UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura

When our first was born, Asha and I gave this precious life all the love we can give and thought hard about what she needs for her future. We talked a lot about what we, as parents must provide for our child.

What we first said was that we will both be active and present in raising her. It’s not a role just for either one of us but we would think together, share and support one another throughout.

When we talked about how we would raise her, even about the smallest of details, there was something that stood out in what Asha said.

“You know, the best thing for me as a child was when my parents were really close. I was most sad when they were fighting or wasn’t getting on well. I felt most secure when they were happy together. I think any child would feel that way.”

This was the same for me, too. When I was small, it was really tough when I had to listen to my parents arguing. It made me so anxious. It was so frightening as though I was in a house built on this cliff with gusty winds blowing to tip it off any minute.

“So I think the most important thing in parenting is for us to get on well. As she grows up, I want her to believe that marriage is great and that she would want to get married one day. I’m not sure if we can set a good example but I want for her to look at us and feel this sense of security and that nothing bad will happen to this family.”

“I agree. There was something my mom had said to me that made me happy. One day, I came home with seriously bad grades from school, so bad that it was quicker to count from the bottom. That’s when she said, “I think you are fine. I am happy just the way you are.” It wasn’t about how good or bad I was with my studies, that she would accept me and love me just the way I am. What a relief those words were.”

Asha said, “That’s beautiful, yes” and held my hand and gazed at our baby peacefully sleeping in her crib.

“But even so, parenting is not an easy job. We’ll probably run into so many things we cannot do well because it’s our first time…”

“Before my mother passed away, she left me a letter where she wrote some advice for us in the future. She wrote so much about parenting, family life, etc.”

Asha said and handed me an envelope.

This is a denim jacket, reborn into a fantastically stylish design. The fabric is an original made by UNIQLO and Cone Mills.The uniquely beautiful tate-ochi and the original stretch feature has been combined to realize this unique style.

Too much stretch will generate deviation in the treatment or the stitching so we made sure to strike the best balance in the wear comfort and the fine finish in the sewing.

There was a letter and a photo in the envelope.

It was a picture of Asha’s father and mother together. He was wearing a denim jacket, a white t-shirt, and a pair of chinos. Her mom was wearing a lemon-colored blouse, a white cardigan, and a pair of denims. I flipped it over to discover that it was taken in the year Asha was born.

“They are about the same age as us in this photo. You were just born so, literally the same timing as us.”

I gazed at the happy expression of her dad.

“Your father would have been going through a really tough time now. But he looks so happy. Being with your mom must have given him so much encouragement, I’m sure.”

“I know…in a denim jacket and all…,” laughed Asha.

My eyes stopped as I read this part in the letter which was,

“The thing I want to tell you and your husband for my future grandchild. These are things I want you to teach your little one.”

I read up to hear silently then began to read it aloud so Asha can hear.

“Tell the little one that we are all different, each one of us in the world is different from you. No two people are alike. This is why you need to use your words to tell them what you think and feel. You must also listen to the words of others. And don’t judge their thoughts and feelings as good or bad but to simply understand. This is very important. Please teach your child that people in the world all have different thoughts and ideas. Because that is when a child will begin to learn and grow…”

Asha, listening to this, said, “I can remember when I was small, mom would always tell me this. We are all different so you can’t force them to be like you. You must talk to them, to learn about them, and understand. That is how you should relate and embrace this world.”

“It is such an important thing…” I now understood why Asha was always good at listening to others and never forces her views onto others.

“Hey, why don’t we take a picture, like my parents?”

Asha fetched the film camera from the shelf by the window and set the timer.

“Oh, wait!,” I said and got a denim jacket from the closet and put it on.

I held her hand and stood in front of the camera.

When the shutter clicked, I thought, what kind of expression did I have…

The authentic distressed expression is a result of the perfect color achieved at our proud “Jeans Innovation Center” in Los Angeles.
The fading around the sleeves and the backside has been finely tuned to achieve consistent quality as they stacked up on the shelves. Another key feature is the different color stitching on the torso depending on the treatment.

For example, a dark gold-brown for a more new look for the 68 color one-wash but a more faded color for the 63 color which brings out distressed expression. It’s THE jacket for a casual look but also works well for a sophisticated casual style with a high or mock neck top on the inside and a pair of chinos or trousers.

Clean but doesn’t tire you out.
Boy did I want a denim jacket
like this.

MEN DENIM JACKET $39.90

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.”