OMEDETOU UNIQLO PHILIPPINES!

Tadashi Yanai, CEO and President Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., President and CEO Mr. Tadashi Yanai giving his heart-warming opening speech.

It's been a huge success, and most Filipinos have embraced warmly the enter of UNIQLO here in our country. At this moment, I was again invited to celebrate another milestone in UNIQLO's history, that is the opening of the first store in the Philippines, which houses most of the western brands, and now this one globally known Asian brand is finally here.
The UNIQLO Philippines Pre-Opening and VIP Shopping Party was presented by none other than Mr. Tadashi Yanai, UNIQLO's President, and CEO of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., - the company who manages the UNIQLO and other brands such as Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princess Tam Tam, G*U, Helmut Lang, Theory, and PLST.

Two powerful business icons combined into one: Ms. Teresita Sy-Coson, Vice Chairperson of SM Investment, together with Mr. Tadashi Yanai President and CEO of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., for their photo opt.

Mr. Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer of Fast Retailing Philippines, Inc. together with Mr. Tadashi Yanai, Mr. Otoma VP of UNIQLO Philippines, Ms. Teresite Sy-Coson, and the UNIQLO Philippines Cast, which Mr. Kubota explains what is Kagamiwari for the opening of sake breaking ceremony. Mr. Kubota shares that this very sake barrel was brought all the way from Japan to Manila. This Sake came from Mr. Yanai's homeland. Indeed very honorific!

Kagamiwari or cask-breaking ceremony is a Japanese tradition in which the circular lid of the sake cask is broken by a wooden mallet to celebrate the beginning of the event, like New Year, Weddings, Anniversaries, and opening of new business. This tradition is been in very special huge event, like this. It really feels good experiencing new traditions. Well to some people it's weird, but for me, as most of my close friends know, it's heaven for me.

KAGAMI refers to the circular that was unveiled by a Shinto priest during the ceremony as a symbol of the divine spirit. It also refers to the circular lid of the sake cask that is openly broken by the guest of honor using a large wooden mallet. The sake is then ladled to all in attendance. This ceremonial opening of the sake cask is believed to bring blessings of health, happiness, and prosperity to all, as the sake is raised in a resounding toast of "KAMPAI!"