(LOL) Oh no, they shouldn’t remove warmth, should they? I meant ”cold-removing socks.” They were nice and so warm when they let me try it on. You go through four steps to wear them. I started with the silk socks, which felt nice and smooth to the touch. When I put four layers on, they were warm, plus, I didn’t feel like I was wearing layered socks. It’s an amazing feeling because they use fibers well and it’s traditional… Once again, fiber is used everywhere. That’s mind blowing.
– And they’re lightweight even when worn in layers?
Yes, they are. They weren’t tight at all, they were wonderful.
‐ I forgot to ask this before, but you worked as a cashier at Food Coop. What did it feel like to experience working in a such an environment?
I never worked in the U.S. before, so I was very happy. Food Coop is not your usual supermarket. People not only have access to quality products, but they become members to work for a little over two hours (every four weeks). As they also shop at the same store, I felt that everyone was more meticulous about how the products were being sold. By the way, they offer high-quality local products, not your so-called high-priced premium products. I felt that everyone was so alive and energetic. You often don’t feel motivated when you have a part time job right (LOL)? It was great that there was no such emotion like that, everyone was brimming with power and energy.
‐ It really did feel like everyone was proud to work there and it was nice to have a community.
It really is important to feel that you are part of the community.
‐ And it’s not like they put on airs about it.
It was more like a sense of liberation. Supermarkets can have a brutal ambience at times (LOL) depending on the time of day.
‐ Food Coop is built on sustainability.
If I wasn’t working there, I wouldn’t care if the products remain on the shelves. But if I was a member, I would feel the difficulty of leftover items or I would feel sorry for the staff who have to clean up the messy displays. This makes me want to shop more considerately.
‐ Please give us a message to your fans, regarding your experience with Japanese products in Brooklyn.
Oh (silence). Verbally?
– (LOL)
(LOL) Obviously!
Hi everyone! When you hear the word “sustainable,” you may think you have to be very conscientious. You may even think you can’t do it, but “sustainable” is really simple and you can do it. “SUSTAINABLE” could be fashionable, cool and casual. Would you like to “sustainable” together? Let’s be sustainable. Let’s keep doing sustainable!!
‐ LOL! Thank you very much!
‐ I hear that your family owns a business putting customer’s names on ready-made products. When you receive a present like that, I’m sure the receiver would want to keep that item. Sustainable also applies to the concept of using an item for a long time without discarding it. Do you get that feeling from your family business?
My parents are self- employed and they make souvenirs and engrave gifts. I agree with you, just engraving a name on a wine bottle makes people think that it’s something precious. I would be happy if that became an opportunity for people to cherish things. By the way, the name of the shop is “Etching Koubo Soleil.” The engraving technique is called “etching” so that’s why we have the word in the name. The character for workshop (Kou) is not “Kou(工)” for “ arts and crafts, “but “ Kou(幸)“ for “happiness. It’s a play on words by an old man who happens to be my father.
– LOL
For “Soleil”, there is a ・between “So” and “Leil.” It seems to be a French world that means “sun” or “sunflower,” but my family has nothing to do with France, but they have that name. Etching Koubo Soleil!
– (LOL) Seeing you today, I feel your English proficiency is wonderful, but most of all, I was moved by your communicator skills that just can’t help pull people your way.