Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2011

Photo by Yui Takeguchi

Tennis star Kei Nishikori has signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with Fast Retailing to be the “image character” for its Uniqlo brand. Nishikori, 21, who reached the third round of the Australian Open last month, is the highest profile athlete to be endorsed by Uniqlo. He said: “I want to become the No. 1 tennis player in the world, just as Uniqlo is the No. 1 brand in the world.” Ads for the retailer also feature actors Charlize Theron and Orlando Bloom.