UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura

Asha and I reunited in New York, confirmed our feelings for each other and decided to get married.
I was 26. Asha was 23.

Before we got married, Asha game me the opportunity to meet her father who had kindly flown into NY.

How should I introduce myself? How do I ask her father for a permission to ask Asha’s hand in marriage? No joke, this was the most nerve-wracking thing I had to do in my life. Obviously, this was the first time I’ll be meeting the man. What was he like???

“He’s a sweet man so you have nothing to worry about. Just relax. He’s not against us getting married.”

“I know but he’s not completely for it either…”

“He wants to meet you and I want you guys to meet, too. What should I wear? I’ll bet my dad will be casual, so you just come with your usual clothes.”

Asha seemed to be looking forward to the day.

We met up with her dad at the “Ess-a-bagle” on 3rd Avenue. Apparently, their sandwich is the favorite of Asha’s dad. His choice is probably from his thoughtfulness, given that I’ll probably be a nervous-wreck. It was a relief to find that we won’t be meeting in a formal fancy restaurant.

We were scheduled to meet at 2 in the afternoon. We got there 15 minutes early.

Ess-a-bagel is the city’s favorite bagel shop, always bustling with customers. We thought to get a table before we ordered and looked across the floor, only to discover this man with a baseball cap, waving at us.

“OMG, that’s my dad, he’s already here,” said Asha with a chuckle.

“Ooh, I forgot, he’s one of those people who will always show up 30 minutes before the scheduled time. I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you…”

With that, Asha rushed over to her dad and gave him a huge hug. “Thank you for coming!” “This is my significant other,” and began to introduce me properly.

“Hello, I’m Asha’s father,” he said and pulled me closer with both his hands and gave this awkward me a hug.

“Please, please, have a seat, I’ll get you guys the sandwich, highly recommended by me.”

He went over to the counter and ordered for the three of us.

“Ok, let’s sit down and eat. I must say, these are the best sandwich you’ll ever have!”

He said and gently put his hands on my shoulders.
As I nervously said, “Thank you…,” he said,
“You are already my son,” and pulled my head close to him.

This is the all-new rayon skipper collar shirt to come this spring. The biggest update is the more opaque material for a more classy look. Using a silky thread with a new weave, the material has more body, reducing the sheerness. The slightly heavier fabric has added this beautiful looseness about it.

Keeping the texture you loved up to the last season, we made sure to keep the smoothness as you put your arm through plus the Easy-Care function, the elegant look, all have been meticulously calculated to achieve the best balance, realizing the truly fine wear comfort.

He ordered a nice mix of the cream cheese/ salmon/tomato, chicken, and tuna, which have been cut to three, laid them out on the table for us to share.

“I like people from Japan. I had a chance to visit your country for work when I was still young, and I can never forget my experience. Truly surprised to find such wonderful group of people existed in the world. I’m not exaggerating.”

He began to speak with the bagel sandwich in his hand.

“It was when I visited this village in Tohoku. Every home I visited, they were so kind as to welcome me with teas and sweets, looked after me, took care of me so very well, a foreigner, like me! We couldn’t communicate verbally but we used gestures and enjoyed the funny exchange. I gathered that the Japanese, of any age, love to laugh. They are always smiling and are so generous and hospitable. I was deeply touched by that experience.”

He continued to say that the Japanese are the most polite and well-mannered people in the world and shared more inspirational episodes from his days in Japan.

To all these stories, Asha said, “You never told me such stories. I had no idea you liked the Japanese.”

“The people today may have forgotten the good-natured spirit of the people from those times,” I said. “No, I don’t believe so. I can tell, that you are like the people I met in your country. You should be proud to be a Japanese.”

On this day, Asha was wearing this white rayon blouse.

“Asha, you remembered, well done. It’s not a coincidence that you have that blouse on,” he said and took Asha’s hand in his.

“Mom told me oh so many times, how could I forget. When you guys went to see grandma and grandpa to ask for her hand in marriage.”

“Yes, she was also wearing this white blouse. White is a color of commitment in Ethiopia. Even after we got married, your mom would always wear a white blouse on an important occasion.”

“Yes, she did…”

Nodding, Asha was recalling the memory of her mother and teared.

“I am here to give you my blessing to you two in your decision to get married,” he said and plopped in a piece of the bagel in his mouth. Tears were welling up in his eyes.

Asha looked down at the blouse she was wearing and quietly said, “I’ll bet mom is very happy now.”

The slight drop in the shoulder and the slight snugness in the torso allows for a relaxed but elegant silhouette. We went through many samples for the collar design so that we can keep the beautiful feminine flair but keeping it safe(not to reveal the undergarment). The slightly short three-quarter sleeves have been designed to keep your elbows discreet, even when you fold your arms.

Wear it with a suit for business or match it up with a pair of denims on your days off. With so many colors, patterns, and design to choose from, this is truly an almighty piece.

A blouse that beautifully presents
my back shot,thanks to the many compliments.
Yes, this is a regular for me.

WOMEN RAYON
SKIPPER COLLAR
3/4 SLEEVE
BLOUSE $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.”