Why I Chose “Sober Curious” at 50: The Discipline of a Japanese Artisan

For 30 years in Hokkaido, I have dedicated my life to “Beauty” as both a craftsman and an entrepreneur. As I approach the second half of my life—my 50s—I have made a definitive business decision.

I have removed “drinking alone at home” from my life’s portfolio.

Have you heard of the “Sober Curious” movement? As someone who used to spend every weekend immersed in alcohol and cigarettes until dawn, I want to share why this shift is essential.

From “Exhilaration” to “Awakening”

In the past, I believed a glass of champagne or beer after a hard day’s work was the reward for success.

Today, my greatest reward is the state of my brain the next morning—ready to face creativity with 100% output.

Wealthy individuals and high-achieving leaders are choosing to be “Sober Curious” because they know it is the most efficient self-investment.

Every drink depletes your “invisible assets”: time and judgment.

Marathon: The Minimalist Luxury of Self-Governance

I don’t need a gym or heavy equipment.

The moment I step out of my front door, it becomes my office and my training center.

Now in my third season of full marathons, aiming for a sub-4.5 finish, I’ve realized that “Recovery is the True Strategy.”

By eliminating alcohol, cellular repair during sleep accelerates dramatically. Seeing my sharp reflection and clear eyes in the mirror each morning provides a deeper fulfillment than any luxury car ever could.

Despite recovering from an injury late last year, I am back to my 100km monthly running goal.

day is April 22nd, 2026. With only a few days left this month, I’ve already reached 120km.

Lately, I’ve been thinking that 120km a month isn’t so difficult if I consistently build it up, rather than just aiming for 100km.

Facing this challenge at 49 brings a joy far different from my younger years.

Sobriety to Sharpen the “Aesthetic Eye”

As a bespoke costume designer, my greatest weapon is my Sensibility.

Since quitting alcohol, my resolution for taste, smell, and color has heightened incredibly.

A cup of carefully brewed coffee in the cool Hokkaido air—being moved by its subtle aroma—this is what determines the quality of the designs I provide to my clients.

To turn “aging” into “maturation,” we must maintain ourselves with clear consciousness, not numb ourselves with alcohol.

Socializing: From Quantity to Quality

Of course, sharing a drink at an intellectual dinner with cherished clients and friends remains a beautiful part of life.

But drinking out of habit alone is no longer necessary.

I believe a leader’s dignity in their 50s is defined more by “what they discard” than “what they choose.”

49 Years Old: At My Peak Potential

I am more motivated now than ever.

Not just because I’ve regained physical strength, but because I have the conviction that I am in control of my own potential.

If you wish to reach a higher stage in your work, I invite you to trade tonight’s drink for an investment in tomorrow morning’s “Silence and Coffee.”

That is when your business, and you yourself, will begin to shine like never before.

A Perfect Garment is Born from a Perfect Morning

Why am I so obsessed with this “sharpened state”?

Because my job is to create costumes that color the most brilliant moments of someone’s life.

The lines of a pattern that allow no margin of error, the choice of colors that shine brightest on the ice, and the obsessive attention to detail that amplifies the wearer’s passion—these can only be born from the intense focus of a silent, noise-free morning.

Choosing to abstain is not just a health habit; it is my “Professional Vow” to pour 100% of my soul into every garment I make for my clients.

Whether you are stepping onto a new stage of life, or your child is about to bloom on the ice, I offer you my sharpened aesthetic eye and my refined skills.

At 49, with senses honed to their limit, I face my sewing machine again today. To craft the perfect piece for the opening act of your second life.

Finally

I run an atelier in Kiyota-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido.

I create costumes and special garments for individuals.

For inquiries and consultations about my work, please contact me using the button below.

As artwork, I also offer one-of-a-kind cut-and-sew pieces in my online shop. Please take a look.

The philosophy of my atelier is “Lust for beautiful life.”

I hope to be of help to those who resonate with and share this sentiment.

Check my latest art-wear collection