The takumi system is a key element in the Company's relations with the factories in its supply chain and in upholding its product quality standards. It is a system that supports the production of clothing meeting the world's highest standards, ranging from improving quality in all manufacturing processes and production efficiency to securing safe work environments. In addition, FR's system allows for the sharing of takumi expertize to augment the technical capabilities of partner factories is an effective system for reinforcing the foundation structure, or capacity building, of the supply chain. Most partner factories also manufacture products for brands other than UNIQLO, and the input the takumi experts provide for developing techniques, improving processes, and raising employee skills helps support the business growth of the factories. In addition, having takumi experts in management positions at so many factories not only provides support to the current partner factories but also enables their influence to extend to new partner factories coming into the fold when developing business outside of China. Their positive influence thus contributes to raising standards for apparel manufacturing industries in other regions as well.