Manila Bulletin
Lifestyle
Luminaries and Life
MITSUKOSHI BGC marks 3rd anniversary with month-long festival: What to expect
Lifestyle
Luminaries and Life
MITSUKOSHI BGC marks 3rd anniversary with month-long festival: What to expect
MITSUKOSHI BGC marks 3rd anniversary with month-long festival: What to expect
By Rey Ilagan
Published Jul 21, 2026 11:50 pm
Shigeru Shimoda, chairman of the Philippine-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Jose Mari Banzon, president of Federal Land, Inc.; Alfred Ty, chairman of Federal Land, Inc.; Yokota Naobumi, minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan; Masahiko Yoshizawa, general manager of MITSUKOSHI BGC; and Yusuke Hirano, vice chairman of Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. (Photo: MITSUKOSHI BGC)
There are places you visit because you need something, and then there are places you return to because of how they make you feel. Three years after opening its doors in Bonifacio Global City, MITSUKOSHI BGC has become the latter for many Filipinos.
It isn't simply about shopping. It's the quiet ritual of picking up perfectly packed strawberries from MITSUKOSHI FRESH, discovering a new Japanese snack hidden among the grocery aisles, lingering over a cup of coffee at Key Coffee, browsing books at Fully Booked x Kinokuniya, or ending the day with dinner at one of the mall's many restaurants. Every visit feels a little different, yet unmistakably familiar.
Whenever I find myself craving a slice of Japan without boarding a plane, MITSUKOSHI BGC is usually my first stop. From premium seafood and seasonal produce to beauty finds, home essentials at Nitori, eyewear from Paris Miki, or desserts from The Matcha Tokyo, the mall has quietly become part of many Metro Manila routines—not because it tries to recreate Japan as a spectacle, but because it embraces the rhythms of everyday Japanese living.
Neo Matsuri (Photo: MITSUKOSHI BGC)
A Tanabata celebration of Japanese and Filipino friendship (Photo: MITSUKOSHI BGC)
That sense of familiarity was palpable during the mall's third anniversary celebration held in Taguig City, on July 16, 2026. The occasion was more than another milestone. It also coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, giving the festivities a deeper meaning beyond the ribbons, performances, and celebrations.
Inspired by Tanabata, Japan's beloved Star Festival that tells the story of two lovers reunited across the Milky Way, this year's anniversary celebrated another enduring relationship—the friendship between two nations whose cultures continue to enrich one another.
Located within the podium of The Seasons Residences, the Japanese-inspired development by Federal Land together with Nomura Real Estate Development and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, MITSUKOSHI BGC was envisioned as more than a shopping destination. It was designed as a place where everyday encounters introduce visitors to Japanese culture through food, retail, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
Charmaine Bauzon, Commercial Business Group head of Federal Land Inc.; Kazuhiro Shimo, president of Mitsukoshi Federal Retail Inc.; Shigeru Shimoda, chairman of the Philippine-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Alfred Ty, chairman of Federal Land, Inc.; Yokota Naobumi, minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan; Masahiko Yoshizawa, general manager of MITSUKOSHI BGC; Eugene Tamesis, director of Sales and Marketing of Grand Hyatt Manila; Yusuke Hirano, vice chairman of Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. (FNG); and Jodee Arroyo, deputy general manager of Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Retail Development Corporation (Photo: MITSUKOSHI BGC)
“When Federal Land, Nomura Real Estate Development, and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings came together, we did not simply aspire to build another residential development or another shopping destination,” says Alfred V. Ty, chairman of Federal Land Inc. “We wanted to create a place where the very best of Japan and the Philippines could come together naturally, where culture could be experienced, friendships could grow, and families could feel at home.”
Looking back, Ty says seeing that vision take shape has been deeply fulfilling. “Together with my partners, we envisioned this development 10 years ago to bring a piece of Japan to the people of the Philippines. It fills me with satisfaction to see that what began as a bold vision has become a place that Filipinos have learned to embrace,” he says.
Meeting of cultures
During the event, the unmistakable beat of taiko drums echoed throughout the mall, immediately drawing shoppers toward the central atrium. Moments later, performers carrying a mikoshi, the traditional portable shrine often seen during Japanese festivals, moved through the crowd in a lively procession symbolizing community, celebration, and good fortune. LIV Dance Academy, the first Japanese-owned dance studio in BGC, followed with a contemporary performance that blended modern energy with Japanese influences.
During the event, the unmistakable beat of taiko drums echoed throughout the mall, immediately drawing shoppers toward the central atrium. Moments later, performers carrying a mikoshi, the traditional portable shrine often seen during Japanese festivals, moved through the crowd in a lively procession symbolizing community, celebration, and good fortune. LIV Dance Academy, the first Japanese-owned dance studio in BGC, followed with a contemporary performance that blended modern energy with Japanese influences.
