The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

Patagonia used to be one of fashion retailers (they wouldn’t like this category, though) I felt hesitate to enter. They seemed too politically assertive and their opinions did not always sound comfortable to me.

So I had very frightening imagination of them. At the entrance, they might question me (“Are you against whale-hunting?” or “Are you a vegan?”) to judge whether I am qualified to enter the store.  I might be forced to sign up some mysterious organizations in exchange for being allowed to shop, and end up being in some radical political activities.  

Contrary to the scary assumption, the store was very much like other retailers. None of the above happened. I wasn’t asked anything at the entrance, entering saying nothing, looking around and trying something without permission from the shop attendances, who looked very “normal,” or rather, quite cheerful than those in other brand stores. They said “Welcome!” at the entrance, speaking politely to me (using Keigo), and gave me some advice on what I was trying on.  The store was clean and kept tidy.

The only difference was the shop assistant who looked after my shopping wore no makeup and beach sandals, which may be unlikely in other stores on the same street in this period of the year.