Finding Myself in My Final Home - What I Realized While Looking at Clothes - 2026/7/3 (Fri) Reiwa8

Kanon  
July 3, 2026 14:03

Today, I noticed an announcement that Hinokiya, a local clothing store, would be visiting Eden no Sono, so I decided to take a quick look.

I had actually planned to take a nap because I was feeling tired, but I thought it would be worthwhile to stop by for a few minutes.

The display featured calm, comfortable clothing designed mainly for residents in their seventies, eighties, and nineties.

The prices were reasonable, around 2,000 yen per item, and there was nothing wrong with the quality.

Still, as I looked around, I realized, "These aren't the clothes I want to wear."

I had forgotten to bring my summer long pants from Shizuoka, so I was hoping to find a durable pair for the day I can ride my bicycle again.

After experiencing a broken arm, I truly do not want to go through another accident.

In the past, when I fell off my bicycle, wearing long pants and a jacket greatly reduced the scrapes and injuries.

That is why I was looking for clothing with practical functions rather than fashion alone.

Looking back over the past few years, most of my clothes came from UNIQLO, GU, and Workman.

They were comfortable, durable, reasonably priced, and made me feel ready to go out and be active.

As I reflected further, I realized that physical activity had been at the center of my daily life.

I rode my bicycle to the gym, swam, joined Zumba and UBOUND classes, and sometimes practiced Tai Chi.

I owned several Arena and Speedo swimsuits, along with matching swim caps, goggles, and earplugs, because I swam almost every day.

After returning home, I often stayed in my workout clothes while cooking dinner, doing laundry, and getting ready for another active day.

That lifestyle had become completely natural to me.

So the reason I felt out of place among today's clothing selection had nothing to do with age.

It reflected a different way of living from the one I have embraced.

At the same time, this residence is my final home.

During my admission interview, I said:

"This will be my final home. I came here prepared to spend the rest of my life here. That is why I hope to avoid unnecessary conflicts, maintain respectful relationships, and live here peacefully."

I still feel exactly the same way.

In the dining room, I try to respect those who have lived here longer and choose my seat with consideration for others.

I also try to dress appropriately when walking around the facility.

This is not just my home. It is a community where many people live together.

That is why I understand that the clothes being sold today are probably exactly what many residents here appreciate and feel comfortable wearing.

I truly understand that.

But that does not necessarily mean they are the clothes I want to wear.

Respecting others does not mean giving up who I am.

Today, I only went to look at some clothes.

Yet somehow, it became an opportunity to remind myself of something very important.

I believe I will continue to treasure both this place and my own identity as I build my life here.

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