UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura｜Men Premium Lambswool V-Neck Sweater

I knew that when I was with Asha,
I felt at peace and that I could remain
positive, regardless of what happened.

One day, an elderly lady who was a regular at the Coffee Shop where Asha works and was loved by customers and staff alike, said to Asha.

“You know, your smile saves us all. You are always smiling and look like you’re enjoying yourself. You’re sending such a wonderful message.”

Asha gave a shy smile, putting both of her hands on her cheeks.

“Sometimes I see your smile and think what kind of hardship and difficulty did this lovely girl go through? Only someone who went through an ordeal can effortlessly smile so beautifully. There must be so much happiness that we cannot see.”

The lady continued and held Asha’s hands.

“Thank you. I feel like I still haven’t figured myself out, but I want to fully enjoy it, no matter how small the happiness is. That’s how my mom was, and I wish that I can be like her, too”.

“That’s right. Many people want to be happy and seek to be so, but there are more important things in life, namely enjoying it. I feel that pure joy from the heart is far greater than happiness.”

Asha continued, sitting herself down next to the elderly lady.

“When something seems difficult, I think about my mom. You can’t avoid tough situations, so there’s no use in crying or being troubled over it. So, when things got tough, my mom would make sure she smiled even more. Like you say, her smile was a message to us kids.”

“She sounds like a lovely lady. Take good care of her. She’s lucky to have a daughter like you. You know, I had a daughter of my own…”

She said and closed her eyes.

Asha took both of her hands in hers and said, “Think of me as your daughter. I will think of you as my mom. Come here any time to find me…”

“I’m almost finished with work today. If you like, maybe we can go for a walk together? I can walk you home.”

“Really? Are you sure? That would be lovely. It sounds like a dream that you would be my daughter.”

Taking off her apron, Asha gently put her hands around the lady’s waist.

A premium lambswool sweater made with 100% natural lambswool, improved to be of a soft, lovely quality. The reason for its premium quality is the thickness of the fiber — a thin 19.5 microns wide. To maximize the fine texture of the raw wool, we have repeatedly tested and adjusted the spinning method and the finish of the product.

You will know its premium texture once you put your arms through it. We invite you to enjoy it for special occasions as well as for your daily fashion.

The elderly lady took the last sip of coffee from the mug.

“Listening to your story about your mom, I remembered something. Life throws so many things at us. Difficulty, hardship, etc. But what’s important is to not run away, avoid, or even forget those challenges, but to embrace them with joy. I remember someone saying something like that.”

“That is such a lovely thought. Really. Do you remember who?”

“It was this lady who gave me this lambswool sweater as a gift. I’ve been wearing it for a good twenty years now. Actually, I lost my daughter to an illness. At the time, I just cried all day, lost any desire to go out. I wasn’t that close to this lady, but she came to my house after hearing about my situation from somewhere.”

“She said, ‘Come on, put on this warm sweater and let’s enjoy the New York winter,’ and gave me this as a present.”

The elderly lady showed her sweater to Asha and said, “Isn’t this a nice sweater? So light and warm and feels ever so nice. This sweater and that lady pulled me through that difficult time in my life. She said, ‘No matter what, you embrace it with joy. However tough, sad, and painful, embrace it.’ First, I thought that was impossible, but each time I would walk outside in this sweater, I began to believe it. I was able to smile again.”

Listening quietly to her story, Asha put her hand on the lady’s back and slowly walked, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“So this sweater is my treasure. It will be with me this winter, too. That’s what I say each winter and it has been with me since,” she continued and crossed her arm with Asha’s.

The pink sweater was made of a premium lambswool, and it was hard to believe she had worn it for so long, given its fine condition. Asha thought she must always be taking good care of the sweater.

When they arrived at her house, she said to Asha,
“With what happened today, I’ll be fine this winter, no matter how cold it gets. I’m so warm inside. We’ll meet again, yes?”

Asha watched the elderly lady as she walked back into the house.

“Bye, mom…”

The lady turned around and smiled.
Asha smiled and gave a shy wave.

At UNIQLO, we believe balance across all elements is vital to a basic. We’ve chosen the 7 gauge knit to maximize the softness of the lamb wool. The silhouette is straight with a general relaxed fit so you can fully enjoy the premium texture. Ribbed knitting is used for the collar, hems, and the sleeve-end to give it the shape, not too tight, for a clean finish with just the right fit.

We’ve increased the stitch count where the sleeves connect to the torso for a structured cut around the shoulders. Yes, LifeWear continues to evolve to give you the best for today.

This winter,
I want to spend it with it,
my partner.

MENPREMIUM
LAMBSWOOL V-NECK
LONG-SLEEVE SWEATER$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.”