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Mitsukoshi BGC's beloved Kokeshi doll sports a brand new outfit inspired by the colors of Philippine and Japanese flags as the mall celebrates its third anniversary. Handout

Article (news)

Karen Flores

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17846287250244 (1).JPG" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Mitsukoshi BGC&#x27;s beloved Kokeshi doll sports a brand new outfit inspired by the colors of Philippine and Japanese flags as the mall celebrates its third anniversary. HandoutIt&#x27;s been three years since the launch of the first outlet of the Japanese retail chain Mitsukoshi in the Philippines.</div>To those who haven&#x27;t visited the four-level upscale mall, it is located within the podium of The Seasons Residences in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The luxury condominium is a project by Federal Land with Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings and another Japanese giant, Nomura Real Estate Development. Mitsukoshi BGC&#x27;s third anniversary this July to August comes with a lineup of promos and experiences that give mallgoers a taste of Japan without having to leave the country — from a maguro cutting show where expert fish dealers carve a massive whole tuna, to a yukata session where they can wear an unlined summer kimono as they shop, complete with hair and makeup.The festivities are inspired by Tanabata, Japan&#x27;s annual festival that celebrates the mythical reunion of two star-crossed lovers. But more importantly, these also honor another important milestone: the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. &quot;For many Japanese residents, Mitsukoshi BGC has become a place that gives us a sense of home. 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,&quot; noted Yokota Naobumi, the Embassy of Japan&#x27;s minister for economic affairs. &quot;Mitsukoshi BGC has created opportunities for Japanese and Filipinos to meet, interact, and deepen their understanding of one another,&quot; he added, hoping that the mall will continue to serve as a bridge between the two nations. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17846288551712.JPG" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Executives from Mitsukoshi BGC, Federal Land, the Embassy of Japan, and the Philippine-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the event. Handout</div>Masahiko Yoshizawa, Mitsukoshi BGC&#x27;s general manager, said they plan to bring in more brands to the Philippines to further set them apart as a Japanese-inspired lifestyle destination in Metro Manila.Without giving details, he hinted at getting more food and beverage outlets that highlight lesser known Japanese dishes, as well as retail shops beyond popular franchises such as <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/7/8/first-pokemon-center-pop-up-to-open-in-ph-in-october-1710">Pokémon</a> and Hello Kitty.&quot;We want to bring something a little bit different,&quot; Yoshizawa said. &quot;I wish to bring in some of the brands here, and we are now doing some negotiations.&quot;&quot;For the food court, we do have a few tenants that we will be changing later on to more of the Japanese food concepts,&quot; he shared. &quot;I feel like there&#x27;s something missing, like soba or udon. So that kind of category, we wish to bring it in, in the future.&quot;<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178462898443233.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Japanese treats on display in Mitsukoshi BGC. Handout</div>For their first three years of operations in the Philippines, Yoshizawa observed that Mitsukoshi BGC&#x27;s biggest strength is food, via the mall&#x27;s supermarket and F&amp;B outlets. The Japanese executive believes that the country has a lot of growth potential, particularly in the higher-end market. &quot;We could clearly see that our customer profile here is much higher [compared to other malls in the country]. Many of the tenants and suppliers are starting to talk to us that they want to be here because we have something different from other malls. I think that&#x27;s one of our specialties,&quot; he said. &quot;If you talk about 5 to 10 years, definitely this country will become bigger, more developed, and we&#x27;ll have a bigger range of mid- to high-level customers.&quot;When asked if they are considering the idea of opening another Mitsukoshi mall, Yoshizawa replied: &quot;There&#x27;s always an opportunity to explore... If we can make a difference and we can pick the right place, there are always possibilities.&quot;&quot;But for now, we are concentrating here,&quot; he concluded.

It's been three years since the launch of the first outlet of the Japanese retail chain Mitsukoshi in the Philippines.

It's been three years since the launch of the first outlet of the Japanese retail chain Mitsukoshi in the Philippines.

Mitsukoshi BGC to bring in more Japanese brands as it marks 3rd year in PH

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Mitsukoshi BGC to bring in more Japanese brands as it marks 3rd year in PH

Karen Flores Layno,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 27, 2026 10:57 AM PHT

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