As the Philippines and Japan marked 70 years of diplomatic friendship, global Japanese fast fashion retail brand Uniqlo showcased textile designs created by indigenous communities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
During an event at the Uniqlo Manila Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati City on Wednesday, July 29, the clothing retailer unveiled cultural projects that brought together Filipino traditions and Japanese-inspired design.
Among the featured initiatives was the Re.Uniqlo project, which transforms fabric scraps into textile patches featuring designs created by indigenous communities from Abra, Iloilo and South Cotabato.
The project came from an earlier engagement between Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and Uniqlo, where she encouraged the company to collaborate with local weaving and textile communities.
“About a year ago, while serving as the Philippines’ Commercial Counselor in Japan, I approached four of Japan’s leading retailers with a proposal […] I invited them to work with us on co-creation projects inspired by Philippine icons, our natural resources, our creatives, and our shared commitment to innovation,” Angara-Mathay said.
The textile patches were created by the Itneg School of Living Traditions in Abra, the Panay Bukidnon Artisans of Iloilo and T’boli artisans of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
The Luzon designs feature motifs from Itneg traditions, including geometric, nature-inspired and human elements that represent personal and communal stories.
The Visayas collection highlights “panubok,” the traditional embroidery practice of the Panay Bukidnon community, while the Mindanao designs reflect the T’boli community’s connection to nature, mountains, wildlife and spiritual beliefs.
According to the fashion brand, proceeds from the Re.Uniqlo initiative will go directly to the participating artisan communities.
Re.UNIQLO also weaves Filipino and Japanese influences through exclusive artisan patches by Wilson Limon & local communities. The patches are made from traditional embroidery and fabric scraps, celebrating Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao while supporting artisans. | via @rosette_adel pic.twitter.com/MSD44t3Bf0
— Interaksyon (@interaksyon) July 31, 2026
The 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, alongside the fashion brand’s 14th year in the Philippines, also featured three art installations created with Salcedo Auctions, representing the Philippines’ three major island groups.
The Luzon installation draws inspiration from the Banaue Rice Terraces and lotus flowers, while the Visayas piece combines coconut trees with the Japanese crane. The Mindanao artwork features Siargao waves paired with koi fish motifs.
The installations incorporate sustainable materials and local craftsmanship, including handcrafted origami elements created by artisans from Nueva Ecija.
Uniqlo’s PH-Japan friendship celebration features three art installations inspired by Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, bringing together Filipino landscapes, Japanese symbols, sustainability and craftsmanship. | via @rosette_adel pic.twitter.com/2Ta7pgMtu5
— Interaksyon (@interaksyon) July 31, 2026
Apart from cultural preservation, Uniqlo also introduced its AIRism for Education initiative, which will support 15 schools nationwide through proceeds from select AIRism innerwear products until May 2027.
The program aims to provide educational support, LifeWear donations for students and teachers, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships in collaboration with ABS-CBN Foundation, HOPE Foundation and SM Foundation.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the initiative amid the uptick in school violence.
The DOT chief likewise hailed the scholarship program.
“I would like to congratulate Uniqlo for showing that retail can help preserve culture and heritage. Around the world, you have demonstrated that innovation and heritage can thrive together,” Angara-Mathay said.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said the education initiative would strengthen the ties between the two countries
“In close partnership with the Department of Education, I’m confident that this initiative will open new pathways for the Filipino youths and will contribute to the human capacity development of the Philippines as well as to the deepening of our bilateral relations,” he said.
Uniqlo Philippines Chief Operating Officer Osamu Ikezoe also highlighted the company’s journey in the country, where it has grown from its first store in 2012 to 81 branches nationwide.
“We are grateful that millions of Filipinos have made LifeWear part of their everyday lives,” Ikezoe said.
“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.”
The celebration coincided with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
On the same day, the Philippine Senate unanimously adopted a resolution commemorating the milestone and recognizing the two countries’ cooperation in areas such as the economy, security, people-to-people exchanges, and local government partnerships. This was also attended by ambassador Endo.
