I am sorry for mocking the vest.

Yes, that thin vest that Nezumi-kun also wears in the picture book.


Actually, for a long time, I used to mock the black leopard-print vest that my grandmother wore. I never said it to her face, of course, but I always thought, "What's the point of wearing clothes without sleeves?"

If I were going to wear that, I'd rather wear something with sleeves; wouldn't that be warmer? I don't want to wear something when I don't even know if it serves a purpose! I secretly looked down on it. Of course, I never said it out loud (for the second time).

As time went by, I got married, and lo and behold, my husband was wearing a thin black vest.

Oh, no, it's that thing again. This time, I decided to say it out loud and mildly mock my husband. "Why are you wearing something so inefficient?"...Then, he silently let me try it on.

Seeing is believing... or rather, wearing is believing.

Oh my goodness. It was gently and pleasantly warm. To use an analogy, it was like that indescribable comforting warmth you feel when you first try a MegRhythm eye mask.

This fact remains the number one dramatic "before and after" in my perspective on life. Since then, whenever the season makes me crave human warmth, I slowly take out my own Uniqlo burgundy (I just want to sound stylish) vest. Then I can finally feel that it's going to get cold. It is important to experience everything for yourself.

Perhaps the vest is a smart design that never misses the essential spots for the human body's warmth sensors. I am sorry for mocking it.

I think it's the same when conveying something to others. We must never miss the key points that resonate with the other person. The vest fulfills its mission of providing sufficient warmth even without sleeves, and it is precisely because it has no sleeves that it makes you feel light and easy to move in.

Likewise, it is very good if we can convey our thoughts lightly with a smart design, without being wordy or rambling.

Ah, somehow I want to become a vest-like writer. Wait, I'm wearing one right now, so aren't I already a fine vest-like writer? I'm the type who likes to start with the form.

It's been 20 years since I mocked my grandmother's vest, and she is still living energetically. She must be wearing a vest right now, making stew or knitting by the kotatsu. Am I cold-hearted for already thinking about how I will remember her when the time comes for her to pass away?

As for me, I spend my days happily wearing a different colored vest with my husband. To think I would end up writing an article and loving it this much... that is why life is interesting.

So, if you are mocking vests in your heart, please try one on. You will surely be captivated. If you see someone wearing a vest, try giving them a grin. It will surely feel even better.

Everyone, please stay warm and cozy this winter. See you later.