Terry Ito Column Vol.13 I found an old book introducing the UK

While digging through my closet, I came across a 25-year-old book: "The British Best" (published by the Yomiuri Shimbun in 1998). It's a beautifully photographed catalog. Its pages are filled with exquisite items, from British Royal Warrant holders to world-renowned British ceramics like Wedgwood and Royal Doulton, as well as curtains and sofas by Laura Ashley, known for their floral designs, and bags by Connolly, known for the leather seats in the luxury car Rolls-Royce. From the fashion world, Vivienne Westwood and Katharine Hamnett are featured. Paul Smith and Burberry, whose designs feel timeless, are also featured. From the automotive world, everything from Rolls-Royce to Minis is covered. And of course, there's also a selection of elegant teas for afternoon tea, the British favorite. Even though I was in the middle of cleaning out my closet, I lost track of time and found myself engrossed in the old book.

What surprised me the most was that the items looked completely outdated, even though they were 25 years old. Usually when you look at old Japanese fashion catalogs, they seem somewhat outdated, but that's not the case here at all. On the contrary, I felt a sense of relief and admiration for the styles that continue to carry on tradition into the present day! This is amazing. Japan has as many traditions as the UK. I love trendy things, but reading this book made me envious of the "awareness of passing on tradition to the next generation."

I wonder why. I think the reason why it's impossible to live a British lifestyle in Japan is unfortunately because the living environment is so different. Take, for example, clothing and cafes. Uniqlo and Starbucks are hugely popular and every store is packed, but you never see anyone elegantly sipping tea from a floral cup and saucer with a James Locke hat nearby at lunchtime. The lovely tea room in Hibiya that I loved, which served delicious scones and provided a quilted teapot warmer to keep your teapot warm, is gone now. I feel sad.

Perhaps in times like these, we need a British style that evokes tradition. Top fashion, which changes values, is necessary for the progress of humanity, but perhaps new business opportunities lie hidden in the proverb "learn from the past and apply it to the future"!

I've recently come to think that human sensibilities are not as advanced as we might expect. The new Mini, which is hugely popular around the world, still retains the style of the original Mini to a great extent. In fact, statistics show that over 80% of the world's high-value buyers are conservative. The British are often mocked as old-fashioned and conservative, but perhaps they have the best grasp of human nature in the world. I was thinking about this while standing in front of my closet! By the way, I really want a slim-fitting black tuxedo from Paul Smith! But I don't have anywhere to wear it!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry