Tadashi Yanai

The operator of Japan's casual clothing giant Uniqlo announced on Thursday record annual profits, helped by recession-busting sales and an aggressive overseas expansion. The company, which aims to be bigger than foreign rivals Gap, Zara and H&M, predicted another strong year as it lures cost-conscious shoppers during the economic slump with a promise of affordable chic. Fast Retailing, the empire founded by Japanese billionaire Tadashi Yanai, said its operating profit jumped 24.2 percent in the year to August to a record 108.6 billion yen (1.2 billion dollars). Revenue soared 16.8 percent to an all-time high 685.0 billion yen, helped by an improved line-up for ... Read Full Story

Japan clothes giant Uniqlo, which opens a flagship store in the heart of Paris on Thursday, is aiming for up to 10 more in the world's fashion capital as it takes on competitors such as Gap, H & M and Zara. Tadashi Yanai, the billionaire president of Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo, told AFP he aimed to open "five to 10 big shops" in Paris, where he had originally planned to launch as far back as 2007 or 2008 "but it takes a long time to get authorisation." The cheap chic brand popular with designer-conscious Japanese youth currently has a store in an office ... Read Full Story

Wikizines are interactive magazines that anyone can create or edit - and this one is called "Tadashi Yanai". Here you can find fresh voices and respond in real time. Some members write articles about recent news and trends related to the wikizine's topic, others recount relevant personal stories or share their favorite pictures and video clips. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this wikizine? Well, then put on your journalist's cap and add your own article! Read Full Story