Agence France-Presse just reported on the 7th that Tadashi Yanai, chairman of Uniqlo brand operator Fast Retailing, said that he will continue to operate in Russia. However, according to Japan’s “Asahi Shimbun” report, on the 10th, Fast Retailing announced that it would suspend its business in Russia. Fast Retailing’s 50 stores in Russia will suspend operations in 7 to 10 days. In this regard, Japanese online TV “ABEMATIMES” reported on the 11th that Fast Retailing’s U-turn may have been influenced by criticism from Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Korsonsky.
The Asahi Shimbun reported that Fast Retailing said in a statement: “In view of the changing situation surrounding the dispute and the various difficulties faced in continuing operations, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend operations.”
Agence France-Presse reported on the 7th that Uniqlo defended its decision to continue operating its stores in Russia.
It is worth noting that according to a report by Agence France-Presse on the 7th, Uniqlo defended its decision to continue operating its stores in Russia. Tadashi Yanai, chairman of Uniqlo brand operator Speed Retail, said the conflict should not deprive Russian people of their right to wear clothes, which is a basic human need. He said in a statement: “War should never happen. Every country should oppose it. This time all Europe clearly opposes the war and shows its support for Ukraine.” He added: “Clothes are a necessity of life. The Russian people have this right to live just like us.”
“ABEMATIMES”: U-turn due to criticism from Ukraine’s ambassador to Japan? Uniqlo suspends operations in Russia
Uniqlo’s rapid change of attitude in a short period of time also triggered speculation in the Japanese media. Japanese online TV “ABEMATIMES” reported on the 11th that Fast Retailing’s U-turn may have been influenced by criticism from Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Korsonsky. According to reports, Korsonsky tweeted (on the evening of the 7th), “According to the decision of the Russian government, Japan, together with other democratic international communities, has been included in the list of unfriendly countries (and regions). And, Uniqlo believes that, It is more important for Russians (people) to have pants and T-shirts (to wear) than for Ukraine’s basic needs of survival. It’s a shame!”
Korsunsky’s file picture, from “ABEMATIMES”
“ABEMATIMES” said that in this context, Fast Retailing made a U-turn yesterday (10th) and “decided to suspend Uniqlo’s business in Russia.”
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