The Heart of LifeWear 2025 No.6: UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassadors deliver HEATTECH to social facilities in Japan
Mar 11, 2026
LifeWear
In 2024 Fall/Winter, UNIQLO launched “The Heart of LifeWear” – an initiative to donate one million new items of HEATTECH and other clothing items to refugees, children, disaster victims, and other vulnerable people around the world. In 2025, the company continued this initiative, with another donation of one million items globally.
■ Niigata Tenshien in Niigata
On November 18, 2025, UNIQLO staff visited Niigata Tenshien, a children's home in Niigata Prefecture, to deliver HEATTECH and a message from professional snowboarder and UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Ayumu Hirano. Although Mr. Hirano himself was unable to attend during the busy competition season, a signed uniform from the decorated athlete was delivered along with the HEATTECH items, delighting the children in Niigata Tenshien.
![An image of Ayumu Hirano giving a greeting via video message, projected onto a screen.]()
![An image of a light purple T-shirt signed by Ayumu Hirano, presented in a frame.]()
In his video message, Mr. Hirano shared, “Unfortunately, I couldn't be there in person today, but I'm delighted to be sending HEATTECH to each of you. Please stay warm wearing it. I'll keep focusing on my competitions to uplift your spirits, so let's all enjoy ourselves.”
Afterwards, the participating children expressed their thoughts through drawings and writing under the theme, “Challenges to take on this winter.” A heart shaped board was filled with such exciting messages as, “I'll enjoy lots of snow play!” and, “I want to wear HEATTECH and go play far away!” warming the hearts of the UNIQLO staff who delivered the HEATTECH.
![An image of a man and a woman holding]()
![A close-up image of a child in a light green shirt receiving a black HEATTECH package with both hands.]()
Finally, Director Oguchi of Niigata Tenshien shared a tip for getting through the harsh Niigata winters, “We get a lot of snow every year. Shoveling snow in the morning is an important daily task at our facility. I hope the children will wear HEATTECH and actively participate in shoveling the snow.”
■ Christmas Village in Tokyo
On November 20, 2025, UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Shingo Kunieda visited the Christmas Village children's home in Tokyo. After receiving a tour of the facility and an explanation of its initiatives from the staff, Mr. Kunieda delivered HEATTECH items to the children.
During the facility tour, the children and staff were pleasantly surprised by Mr. Kunieda's visit and enjoyed interacting with him. Mr. Kunieda was impressed by the thoughtful design of the facility, which enables the children to live safely and happily.
![An image of Shingo Kunieda in a blue sweater, smiling and raising one hand in front of a board with the UNIQLO logo and activity name.]()
![An image of a man looking to the left and speaking, with a heart-shaped board covered in messages in the background.]()
As Mr. Kunieda bonded with the children and staff, a quiz contest was held featuring questions about the influential athlete. Initially, everyone looked nervous about interacting with Mr. Kunieda, who has achieved the monumental feat of a “Career Grand Slam.” However, his warm presence and kind words quickly put everyone at ease, filling the room with smiles and laughter. Afterwards, Mr. Kunieda personally handed out HEATTECH items to each participant, who gratefully accepted them with smiles.
Finally, everyone was asked to write down things they want to challenge themselves to do this winter on heart-shaped stickers. UNIQLO created a board filled with everyone's exciting aspirations, such as “Master making croquettes and minced meat cutlets!” and “Do my best at the elementary school music recital!”
![A close-up image of a hand writing]()
![An image of a board titled]()
Mr. Gunji, a staff member at the facility, said “I was surprised to see even children who don't usually speak up actively participating. Not only the children, but we staff members also gained strength from Mr. Kunieda's warm aura. We are very happy that this initiative helped create connections with society.”
■ Ronald McDonald House (University of Tokyo), Tokyo
On December 5, 2025, UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Kei Nishikori visited the Ronald McDonald House Tokyo University House, delivering HEATTECH products to help families staying there stay warm and feel secure during the cold winter.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan, which operates the Tokyo University House, was established to provide safe and comfortable places to stay for the families of children undergoing serious medical treatment at the hospitals far from home. Located near the University of Tokyo Hospital, the house serves as a vital place for families, helping to alleviate daily anxieties and burdens while allowing them to stay close to their children.
![An image of Kei Nishikori in UNIQLO apparel, facing and listening to officials in a room.]()
![An image of Kei Nishikori smiling and handing a bundle of HEATTECH tied with a ribbon to a woman.]()
Mr. Nishikori toured the facility with staff guidance, visiting areas like the kitchen and common spaces while receiving explanations about the facility's features and daily routines. He then had casual conversations with families staying at the house. Families shared their reasons for using the facility and updates on their children's current situations. When receiving HEATTECH, one family shared words of appreciation, “It's been incredibly helpful since we often can't go shopping due to hospital stays and other commitments.”
Mr. Nishikori said, “Through this event, I learned how many people cooperate to protect one precious life, and I strongly felt I wanted to contribute in some way. I hope the children and their families, who are with them every day, can use the HEATTECH to stay comfortable and warm, and feel upbeat by wearing something fashionable.”
