Why Did the 'Older Man in a Hoodie Controversy' Go Viral on Social Media? A Book to Free You from 'Clothing Anxiety': 'Who Decides What is Uncool?' Released April 22

Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. released 'Who Decides What is Uncool?' (written by Hiroko Hirayoshi) on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. In 2024, the 'older man in a hoodie controversy' suddenly became a hot topic on social media. "Why is it considered 'uncool' when a middle-aged man wears a hoodie?" "To begin with, why is it considered preferable to dress age-appropriately in fashion?" Many in their 40s and 50s took this controversy personally, as their own issue. Without realizing it, modern people are bound by anxieties such as "I don't want people to think it doesn't suit me," "I don't want to be told it's not age-appropriate," and "I have to follow the manners." This book carefully unravels the common sense and stereotypes of clothing that modern people living in the social media era are unconsciously trapped by, from historical backgrounds and social reasons. It is a book that helps you acquire a mindset to break free from the constraints of fashion and enjoy wearing clothes more comfortably. [Contents of this book] Introduction Chapter 1: Why Do We Care About Other People's Clothes? Flaming fashion / People who call others' clothes 'uncool' / Why do we dress up? etc. Chapter 2: How Was the Hoodie Born? What is a 'hoodie'? / From outdoors to everyday wear / Trends change, and generations take turns etc. Chapter 3: Why Do We Fear Being 'Uncool'? What is 'uncool'? / Taken to Uniqlo / Wearing a hoodie = Youth? etc. Chapter 4: Who Supports the Hoodie and How?