Cate Blanchett and Roger Federer on why they are obsessed with Japan and Uniqlo
It's no surprise that Japan's appeal draws everyone from Filipino tourists to international celebrities.
During Uniqlo's "The Art and Science of LifeWear" event in New York, which PhilSTAR L!fe attended, global ambassadors Cate Blanchett and Roger Federer opened up about their deep connection to Japan, discussing their appreciation for its culture, art, and fashion. They also revealed why the brand's LifeWear philosophy—a unique blend of design and functionality—truly resonates with them.
Japan's enduring allure
For both Federer and Blanchett, the Japanese spirit is the invisible thread connecting them to the brand. They are captivated by the culture’s dedication to detail and quality.
Blanchett's admiration for Japan is focused on its deep love of craft and a philosophy that finds beauty in the imperfect. She champions the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection.
"It's the flaw in something that's meant to be beautiful that actually denigrifies it. And, you know, it's not about seeking perfection. It's about working with what's in front of you to create something beautiful, and that's something that I find really inspiring," Blanchett, who joined the retired tennis star as an ambassador just this year, said.
This attention to detail is woven into every aspect of life and fashion. Blanchett noted that in Japan, "There’s nothing that’s casual. Every single detail has been considered," from the way a card is presented to how the clothes are folded.
Meanwhile, Federer expressed his big love for Japan. This year, he and his family are planning another trip to immerse themselves fully in the culture, opting to stay in Ryokan hotels and visit rural areas outside of the major cities.
His takeaway is the people's unparalleled politeness and deep mutual respect. He encourages everyone he meets to experience it: "Everybody I ever meet, I always tell them, 'Have a boat, do a safari, and go to Japan... They really stay with you for a lifetime.'"
He added that every time his family returns from Japan, they become "incredibly polite," feeling that "we can be so much nicer" to each other. "There is this incredible deep respect that people give one another there," he said.
Building a timeless wardrobe
The concept of LifeWear for Blanchett aligns perfectly with her belief that "waste is actually the enemy of creativity." She views Uniqlo's classics and staples as non-disposable items that allow a person to build a personal style over time.
"If you don't want them, you pass them on to other people. There's a sophisticated relation to it," she explained.
"I think consumers are really thinking about the quality and durability, and having items that are not disposable, sometimes for economic reasons, but I think also for aesthetic reasons and emotional reasons. Because clothes are receptacles of memory, I think. What you put close to your skin really has an emotional impact on you," she mused, noting that she has items in her wardrobe (like a denim jacket she received from her 15th birthday) that "hold massive memories for [her]."
Federer, meanwhile, enjoys the variety and quality of the everyday essentials. As someone who travels constantly, he finds Uniqlo's clothing for all weather conditions to be "truly unmatched."
He loved that Uniqlo, while not a sportswear brand, creates pieces perfectly suited for "everyday life."
A commitment to LifeWear
For both celebrities, the partnership is more than just an endorsement—it's a commitment to a shared philosophy.
Also serving as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Blanchett is dedicated to championing the brand's aligned humanitarian and social mission. She explained that Uniqlo's core DNA is about making life better for people.
"It shouldn't be a luxury to have good, well-made, quality clothes. They should be available to all," she asserted, highlighting the brand's ethos. She sees the brand’s deep sense of humanity and commitment to communities as key.
Federer, who has been part of the Uniqlo family for seven years, credits the brand for believing in him even after he retired. The spirit of constant innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence are values he sees reflected in Uniqlo’s LifeWear.
"I see a lot of innovation when it comes to Uniqlo," says Roger. "We, as tennis players, keep on innovating all the time… I try to stay at the top... I try to always find extra little details in my career, in my lifestyle that could help me on the tennis court, but always stay my authentic self. And I also think Uniqlo's LifeWear is exactly that. They stay true to who they are and I think that's very important and it speaks volumes for the company and the brand."
@philstarlife Recently, Uniqlo held “The Art of Science and LifeWear” at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan with special guests Roger Federer, Cate Blanchett, and KAWS. Here's what went down: #UNIQLO #LifeWearDay #PhilStarLife ♬ original sound - philstarlife
Koji Yanai, director of Fast Retailing, explained that the choice of ambassadors goes beyond professional success—it centers on their character. He described them as "very great human beings as a person" with "heartfelt spirits."
"That type of social good spirit is one of the most important points when we are thinking about the ambassador," he said during a roundtable discussion with the media.
He said that for Federer, the commitment is enduring: "We would like to support him," Yanai said, "regardless if he is a tennis player or not."
Yanai, meanwhile, praised Blanchett specifically for her humanitarian spirit and commitment, stating, "I was always impressed by her passion, how she would like to contribute to the community, and also how she has a great understanding about fashion as well."
He noted that social initiatives with the actress are already underway, such as the Displacement Film Fund.
"We started a new fund to support the refugee filmmakers. Five filmmakers from refugees are selected and they will make a short film. And they will launch the new short film in Rotterdam Film Festival in the next year," he explained.