Tadashi Yanai

Konosuke Matsushita was a visionary entrepreneur. He started working very young as a teenager, and he eventually created Panasonic to become a truly global company.

The Asian brand, which I admire for having become a global success, is Samsung. In comparison, we're just starting, but I believe that we at Uniqlo will be the next Asian brand to do well globally.

As a businessperson, I don't have the power to change the government. That is in the hands of the political leaders. However, as a taxpayer, we have the right to be critical of the government and demand change.

Americans believe cotton is best, but we've invented new fabrics that will change your lifestyle.

Opening new stores outside of Japan is important, but training our employees is even more important.

We are a country of artisans and a country of manufacturing. I think Japanese textile technology is the best in the world.

I think like a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Failure is a great teacher. At the same time, you must remember, success will never last... Whether it's tech or fashion, it must be for the customer.

The air of the English is down-to-earth. They care about details; there's a tradition, but there's also a counter-culture: the younger generation versus the older generation and so on. But then that's well blended into a happy balance and crystallised into common sense.

Our international success started out first because we became the No. 1 casual wear brand in our home market of Japan. Then, we set up stores in the world's major fashion centers of New York, Paris and London.

In general, the apparel industry isn't about continual process improvement or making the perfect piece of denim; it's about chasing trends.

It is clothes. It is parts. Therefore, you combine the parts differently to create your own unique expression.