Background of Celebrities’ Displeasure with UNIQLO’s Response to Russia

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, on March 11, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on its official Facebook page 50 companies in Russia that have not suspended operations or withdrawn and are continuing to stay in the country. Among them were Japanese companies.

After the start of the invasion of Ukraine, various companies from around the world, including Visa, Apple, and Netflix, announced the suspension of operations or withdrawal from Russia one after another. Japanese companies such as Toyota Motor Corporation and Sony Corporation have also withdrawn.

Amidst all this, the controversial response of Fast Retailing, which operates UNIQLO and GU, has been a source of controversy.

I’m going to throw away all my UNIQLO and GU clothes.

The tweet was made by Yoshimoto comedian Miura Meildo, the champion of the “R-1 Guranpuri” in 2001.

On August 8, Tadashi Yanai, chairman and president of UNIQLO, announced the opening of 50 UNIQLO stores in Russia.

Clothing is a necessity of life. The people of Russia have the same right to live.

He announced that he would continue to operate even if ZARA and H&M ceased their operations in Russia. In response, Miura immediately posted a picture of her UNIQLO clothes in a garbage bag and declared that she would “throw them all away.

I’d be ashamed to wear this.”

He spat. The general public criticized her for being “wasteful,” but Miura

“I will dispose of it so that it can be recycled.

He was adamant that he would not be deterred.

Furthermore, writer Naoki Hyakuta also said on the 9th

I won’t buy anything at Uniqlo until I die.

tweeted. And Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Korsunsky also updated his Twitter page on July 7, saying, “First Inc. is facing a crisis. He accused the company of prioritizing the lives of Russians over Ukrainians.

Finally, on the 10th, First announced that it was “temporarily suspending operations due to changing circumstances and various difficulties.

Rakuten Chairman Mikitani personally donated 1 billion yen. In addition, Rakuten Chairman Mikitani has donated over 700 million yen by collecting donations in the form of Rakuten points from the general public. In fact, First Inc. also donated $10 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for humanitarian aid as of April 4, and also delivered winter clothes and other items to Poland.

On the other hand, it was controversial because it once announced that it would operate UNIQLO in Russia. If they had stopped operating in Russia from the beginning, I think they would have received nothing but praise. It may have been an error in judgment.” (National newspaper reporter)

Miura, who had reacted harshly, also took to Twitter in response to First’s policy change.

If this decision was made in light of the criticisms at home and abroad, I hope that it will be the first step (half step) toward the rebirth of UNIQLO.

He expressed a certain understanding.

UNIQLO has become an inseparable part of daily life around the world, offering high quality products at low prices. The response of one of Japan’s leading companies is also attracting attention from around the world.