UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura

Inside the envelope was a letter, the papers the color of a mid-summer blue sky.

I counted three pages to it and as I opened, there were these round letters, sitting side by side, in blue ink.

I had given up on my relationship with Asha at this point, so it was a bit of a relief. I knew that it wasn’t a farewell, at least.

Given the number of pages and the letters on them, I could easily tell how Asha spent the time and great care to tell me something important.

Where should I read this? I was keen on reading as soon as possible, so I began to search for a place where I could sit down quietly to concentrate.

I’ll go to Strawberry Fields!

It was the place for me to relax, a place I never feel lonely even if I’m alone. I’ll read her letter in Strawberry Fields. I started towards Central Park.

Strawberry Fields in the morning hours was quiet, with just a handful of people about. The grass was glistening with the rays of summer sun streaming down.

I sat myself down under the oak tree.
Just then a red wild bird pranced towards me.

“Sorry, I guess you’re hungry, but I don’t have anything to give today,” I said. The wild bird stuck around for a bit more, circled around, and then flew off towards the treetops.

I opened Asha’s letter. This was when I truly hated myself for not being able to understand English well. I can read the letters on the pages, but I couldn’t grasp the delicate emotional nuances. Nevertheless, I decided to take my time to carefully go over each word, each letter.

This is how the letter went.

“I am so sorry about the other day when you stopped by at the Shop. I am filled with such remorse, knowing how you felt when you came in and how you left the store.

“The reason I behaved that way was that I didn’t know how to be in this relationship with you. You are such a kind, attractive person whom I respect so much. More than I can hope for. I’m starting to like you but I don’t know if I should or not.”

I hesitated to read further so I folded the letter, put it back in my bag, and put my sunglasses on.

I looked far and saw this lovely couple, cozily sitting in the shade.

UNIQLO is very particular about our sunglasses lenses. All our sunglasses are equipped with UV Cut400 lenses that shuts out 99% of the UV rays and blue light from digital monitors.

We’ve also added an anti-reflective coating which reduces reflections for a clear field of vision. We use a polycarbonate polarized lens for our half-rim type to cut down the light diffusion ― it tempers glare for a clear field of vision.

I was happy to see how Asha sincerely opened up to me.

I decided to continue reading.

“I’m actually going out with someone at the moment. I see him once or twice in a week. The relationship is ok, and I’m not the kind of girl who would fall in love with two guys at the same time, so I’m troubled that I’m starting to like you…

“I am so sorry that I didn’t tell you that I have someone and that I behaved in a way that looked as though I had reciprocated your feelings…”

I continued reading, almost hearing the words from Asha’s mouth.

I knew that there were lots of customers who had the hots for Asha, and many did try to ask her out, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise that she had a boyfriend. But…

“So here’s what I want to know. Are you planning to stay in New York or do you have plans to return to Japan? How do you see yourself living going forward? I really want to know more about you.

“The reason I ask these questions is because I feel like being with you sounds like life for me will take a turn for the better. I feel like I can be happier, grow, and better enjoy each day.

“So if you can hear me out, can we go out on a date once more? There’s so much more I want to talk with you about, and I want to know how I feel by spending the time with you. I will do my best so you can find out about me. Can you tell me more about you, too?

“After the date, let’s see how we both feel. Let’s see if we both want to see each other more, talk more, hold hands more… If so, I will be straight with my boyfriend. I won’t go on any more dates with you behind his back.

“It’s so amazing to fall in love with someone.

“This is my love letter to you. Thank you for reading until the end.”

This is how the letter ended.

The sunglasses not only shut out the sun but also hid my tears.

I hadn’t a single clue if these were tears of sadness or joy.

The flexible nose pad helps for a comfortable fit on the nose. The slip-proof temples make them a perfect choice of shades for sports and outdoor activities.

The slim, light-weight TR-90 frame is known for its elasticity and strength, making it break-resistant. The unisex designs are available in a wide range of colors. From daily wear to vacations, this is a pair you want to slip in your pocket or a bag and wear.

A high-performing tool,
rather than a fashion piece.
Sunglasses you want to walk around with.

HALF RIM
SUNGLASSES$14.90

Choose this items

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.”