FOR many Japanese living in the Philippines, BGC (Bonifacio Global City) has become a place that gives them a sense of home. There is the massive Mitsukoshi Mall, which is a place where Filipinos can experience Japan firsthand through food products, seasonal events, shopping promos and cultural activities. And, there’s Muji, the sublime brand of simple, low-cost, good-quality products, which opened its 12th store in the country at SM Aura.
‘July is the season of Tanabata, one of Japan’s most cherished festivals of hopes and wishes. It is also the month in which we celebrate Philippines-Japan Friendship Day on July 23rd. And this year marks the 70th anniversary of the historic milestone,’ said Yokota Naobumi, Minister for Economic Affairs from the Embassy of Japan, during Mitsukoshi’s third anniversary celebration on July 16.
MITSUKOSHI BGC: A Tanabata Celebration of Japaneseand Filipino Friendship
FROM July to August, the mall is bringing together Japanese traditions, Filipino creativity and immersive cultural experiences, as it reaffirms its role as a destination where Japanese retail, dining and culture meet Filipino hospitality in BGC.
‘Three years may be a relatively young age for a mall, but it is also the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come-and more importantly, where we’re headed,’ said Masahiko Yoshizawa, the new general manager, in his welcome remarks. ‘For 70 years, our countries have built a relationship founded on mutual respect, trust, innovation, and cultural exchange. At the mall, 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.’
The past three years have been an important period of growth for the mall. It continues to refine its tenant mix, strengthen its partnerships, and improve every aspect of the customer journey.
Like any meaningful project, Yoshizawa stressed, building a destination isn’t something that ends when the doors open. It continues every day-with every idea, every improvement, and every customer experience.
The double event also unveiled the new outfit of Mitsuko, the mall’s beloved Kokeshi doll, an ensemble inspired by the colors of the Japanese and Philippine flags.
Activities lined up include the ‘Summer Paper Theater Activity’ on August 29 hosted by Co. Collectibles hosts featuring Ensky’s signature Japanese papercraft kits; and Pottery Sessions on August 30 called ‘Ceramic Wishes: A Tanabata Pottery Experience,’ where guests can paint, decorate, and personalize ceramic pieces inspired by Japanese and Filipino motifs.
EDYA1929 will showcase contemporary fashion made from vintage Japanese kimonos and obi belts, while Frankie General Store will offer garments crafted from woven Philippine textiles. What’s more, every qualified participant of the JCB Tama-nage Game Activation will earn an entry to the grand raffle, where lucky winners can take home exciting prizes such as a Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console, Nintendo Switch 2, and Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Leather Kits.
‘As we move into our fourth year, we’re ready to take an even bigger step forward. We’re bringing in more authentic Japanese experiences, stronger collaborations, and new concepts that we believe will further distinguish Mitsukoshi BGC as the most and only unique Japanese-inspired lifestyle destination in Metro Manila,’ said Yoshizawa.
MUJI MID-YEAR MUST-HAVES
AS per its website: Mujirushi Ryohin, Muji’s name in Japanese, translates as ‘no-brand quality goods.’ The brand mark and the brand name, created in Japan in 1980, are well-recognized by designers, conveying a certain image to people beyond factors such as the functionality, quality or value of about 40 products in the areas of apparel, household items and food-which, as the name indicates, had no brand but were of good quality.
Its store at SM Aura Premier, which opened on June 26, is the third store in BGC, alongside its existing stores at Central Square Mall and Uptown Mall. Muji is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, the Philippines’ largest specialty retailer, with an established brand portfolio that includes some of the world’s most recognized international brands.
‘The Philippines is an important market within Asean because it has a large young population and is experiencing extremely rapid economic development and growth,’ said Takeshi Akiyoshi, president and general manager of Muji Philippines, via an e-mail interview.
Japanese products remain popular in the Philippines, and Muji has learned how to capitalize on this devotion.
‘Japanese products are not only high-quality and well-designed, but also generally safe and reliable. We place great importance on quality, and we have been very particular about our products since our founding,’ Akiyoshi shared.
At the opening, the exclusive new makeup collection was launched with the theme of ‘Natural and Healthy Look.’ The new base makeup items promise to work with the skin’s natural color tone while summer-kissed candy colors were added to lip items, to brighten the overall look.
These beauty must-haves, aiming to bring a natural radiance to your face, are designed to fit in Muji’s Makeup Storage for compactness and for easy carrying. The makeup products contain natural moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba seed oil, shea butter, apricot kernel oil and chamomile flower extract.
‘Muji’s makeup focuses on the quality and value of the product itself, rather than the brand name, resulting in high-quality products that are more affordable than other high-end brands. For every store opening, we intend to make it special; that’s why we exclusively launched the makeup line first at Muji SM Aura. We want customers to experience something exciting with every new store opening,’ explained Akiyoshi.
‘Our product lines are designed to make Filipinos’ everyday life better. Our products are intentionally designed around consumer needs, giving users the freedom to use our products however they wish,’ Akiyoshi concluded. ‘From household items to stationery, to a cotton T-shirt, each line is made with purpose and good quality.’