A biography for Tadashi Yanaihasn’t been written yet.
“If you always think about your dreams or goals, work steadfastly towards them and continue to challenge yourself, you will definitely be able to realise those dreams or goals.”
“Politicians make decisions in favor of their interest groups or their supporters back in their hometowns.”
“Too often, we have tended to fall into a trap of creating plain hamburgers.”
“Opening new stores outside of Japan is important, but training our employees is even more important.”
“At first, Uniqlo was a casual chain on the back streets of Hiroshima. Then... we became a national brand in Japan. So, the next step is to become a global brand.”
“Our international success started out first because we became the No. 1 casual wear brand in our home market of Japan. Then, we set up stores in the world's major fashion centers of New York, Paris and London.”
“I learned that people don't buy anything from unknown stores.”
“I think like a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Failure is a great teacher. At the same time, you must remember, success will never last... Whether it's tech or fashion, it must be for the customer.”
“At Uniqlo, we're thinking ahead. We're thinking about how to create new, innovative products... and sell that to everyone.”
“Forty-five years ago, when I was 18, I came to San Francisco by boat and took two weeks to get here. I had a great impression. I think San Francisco is the welcoming gate for people from Asia.”
“Our underwear used to just be cotton, but we wanted to see if we could create something out of synthetics.”
“America, for me, is the country where, if you have something great to offer, you'll be valued highly.”
“We are a country of artisans and a country of manufacturing. I think Japanese textile technology is the best in the world.”
“I'm afraid Japanese people tend to collective hysteria.”