Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque engaged in high-level discussions with representatives from Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. and Koshidaka Holdings.
These meetings strengthen the Philippines’ position as a dynamic and diverse consumer market, particularly in fast fashion, retail, and entertainment.
“The Philippines offers a strategic gateway for global brands to thrive in a dynamic and diverse consumer market, powered by a young, fashion-forward, and highly engaged population. With strong demand for fast fashion, retail, and entertainment, Japanese investors such as Fast Retailing and Koshidaka Holdings can tap into the country’s trend-driven landscape, where brand-conscious consumers prioritize sustainability, value, accessibility, and quality,” Roque said.
“By attracting prime investments in the consumer-diverse sector, the country expands choices for Filipino consumers, drives economic growth, creates jobs, and solidifies its role as a consumer-centric hub in the region,” the trade chief added.
During the meeting with Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., the parent company of UNIQLO, Roque explored opportunities for joint promotion of sustainable fashion through the use of advanced technologies, efficiency in supply chain management and sustainable programs in line with the President’s economic agenda.
The trade head and Fast Retailing representatives discussed leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable fashion practices and improving supply chain efficiency.
The Philippines’ potential as a key partner in Fast Retailing’s regional strategy was a central focus.
DTI Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay reported that UNIQLO has identified the Philippines as its fastest-growing market in Southeast Asia, designating it as a pillar of its regional expansion strategy. UNIQLO plans to open flagship stores in major cities and establish neighborhood-type stores, enhancing accessibility and reinforcing brand awareness across the country.
“UNIQLO has identified the Philippines as its fastest-growing market in Southeast Asia, designating it as a pillar of its regional expansion strategy.”
To ensure seamless operations across the diverse Philippine landscape, UNIQLO requested the DTI’s support in community engagement. Secretary Roque pledged the DTI’s full support and proposed the Philippines as a partner factory for sustainable fashion, building upon UNIQLO’s successful partner factory model program in the region.
This partnership will significantly reduce shipping time and costs, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance sustainability through lower carbon emissions.
Roque also proposed pop-up showcases of sustainable local products in major UNIQLO stores across the Philippines, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations.
These potential partnerships will be supported by the government’s recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, which offers incentives to foreign investors establishing manufacturing or assembly operations in the country.
Koshidaka Holdings: Tapping into the PH’s dynamic entertainment market
In a separate meeting, Roque met with Koshidaka Holdings in a luncheon meeting organized by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to discuss the company’s planned expansion in the Philippines.
Koshidaka Holdings, renowned for its karaoke and bathhouse (hot springs) businesses, presented its Southeast Asia expansion strategy, which includes establishing a fully owned subsidiary, Koshidaka PH, by mid-2025. The company plans to open its first store in Metro Manila by the end of 2025, with plans to expand to 30 locations and eventually to 100 locations nationwide.
“The Filipinos’ love for karaoke as a form of entertainment and the appeal of bathhouses as a relaxation space make the Philippines an ideal market for the company.”
She noted that Koshidaka Holdings’ target demographic of young people under 30 years old aligns with the country’s youthful and vibrant consumer market. Roque added that the Filipinos’ love for karaoke as a form of entertainment and the appeal of bathhouses as a relaxation space make the Philippines an ideal market for the company.
She reaffirmed the DTI’s commitment to bolstering trade and investment ties with Japan, emphasizing its support for leading companies like Koshidaka Holdings.
Roque highlighted DTI’s dedication to fostering a conducive business environment that attracts investors, facilitates market entry, and drives economic growth and innovation.
Angara-Mathay highlighted the key factors contributing to the success of Koshidaka Corporation’s Karaoke Manekineko in Japan, including its huge budget-friendly pricing, family-oriented settings, bring their own food policy, and 24/7 availability. She added that CEO and Founder Hiroshi Koshidaka is actively exploring tailored offerings to meet specific preferences of the Philippine consumer market.
DTI boosts diverse consumer industries through strategic partnerships
The engagements with Fast Retailing and Koshidaka Holdings reinforce the Philippines’ position as a strategic destination for investment and expansion in Southeast Asia.
These discussions not only highlight the country’s strong consumer market but also open new avenues for supply chain efficiency, retail growth, and entertainment ventures that cater to evolving consumer preferences.
“We continue to bridge opportunities that link Japanese enterprises with the Philippine market. By fostering collaboration and market access, we create pathways for business growth while offering more choices to Filipino consumers,” Angara-Mathay underscored.
“Bringing in global brands like Fast Retailing and Koshidaka Holdings is more than just expanding our retail and entertainment landscape—it is about enriching the everyday experiences of Filipino consumers. From fashion that fits their dynamic lifestyles to entertainment that resonates with their love for music and leisure, we are creating an environment where quality, innovation, and choice thrive,” Roque concluded.
