The Professionals S2015E10 - Weaving Memories in Clothing - Takao Matsumoto, Invisible Mender

"I want to have this precious garment fixed". Requests to restore damaged clothing pour in from around Japan to Takao Matsumoto, a wizard of the art known as "invisible mending". The technique involves removing threads from the pockets and hems of damaged items, and using them to make repairs. In a career spanning 55 years, Matsumoto has even worked on synthetic fibers and leather. Such materials can't be fixed using conventional invisible mending methods, but Matsumoto uses his precise and detailed skills to make them like new. His motto is "if asked, accept". This reflects his pride as a professional, and his belief that taking on challenges is the way to improve one's skills. He believes deep down that objects have "life". He pours his heart and soul into his work, and says the extent to which he can grasp people's feelings when restoring their clothes is where his true abilities as a craftsman shine through. One day, a request comes in from a woman who received a cardigan from her mother, who's passed away 40 years ago. But the cardigan is so full of holes it looks beyond repair. Join us as we focus in on a veteran craftsman's soulful efforts to support his customers, and even weave together the memories their garments hold.