UNIQLO has announced the launch of a multi-layered, cultural celebration marking 70 years of Philippines-Japanese friendship. The festivities include special, exclusive in-store experiences and offers for customers, including a showcase of local Filipino culture and artisans, as well as the launch of a new sustainability project to improve the lives of Filipino youth in underserved communities across the country.
The stacked line-up of anniversary offerings and presentations were introduced during an event at the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati City.
“We are grateful that millions of Filipinos have made LifeWear part of their everyday lives,” said UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Osamu Ikezoe.
“As we also look ahead to UNIQLO Philippines’ upcoming 15th anniversary next year, we see this milestone as the beginning of our next chapter – one where we continue growing together and helping to making everyday life better for Filipino people.”
Symbolizing this partnership are commemorative monuments installed in the UNIQLO Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5 and UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia, which serve as representations of the enduring friendship and shared values between the Philippines and Japan. A collaboration with Salcedo Auctions, the architectural creations are crafted with sustainable components inspired by Japanese design, reinterpreting the Philippine landscape and culture, while creating an immersive environment rooted in craft, community, and nature.
The three monuments represent the Philippines’ three main islands: the Luzon installation features “Rice Terraces x Lotus Flowers,” symbolizing harmony between people and land. The Visayas piece shows “Coconut Trees x Cranes,” with the proverbial tree of life interacting with the Japanese symbol of longevity and grace. Lastly, the Mindanao design, “Siargao Waves x Koi Fish,” captures a sense of flow, resilience, and transformation.
Celebrating cultures with anniversary-exclusive experiences
From a Filipino-inspired café menu to exclusive embroidery and customization collections, UNIQLO marks the milestone year with several anniversary-exclusive collaborations.
Fans of UNIQLO Coffee can look forward to a blend of Filipino and Japanese flavors developed in collaboration with Salcedo Auctions’ Café Salcedo. Available now until January 3, 2027, is the Ube Kome Cloud, featuring burnt rice milk, lightly sweetened Bohol ube cream foam, and coconut nectar for an airy, creamy, lightly toasted flavor with a soft caramel finish.
Re.UNIQLO also weaves Japanese and Filipino cultural icons together through exclusive artisan patches, created in collaboration with Wilson Limon and local artisan communities. Crafted using traditional embroidery techniques and Re.UNIQLO fabric scraps, each patch celebrates the stories, artistry, and craftsmanship of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao while giving new life to LifeWear through sustainable practices. Proceeds from every artisan patch purchased will directly support these artisan communities, helping preserve their traditional crafts and sustain their livelihoods for future generations.
Representing Luzon, Itneg artisans from Abra created embroidered motifs inspired by the frog, a symbol of abundance and fertility, alongside the Kukko pattern, which represents hard work, productivity, and a deep connection to agriculture. For the Visayas, Panay Bukidnon artisans from Iloilo showcase traditional Panubok embroidery with symbolic motifs rooted in nature, oral traditions, and ancestral beliefs. Meanwhile, the Mindanao design, crafted by T’boli artisans from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, features intricate motifs inspired by nature, mountains, wildlife, and dream imagery, reflecting the community’s daily life and spiritual traditions.
Growing with Filipino communities
As part of its continued commitment to creating positive social impact beyond clothing, UNIQLO also highlighted its efforts in Supporting Brighter Futures Through Education. This reflects the company’s belief that investing in learning and opportunity helps empower the next generation of Filipinos.
This a year-long program leading to the 15th Anniversary of UNIQLO in 2027 is in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation, HOPE Foundation and SM Foundation. The initiative will support 15 schools across the Philippines by providing continuous educational support beyond infrastructure, of which include educational programs, LifeWear donations for students and teachers, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships that create lasting impact. To support these initiatives, proceeds from the sale of select AIRism innerwear products will go towards the cause.
“Supporting Brighter Futures Through Education reflects our long-term commitment to giving back to the communities that have welcomed UNIQLO over the past 14 years. By supporting educational initiatives for 15 schools across the Philippines, we hope to help create learning environments where Filipino children can grow, dream, and reach their full potential.” said UNIQLO Philipines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia.
“Education is a shared responsibility, and meaningful progress is achieved when government, communities, and responsible private sector partners work together. We commend UNIQLO for investing in initiatives that support Filipino learners, demonstrating how partnerships can create lasting opportunities for our schools,” said Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara.
Celebrating a shared journey
As the Philippines and Japan mark their 70th Friendship anniversary this year, UNIQLO joins the celebration by reflecting on its own journey in the country. What began with a single store at SM Mall of Asia in 2012 has grown into a trusted network of 81 branches nationwide, making LifeWear more accessible to Filipinos across the country. Every store represents the brand’s commitment to serving local communities with clothing that combines functionality, comfort, and timeless style.
By celebrating the 70th Friendship Year of the Philippines and Japan and its own upcoming 15th anniversary in the Philippines UNIQLO strengthens its commitment to creating lasting impact by giving back to communities, reinforcing its promise to serve Filipinos beyond clothing.
Visit the UNIQLO Flagship Store at Glorietta 5 today and experience the anniversary celebration firsthand. Enjoy exclusive in-store installations and limited-time offerings, latest LifeWear innovations, UT collections, and interactive experiences that celebrate the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
