If you’ve ever walked past a GU store in Japan and thought, “Isn’t that just UNIQLO?” you’re not entirely wrong—and not entirely right, either. GU is UNIQLO’s younger sibling under the Fast Retailing umbrella, and it’s built on one simple idea: trendy fashion at prices that make even UNIQLO look expensive. Right now, GU is running its biannual Kanshasai (感謝祭, “Thank You Festival”) sale from May 22 through May 28, and if you’re in Japan this week, it’s worth a detour.
What’s on Sale
The standout deal is the Soft Sheer Crew Neck T, a soft, slightly sheer crew-neck tee, at just ¥590 (roughly $4). At that price, you could pick up a few in different colors without thinking twice. GU’s Dry Ponte T-shirt with half sleeves is ¥990. If you need a light layer for air-conditioned trains and department stores (and trust us, you will), there’s a Metal Button Cardigan and a Lace Knit Cardigan at ¥1,990 each. For bottoms, styles like the Drape Wide Pants and Barrel Ankle Pants are down to ¥1,990—easy, relaxed options that make sense for Japan’s humid summer.
The Pokémon Collab
Launching alongside the sale is a summer Pokémon collection themed around the ocean, with Pikachu, Lapras, Snorlax, Psyduck, and other fan favorites splashed across the lineup. Men’s graphic tees and sweat shorts both run ¥1,490, and the kids’ line starts at ¥990 for tees. Since it’s a collection GU is carrying in Japan, it makes for a fun souvenir to take home—just note that purchases are capped at two items per design and color per person. Reselling is prohibited, and stores may hand out numbered tickets when things get busy, so check the in-store signage.
An Online-Store Coupon Worth Knowing
Here’s something worth knowing if you shop GU’s online store: register as a new member there and you’ll get a ¥500 WELCOME coupon, usable on orders of ¥501 or more. The catch is that it works only for online-store purchases—simply downloading the GU app doesn’t qualify—and the terms can change, so check the official FAQ or the in-app details before you count on it. It’s also separate from the in-store tax-free shopping option below, which has its own set of rules.
Double Up with UNIQLO’s Kanshasai
Here’s the best part: UNIQLO’s own Kanshasai sale is running on exactly the same dates (May 22–28), with AIRism innerwear and other summer staples at sale prices. GU and UNIQLO stores are often in the same building or shopping mall, so you can literally walk from one sale to the other. Between GU’s ¥590 tees and UNIQLO’s discounted AIRism, you can put together a full summer wardrobe for Japan’s heat and humidity without breaking the bank.
Tax-Free Shopping for Tourists
Both GU and UNIQLO offer tax-free shopping for foreign visitors. Spend ¥5,000 or more (before tax) at a single store and the 10% consumption tax is waived on the spot. You’ll usually need to show your passport, though some stores may be able to process tax-free purchases using your Visit Japan Web tax-free QR code instead. A few things to keep in mind: tax-free applies to in-store purchases only (not the online store), you can’t combine purchases across GU and UNIQLO since they’re separate stores, and app-member pricing isn’t eligible when you go tax-free. Even so, hitting ¥5,000 at GU’s Kanshasai prices is easy enough—a few tees, a pair of pants, and a cardigan and you’re there.
The Details
What: GU Kanshasai (ジーユー感謝祭) Summer 2026
When: May 22 (Fri) – May 28 (Thu), 2026
Where: All GU stores nationwide and the GU online store
Tax-Free: Available in-store only (not online) for purchases of ¥5,000+ before tax; bring your passport or Visit Japan Web tax-free QR code
What Else Is Happening This Week
Also running now:
UNIQLO’s Kanshasai Sale — AIRism and other summer staples at special prices
Dropping May 27:
Starbucks Japan’s Banana Affogato Frappuccino — a Japan-only summer drink
Starting May 25:
Pokémon GO Fest 2026 Tokyo — the 10th-anniversary mega event in Odaiba
This article was translated from the original Japanese with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team. The Japanese version is authoritative.
