking over me. Once I finished, I let out a big sigh, carefully folded the page along with this well of emotions, put it carefully between my hands, letting my head down, as though to pray.

Then they came, one drop, two. Tears started rolling down my cheeks, along my neck. The flood gate was open. I started bawling, hands that held the letter, shaking.

What am I doing here? I came to the U.S. without a care in the world. No doubt I was serious about this, but I simply left my parents behind and flew away to the other side of the world, to do what? How insensitive a son am I? Thinking only about myself, completely self-absorbed? I felt so pathetic and angry that I started punching the ground, again and again.

“Are you ok?”

A woman kindly approached me, seeing how lost and upset I looked. I took a deep breath before I could answer. “I’m fine, thank you.”

She stood by me but suddenly came closer and put her hand on my shoulder and said,
“When you want to cry, just let it all out. But don’t hurt yourself. Now unclench your fist.” She took my bruised hand and said, “Hands are for holding them with others, not for punching the ground. Come tomorrow and everything will be anew,” and left.

Come tomorrow and everything will be anew. I was literally saved by those words. That’s right. I should just live anew.

I stood up, brushed the dust and sand off the back of my favorite sweatpants.

Let me take a crack at that vision, one more time. Yup, I’m gonna find my very own vision and live it.

I called out in my heart, dad, oh dad.

We kept the relaxed fit and the mobility but tapered the pant form the knee down for a slim silhouette. Taking out the bagginess around the thighs and the bulging in the side pockets gives it a slim look.

The process has been tailored to bring out the best in each color respectively. This is our proud creation, recommended not only for a sporty look but also mixed with shirts and knitwear and as an ensemble for air travel.

You can relax.
You can head out in style.
Yes, even great for when you are on the road.
The new sweatpants.

MENSWEATPANTS$29.90

Choose this clothes

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.”