Last Updated: 2022.11.21
Thousands Arrive Early to Participate in UNIQLO's LifeWear Day Tokyo 2022 with Roger Federer - Federer Shares Occasion with Fans, Intends to Help Nurture the Next Generation of Young People
UNIQLO CO., LTD.
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Global apparel retailer UNIQLO hosted its LifeWear Day Tokyo 2022 with Roger Federer event at Tokyo's Ariake Coliseum on Saturday, November 19. Around 6400 excited fans filled the stadium to help celebrate Federer's achievements, in their first chance to see the tennis legend in Japan since retiring from professional tennis in September.
Featuring other UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassadors, Kei Nishikori, and professional wheelchair tennis champions Shingo Kunieda and Gordon Reid, the event was an opportunity to honor Federer and his career, and to make a commitment to supporting the next generation of young people through UNIQLO's Next Generation Development Program. LifeWear Day Tokyo 2022 with Roger Federer featured a talk-show style discussion between the Global Brand Ambassadors, followed by a unique on-court coaching and mentoring session for Japanese students from the first through fourth grades of elementary school.
Speaking at the opening of the event to an energetic audience, Federer expressed his feelings about being back in Japan, saying, "Japanese people always treat me warmly, and I feel a special connection to fans here. I am happy to be able to come back to Japan for the first time in three years."
During the talk session, UNIQLO and Federer confirmed their commitment to contributing to the next generation of young people. Fast Retailing Group Senior Executive Officer Koji Yanai outlined company efforts to nurture the next generation with the UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassadors, as well as other top-class athletes, and sporting or other organizations. Federer backed the initiative, saying, "I want to keep doing clinics for young people. It's a wonderful initiative that can contribute to society."
UNIQLO LifeWear Day Tokyo 2022 with Roger Federer also included an interactive fan quiz. Just two knowledgeable entrants from the entire stadium answered all questions correctly and were rewarded with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Federer on court, receiving a signed t-shirt, a warm greeting, and a photo to keep forever. Federer closed the segment by lobbing a basket of signed balls around the stadium to a delighted audience.
This segment was followed by a light-hearted tennis exhibition featuring Federer on court with wheelchair tennis champions Shingo Kunieda and Gordon Reid and retired professional tennis player from Japan, Kurumi Nara. Kei Nishikori also joined the exhibition and brought good humor to his role as chair umpire for a special 7-point tie-breaker doubles match for the audience.
UNIQLO LifeWear Day Tokyo 2022 closed with the lights dimmed and the stadium atmosphere lit with audience smartphones. Federer thanked the audience, saying; "Thank you for making me feel at home. I hope that the next generation of Japanese people will emerge from the participants of today's event. I will be back next year."
Other Highlights
On the day, thousands of fans enjoyed some off-court attractions. A special Roger Federer museum looked back on his career achievements and his relationship so far with UNIQLO. Also very popular was a unique opportunity for fans to have their own personal "selfie" photograph with Roger through the use of realistic AR (augmented reality) technology, which could be downloaded instantly at a dedicated photo booth. Fans also enjoyed access to limited-edition UNIQLO LifeWear Day Tokyo 2022 t-shirts available only at the event.
Highlights from UNIQLO LifeWear Day Tokyo 2022 were streamed simultaneously to 16 countries and regions around the world via UNIQLO LIVE STATION. Federer joined the stream during the broadcast for a live appearance, to send a message of thanks to fans.
The archived footage is available until February 18, 2023 at: https://linktr.ee/uniqlo_ambassadors. Footage links are available for each of the participating 16 countries and regions.
