“Balancing the need to produce less with innovating and reaching company goals, and increasing the longevity and durability of products”, says Daisuke Tsukagoshi, CEO, Fast Retailing in a recent interview.

He highlighted the company's commitment to creating products that people truly need, rather than following the fast fashion trend. Tsukagoshi has been instrumental in guiding Uniqlo, a brand of Fast Retailing, through a significant transformation from a Japanese-based fashion destination to a globally recognized clothing brand. This transformation comes at a time when the fashion industry is being rethought, and the company is adapting to these changes.

The company has taken significant steps to achieve its sustainability goals including a goal to use 100% sustainable materials in its products by 2030. Uniqlo launched its Re.UNIQLO program in 2020, which encourages customers to recycle their unwanted clothes in exchange for discount vouchers. The company is also exploring new and innovative ways to produce clothing sustainably.

In addition to its focus on sustainability, Fast Retailing is committed to innovation. The company invests heavily in research and development to create new, high-quality products that meet the changing needs of consumers.

Uniqlo, which opened its first store in 1984, has come a long way since then. The brand now offers a wider range of clothing and has over 1,000 stores worldwide.