![An image of Kei Nishikori and a woman smiling side by side behind a heart-shaped message board.]()
■ About The Heart of LifeWear
The Heart of LifeWear initiative was launched in 2024 with UNIQLO considering the question “What makes life better?” and asking how, in its 40th anniversary year, the brand could take further concrete action to contribute to society through LifeWear.
For The Heart of LifeWear initiative in 2025, UNIQLO donated 500,000 items of HEATTECH to returnees in Syria at the request of UNHCR, with which it has a global partnership. In addition, UNIQLO donation projects around the world provided more than 500,000 items of clothing to people in need, including disaster victims, homeless people, and other socially disadvantaged people.
■ Niigata Tenshien in Niigata
On November 18, 2025, UNIQLO staff visited Niigata Tenshien, a children's home in Niigata Prefecture, to deliver HEATTECH and a message from professional snowboarder and UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Ayumu Hirano. Although Mr. Hirano himself was unable to attend during the busy competition season, a signed uniform from the decorated athlete was delivered along with the HEATTECH items, delighting the children in Niigata Tenshien.
In his video message, Mr. Hirano shared, “Unfortunately, I couldn't be there in person today, but I'm delighted to be sending HEATTECH to each of you. Please stay warm wearing it. I'll keep focusing on my competitions to uplift your spirits, so let's all enjoy ourselves.”
Afterwards, the participating children expressed their thoughts through drawings and writing under the theme, “Challenges to take on this winter.” A heart shaped board was filled with such exciting messages as, “I'll enjoy lots of snow play!” and, “I want to wear HEATTECH and go play far away!” warming the hearts of the UNIQLO staff who delivered the HEATTECH.
Finally, Director Oguchi of Niigata Tenshien shared a tip for getting through the harsh Niigata winters, “We get a lot of snow every year. Shoveling snow in the morning is an important daily task at our facility. I hope the children will wear HEATTECH and actively participate in shoveling the snow.”
■ Christmas Village in Tokyo
On November 20, 2025, UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Shingo Kunieda visited the Christmas Village children's home in Tokyo. After receiving a tour of the facility and an explanation of its initiatives from the staff, Mr. Kunieda delivered HEATTECH items to the children.
During the facility tour, the children and staff were pleasantly surprised by Mr. Kunieda's visit and enjoyed interacting with him. Mr. Kunieda was impressed by the thoughtful design of the facility, which enables the children to live safely and happily.
As Mr. Kunieda bonded with the children and staff, a quiz contest was held featuring questions about the influential athlete. Initially, everyone looked nervous about interacting with Mr. Kunieda, who has achieved the monumental feat of a “Career Grand Slam.” However, his warm presence and kind words quickly put everyone at ease, filling the room with smiles and laughter. Afterwards, Mr. Kunieda personally handed out HEATTECH items to each participant, who gratefully accepted them with smiles.
Finally, everyone was asked to write down things they want to challenge themselves to do this winter on heart-shaped stickers. UNIQLO created a board filled with everyone's exciting aspirations, such as “Master making croquettes and minced meat cutlets!” and “Do my best at the elementary school music recital!”
Mr. Gunji, a staff member at the facility, said “I was surprised to see even children who don't usually speak up actively participating. Not only the children, but we staff members also gained strength from Mr. Kunieda's warm aura. We are very happy that this initiative helped create connections with society.”
■ Ronald McDonald House (University of Tokyo), Tokyo
On December 5, 2025, UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Kei Nishikori visited the Ronald McDonald House Tokyo University House, delivering HEATTECH products to help families staying there stay warm and feel secure during the cold winter.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan, which operates the Tokyo University House, was established to provide safe and comfortable places to stay for the families of children undergoing serious medical treatment at the hospitals far from home. Located near the University of Tokyo Hospital, the house serves as a vital place for families, helping to alleviate daily anxieties and burdens while allowing them to stay close to their children.
Mr. Nishikori toured the facility with staff guidance, visiting areas like the kitchen and common spaces while receiving explanations about the facility's features and daily routines. He then had casual conversations with families staying at the house. Families shared their reasons for using the facility and updates on their children's current situations. When receiving HEATTECH, one family shared words of appreciation, “It's been incredibly helpful since we often can't go shopping due to hospital stays and other commitments.”
Mr. Nishikori said, “Through this event, I learned how many people cooperate to protect one precious life, and I strongly felt I wanted to contribute in some way. I hope the children and their families, who are with them every day, can use the HEATTECH to stay comfortable and warm, and feel upbeat by wearing something fashionable.”
■ About The Heart of LifeWear
The Heart of LifeWear initiative was launched in 2024 with UNIQLO considering the question “What makes life better?” and asking how, in its 40th anniversary year, the brand could take further concrete action to contribute to society through LifeWear.
For The Heart of LifeWear initiative in 2025, UNIQLO donated 500,000 items of HEATTECH to returnees in Syria at the request of UNHCR, with which it has a global partnership. In addition, UNIQLO donation projects around the world provided more than 500,000 items of clothing to people in need, including disaster victims, homeless people, and other socially disadvantaged people.
TOP