One of the lighter moments came with the unveiling of Mitsuko, the mall's beloved kokeshi doll mascot, now dressed in a costume inspired by the colors of both the Japanese and Philippine flags—a charming symbol of the friendship the celebration hoped to honor.
“For many Japanese residents, MITSUKOSHI BGC has become a place that gives us a sense of home,” says Yokota Naobumi, Minister for Economic Affairs from the Embassy of Japan. “At the same time, it has become a place where our Filipino friends can experience Japan firsthand through food products, seasonal events like this and cultural activities, MITSUKOSHI BGC has created opportunities for Japanese and Filipinos to meet, interact, and deepen their understanding of the one of one another.”
The momentous event also highlights the spirit of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines. “The friendship between our two countries is built not only by government and businesses, but also by people-to-people connections and everyday exchange such as those that take place here at MITSUKOSHI BGC,” says Yokota.
LIV Dance Academy, the first Japanese-owned dance studio in BGC (Photo: MITSUKOSHI BGC)
A lively Mikoshi performance, bringing one of Japan's most festive traditions to life as performers carry a portable shrine in celebration of community and good fortune (Photo: MITSUKOSHI BGC)
What to expect
From July through August, MITSUKOSHI BGC transforms into an immersive cultural destination where guests can experience Japanese traditions through interactive activities rather than simply observing them.
From July through August, MITSUKOSHI BGC transforms into an immersive cultural destination where guests can experience Japanese traditions through interactive activities rather than simply observing them.
“Until the next month, we invite everyone to experience that connection through exciting events, seasonal festivities, cultural showcases, exclusive collaborations, and memorable experiences for families, friends, and visitors of all ages,” says Masahiko Yoshizawa, general manager of MITSUKOSHI BGC. “If you've visited MITSUKOSHI BGC before, we hope you'll discover something new.”
One of the most meaningful is the Tanabata wishing activity, where visitors write hopes and dreams on colorful tanzaku cards before hanging them on bamboo branches throughout the mall—a quiet ritual that invites everyone to pause, reflect, and make a wish.
The popular Yukata Dressing Experience also returns every Saturday until Aug. 15, allowing qualified shoppers to slip into traditional Japanese attire complete with hairstyling and light makeup before exploring the mall in full festival spirit.
Creativity also takes center stage through a series of workshops. On Aug. 29, Co. Collectibles hosts a Summer Paper Theater Activity featuring Ensky's intricately layered Japanese papercraft kits, while Pottery Sessions follows on Aug. 30 with Ceramic Wishes: A Tanabata Pottery Experience, where participants can paint ceramics inspired by both Japanese and Filipino motifs or try their hand at the pottery wheel.
Throughout August, curated pop-up spaces further celebrate craftsmanship across cultures. EDYA1929 showcases contemporary fashion crafted from vintage Japanese kimonos and obi belts, while Frankie General Store highlights clothing made from handwoven Philippine textiles, placing Japanese and Filipino artisanship side by side.
Wataru Tamura of JCB Philippines; Shigeru Shimoda, chairman of the Philippine-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Yasutaka Nomura of JCB Philippines (Photo: MITSUKOSHI BGC)
Kenichi Yamaguchi, general manager of Mitsukoshi Federal Retail Inc.; Kazuhiro Shimo, president of Mitsukoshi Federal Retail Inc.; Charmaine Bauzon, Commercial Business Group head of Federal Land Inc.; Shigeru Shimoda, chairman of the Philippine-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Masahiko Yoshizawa, general manager of MITSUKOSHI BGC (Photo: MITSUKOSHI BGC)
Looking forward
“For seventy years, our countries have built a relationship founded on mutual respect, trust, innovation, and cultural exchange,” says Masahiko. “At MITSUKOSHI BGC, we are proud to represent that friendship every single day—not only through Japanese products and services, but through experiences that bring our two cultures closer together.”
“For seventy years, our countries have built a relationship founded on mutual respect, trust, innovation, and cultural exchange,” says Masahiko. “At MITSUKOSHI BGC, we are proud to represent that friendship every single day—not only through Japanese products and services, but through experiences that bring our two cultures closer together.”
As the mall looks toward its fourth year, more authentic Japanese concepts, collaborations, and experiences are already in the pipeline. But perhaps MITSUKOSHI BGC's greatest achievement isn't measured by the number of stores it houses or the brands it brings to Manila. It lies in something less tangible.
In Japan, there is the philosophy of “omotenashi”—a form of hospitality that anticipates the needs of guests and welcomes them with genuine care, expecting nothing in return. It is difficult to define in a single English word, but easy to recognize once you've experienced it. You notice it in the meticulous presentation of products, the calm atmosphere, the thoughtful service, and the quiet invitation to slow down.
Three years on, MITSUKOSHI BGC has become more than a Japanese-inspired mall. It has evolved into a place where cultures meet naturally and where everyday experiences become lasting memories.