Uniqlo marks 70 years of Philippine-Japan ties with special collabs
MANILA, Philippines — Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo is one of the many institutions celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, tapping numerous collaborators for the milestone.
Executives for the Philippine arm of the retailer announced the anniversary offerings and presentations during an event held last July 29, 2026 at the country's flagship branch in Glorietta 5, Makati.
The brand teamed up with premier auction house Salcedo Auctions for commemorative wooden monuments installed at the flagship store and another major branch in Mall of Asia, Pasay to represent the enduring friendship and shared values between the two nations.
Each installation reflecting the Philippines' three main island groups view the country's landscape and culture while inspired by Japanese design through sustainable components.
The Luzon monument with its Rice Terraces and Lotus Flowers represent harmony between people land, the Visayas monument of Coconut Trees and Origami Cranes are longevity and grace, and the Mindanao monument's Siargao Waves and Koi Fish mirror a sense of flow, resilience, and transformation.
The auction house's Café Salcedo also concocted the Ube Kome Cloud — burnt rice milk, lightly sweetened Bohol ube cream foam, coconut nectar, and a soft caramel finish — which will be sold at the previously mentioned branches' Uniqlo Coffee stores until January 3 next year.
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Uniqlo Philippines will be highlighting its popular UT collection of graphic tees with icons of Japan culture, namely, Ukiyo-e art, car brand Toyota, the "One Piece" anime, and manga following the 100th anniversary of publishing company Shueisha.
The UTme! printing service for t-shirts and tote bags will offer digital printing of cultural icons from both Philippines and Japan.
Leading the Philippine customization options are Salcedo Market, Potato Corner, Greenhills, local postage stamps, festival and city art, and jeepney route signs. Meanwhile Japan choices include Yakisoba, Nissin, Pokemon, Crayon Shin-chan, Sanrio, and more.
The retailer's Re.Uniqlo sustainability program will offer patches inspired by either country to be embroidered on any product beginning at P250 per icon.
Philippine icons are a palm tree, slippers, jeepneys, customizable jeepney signages, and food like Isaw, Halo-halo, Leche Flan, Banana Cue, Fishball, and Sorbetes.
There are more options for Japan across historical landmarks (Mt. Fuji, Osaka Castle, torii gate), people & objects (geisha, sumo wrestler, sensu fan, koma top, traditional masks), nature & animals (sakura, kitsune, Maneki-neko), and food (sushi, ramen, nigiri).
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