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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider Uniqlo marks 70 years of Philippines-Japan friendship with art inspired by Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

Uniqlo marks 70 years of Philippines-Japan friendship with art inspired by Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

Published Aug 6, 2026 09:35 am
Japanese koi swim through the waves of Siargao, cranes hover among coconut trees, and lotus flowers appear across the Banaue Rice Terraces. Philippine landscapes meet Japanese cultural symbols in three installations unveiled at the Uniqlo Manila Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati City, on July 29, 2026.
Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer and chairman of the board Osamu Ikezoe, Madame Akiko Endo, Ayala Corporation vice chairperson Fernando Zobel de Ayala, SM Investments Corporation vice chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, Japan Ambassador to The Philippines Kazuya Endo, Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer Geraldine Sia, Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Bernadita “Dita” Angara-Mathay, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara (Photos: Uniqlo Philippines)
Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer and chairman of the board Osamu Ikezoe, Madame Akiko Endo, Ayala Corporation vice chairperson Fernando Zobel de Ayala, SM Investments Corporation vice chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, Japan Ambassador to The Philippines Kazuya Endo, Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer Geraldine Sia, Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Bernadita “Dita” Angara-Mathay, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara (Photos: Uniqlo Philippines)
The event marked 70 years of Philippines-Japan friendship. Created with Salcedo Auctions, the three installations represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. They were made with sustainable materials, with designs inspired by the Japanese art of origami.
Among the guests were SM Investments Corporation vice chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, Ayala Corporation vice chairperson Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and Ayala Corporation managing director Mariana Beatriz Zobel de Ayala.
Osamu Ikezoe, creative art director Wilson Limon, Itneg School of Living Tradition in Abra cultural master Luis Agaid Jr, Panay Bukidnon School of Living Tradition in Iloilo cultural master Regina Villanueva, T’boli School of Living Tradition in South Cotabato cultural master Edna Mofak, Uniqlo Philippines marketing director Jan Jizelle Ang, and Geraldine Sia
Osamu Ikezoe, creative art director Wilson Limon, Itneg School of Living Tradition in Abra cultural master Luis Agaid Jr, Panay Bukidnon School of Living Tradition in Iloilo cultural master Regina Villanueva, T’boli School of Living Tradition in South Cotabato cultural master Edna Mofak, Uniqlo Philippines marketing director Jan Jizelle Ang, and Geraldine Sia
Also present were Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer Geraldine Sia and Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer and chairman of the board Osamu Ikezoe, SM Retail senior vice president Ricky Lim; Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Bernadito “Dita” Angara-Mathay; Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara; Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya; and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano.
“As a Japanese company that has proudly called the Philippines home for the past 14 years, Uniqlo is honored to be part of the story between the two countries,” said Ikezoe. “This celebration is not only about reflecting on the past, but an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the future.”
The Luzon installation, “Rice Terraces x Lotus Flowers,” pairs the Banaue Rice Terraces with the lotus, a symbol of purity and renewal in Japanese culture. For the Visayas, “Coconut Trees x Cranes” brings together the coconut, known as the tree of life, and the Japanese crane, a symbol of longevity and grace. Mindanao is represented by “Siargao Waves x Koi,” with koi swimming through the island’s waves as symbols of transformation and resilience. The three installations will also be displayed in select Uniqlo stores around the country.
Representing the Visayas, the installation features coconut groves.
Representing the Visayas, the installation features coconut groves.
Inspired by Mindanao's coastal landscape, the final installation centers on the sea, highlighting the region's maritime heritage and inter-island connectivity.
Inspired by Mindanao's coastal landscape, the final installation centers on the sea, highlighting the region's maritime heritage and inter-island connectivity.
The Luzon installation draws from the Banaue Rice Terraces.
The Luzon installation draws from the Banaue Rice Terraces.
Guests also tried a new drink at Uniqlo Coffee—the Ube Kome Cloud that’s made with Japanese Koshihikari burnt rice milk and cream foam made from Bohol’s Ube Kinampay. Coconut nectar added a light caramel finish. Created with Salcedo Auctions, the drink will be available for a limited period.
Uniqlo also announced a year-long education program leading up to its 15th anniversary in the Philippines in 2027. Together with SM Foundation, ABS-CBN Foundation, and HOPE Foundation, the company will support 15 schools across the country.
The 15 schools will receive educational programs and LifeWear donations for students and teachers. The program will also include volunteer activities and work with local communities.

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