Business Talk with Osamu Ikezoe, Director and Chief Operating Officer, Fast Retailing Philippines
LifeWear Essentials for Filipinos: The Ultimate Everyday Clothing
UNIQLO’s Vision for the Future and Contribution to Local Communities
Mr. Osamu Ikezoe
Director and Chief Operating Officer, Fast Retailing Philippines
As a Japanese-born fashion brand expanding globally, UNIQLO has gained support from a wide range of age groups in the Philippines and has steadily expanded its store network. We spoke with Mr. Osamu Ikezoe, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Fast Retailing Philippines, about the “LifeWear” concept that delivers high value as everyday clothing, the company’s approach to human resource development based on “management by all,” as well as future expansion plans and sustainability initiatives.
Philippine Primer
UNIQLO operates around 80 stores in the Philippines (as of the end of January 2026). How do you evaluate your growth so far?
Mr. Ikezoe
Since opening our first store in 2012 at SM Mall of Asia in Metro Manila, UNIQLO has steadily grown its business in the Philippines. We believe this consistent growth reflects the trust Filipino customers have placed in LifeWear.
Each year, more people discover UNIQLO for the first time and become fans. We feel that our clothing has become a meaningful part of daily life in the Philippines. The Philippine retail market is one of the most promising in Southeast Asia, supported by strong domestic demand, a large and young workforce, high population growth, and ongoing urbanization. We believe there is still significant growth potential in this market.
Philippine Primer
What position does the Philippines hold within your overall business?
Mr. Ikezoe
While we do not disclose detailed sales or market share by country, UNIQLO’s business in the Philippines continues to perform steadily. It plays an important role in both our regional and global growth strategies and is positioned as one of our key markets in Southeast Asia.
The UNIQLO Manila store in Makati symbolizes how important the Philippines is to us. Opened in 2018, six years after our initial entry in 2012, it is the largest flagship store in the country and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Offering a full lineup of LifeWear for men, women, and children, it represents a fusion of UNIQLO’s global vision with Filipino life and culture.
Philippine Primer
What are your strengths in the Philippine market, and how do you differentiate yourselves from competitors?
Mr. Ikezoe
Rather than focusing on competitors, we prefer to focus on our own strengths. At the core is LifeWear—simple, timeless, high-quality essentials designed for comfort, durability and practicality for everyday life.
UNIQLO’s LifeWear delivers exceptional value through premium natural materials such as linen, cotton, and cashmere, as well as functional fabrics like AIRism that provide all-day comfort. The various designs support Filipinos through their daily routines, helping them feel confident no matter the situation.
Instead of chasing trends, we continue to offer clothing that is truly necessary for daily life, without compromising on quality. This is the source of our differentiation.
In addition, UNIQLO is known for attentive customer service and creating a pleasant in-store experience. Through daily interactions, we strive to ensure customers leave our stores feeling positive. During our twice-yearly “Thank You Festival,” we offer staple LifeWear items at special prices, along with limited-edition novelties and collaborations with local communities, incorporating uniquely Filipino elements into our Japanese-origin LifeWear.
Philippine Primer
How do you view current market trends, and what products are popular in the Philippines?
Mr. Ikezoe
Over the years, we have seen UNIQLO become part of our customers’ everyday lives in the Philippines. Our products are used in a wide range of situations—from casual workwear for commuting or school to gifts for holidays and special occasions.
In the spring and summer season, strong performers include jeans and denim, basic T-shirts, linen items, and Sport Utility Wear (SUW), as well as functional products such as AIRism, UV-cut items, and ultra-stretch apparel.
Philippine Primer
What do you emphasize in terms of human resource development and management?
Mr. Ikezoe
UNIQLO operates across the Philippines with a headquarters in Metro Manila and a network of around 80 stores nationwide (as of the end of February 2026), supported by many talented employees.
One of our key philosophies is “management by all,” meaning every employee has a sense of ownership as a business leader. Regardless of position or tenure, we value employees thinking independently and acting quickly.
Human resource development is a major focus. We emphasize delegation at the store level, practical leadership training, and clear career paths that enable employees to grow into store managers and future business leaders. Many talented local employees have developed into global leaders who now drive UNIQLO’s business in regions such as North America and Europe.
Through the UNIQLO Management Candidate (UMC) program, we provide new university graduates with opportunities to acquire globally competitive skills and mindsets. We aim to cultivate future innovators, talent developers, problem-solvers, and above all, business leaders.
Personally, I became a store manager at age 20, a supervisor at 23, and a business leader at 29. I was given opportunities to take on significant responsibility early in my career. Through working with many colleagues, I feel I have been shaped not only as a business leader but also as a person by this company. My professional journey has always been intertwined with my journey as a member of UNIQLO.
This year marks my 29th year with the company, and my years working overseas have now surpassed those in Japan (14 years in Japan, 15 overseas). Drawing on my experiences in different countries, I hope to develop people who can embody Fast Retailing and UNIQLO’s philosophy and nurture the next generation of leaders.
Philippine Primer
What are your plans moving forward?
Mr. Ikezoe
We plan to continue expanding our business in the Philippines and deliver LifeWear to even more people. Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we believe in extending the value of every piece of clothing through quality craftsmanship, responsible materials and initiatives that encourage longer product use. By designing LifeWear essentials that are made to last, we aim to support more sustainable habits while continuing tocontribute to the communities where we operate, improving the everyday lives of people in the Philippines.
Following the Cebu earthquake late last year, as well as areas affected by Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino, we donated clothing and funds in cooperation with partner organizations. We also support environmental initiatives such as forest and marine conservation through ongoing programs funded by proceeds from paid shopping bags, in collaboration with organizations like the Haribon Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation.
These contributions to local communities are an essential part of our business, and we will continue these efforts throughout the Philippines.
About Mr. Osamu Ikezoe
In 1997, Mr. Ikezoe joined UNIQLO as part of its management candidate program and was assigned to a store in his hometown of Hiroshima. After serving as a store manager for three years, a supervisor for six years, and a business leader for two years in Japan, he moved to overseas operations.
He worked as a business leader in Singapore for two years, then served as COO in Thailand for four years. He later led the launch of UNIQLO’s Vietnam business, guiding it for five years. After establishing a path for growth there, he was assigned to the Philippines—one of the most challenging and high-potential markets in Southeast Asia.
In 2023, he was appointed Director and Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO Philippines, a position he currently holds.
