Three Years of MITSUKOSHI BGC
MITSUKOSHI BGC celebrates 3rd anniversary with Tanabata Festival.
Words Art+ Magazine Team
Photos courtesy of MITSUKOSHI BGC
July 24, 2026
Mitsuko, MITSUKOSHI BGC’s beloved Kokeshi doll in a brand-new outfit inspired by the colors of the Japanese and Philippine flags
MITSUKOSHI BGC marks two important milestones this year: its 3rd anniversary and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.
Inspired by Tanabata, Japan’s Star Festival, the celebration highlights the long-standing friendship between the two countries. From July to August, MITSUKOSHI BGC will host cultural activities, workshops, shopping experiences, and special events that bring together Japanese traditions and Filipino creativity.
Anniversary Launch
The anniversary celebration officially began on July 16 with an event recognizing three years of MITSUKOSHI BGC’s presence in the Philippines.
The Kagami Biraki ceremony
(L-R) Chairman of the Philippine-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shigeru Shimoda; President of Federal Land, Inc., Jose Mari Banzon; Chairman of Federal Land, Inc., Alfred Ty; Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan, Yokota Naobumi; General Manager of MITSUKOSHI BGC, Masahiko Yoshizawa; and Vice Chairman of Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. (FNG), Yusuke Hirano.
The program opened with a taiko drum performance, followed by a Mikoshi presentation featuring a portable shrine traditionally seen in Japanese festivals. Guests also enjoyed a performance by LIV Dance Academy, the first Japanese-owned dance studio in BGC.
The event also featured the unveiling of Mitsuko, MITSUKOSHI BGC’s Kokeshi doll mascot, wearing a new outfit inspired by the colors of the Japanese and Philippine flags in celebration of the two milestones.
Experience Japanese Culture
The celebration continues on July 18 at 11:30 AM with the return of the Maguro Cutting Show at MITSUKOSHI FRESH. Third-generation Japanese fish dealer and seafood exporter Kosuke Nakaoka will demonstrate the traditional art of tuna cutting using a whole tuna caught in Japan and delivered to the Philippines the following day to maintain freshness.
(L-R) Commercial Business Group Head of Federal Land Inc., Charmaine Bauzon; President of Mitsukoshi Federal Retail Inc., Kazuhiro Shimo; Chairman of the Philippine-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shigeru Shimoda; Chairman of Federal Land, Inc., Alfred Ty; Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan, Yokota Naobumi; General Manager of MITSUKOSHI BGC, Masahiko Yoshizawa; Director of Sales and Marketing of Grand Hyatt Manila, Eugene Tamesis; Vice Chairman of Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. (FNG), Yusuke Hirano; and Deputy General Manager of Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Retail Development Corporation, Jodee Arroyo.
Visitors can also participate in the Tanabata tradition by writing wishes on tanzaku cards and placing them on bamboo trees around the mall.
The Yukata Dressing Experience will also return every Saturday from July 18 to August 15. Eligible shoppers can enjoy yukata fitting, hairstyling, and light makeup while experiencing a traditional Japanese activity.
Discover, Create, and Explore
MITSUKOSHI BGC will host several workshops focused on Japanese and Filipino craftsmanship.
Marga Sayson and Katrina Garcia
On August 29, Co. Collectibles will hold the Summer Paper Theater Activity featuring Ensky’s Japanese papercraft kits, where participants can create miniature seasonal scenes.
On August 30, Pottery Sessions will present Ceramic Wishes: A Tanabata Pottery Experience. Guests can decorate ceramic pieces inspired by Japanese and Filipino designs or try using the pottery wheel.
A Tanabata Celebration of Japanese and Filipino Friendship
Throughout August, visitors can also explore special pop-ups featuring local and Japanese-inspired craftsmanship. EDYA1929 will showcase contemporary fashion made from vintage Japanese kimonos and obi belts, while Frankie General Store will feature garments made from Philippine woven textiles.
Play, Shop, and Win
Customers can join the JCB Tama-nage Game Activation by presenting a minimum ₱2,500 single-receipt purchase for a chance to win prizes and exclusive merchandise.
Neo Matsuri
JCB cardholders receive an additional game turn, while newly approved JCB customers receive a complimentary game pass.
Qualified participants will also earn entries to the grand raffle, with prizes including a Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console, Nintendo Switch™ 2, and Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Leather Kits.
Japanese-Inspired Living in BGC
Located at The Seasons Residences in Bonifacio Global City, MITSUKOSHI BGC opened in 2023 as part of the Japanese-inspired development by Federal Land, together with Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. The mall continues to offer visitors access to Japanese retail, dining, and cultural experiences in Manila.
(L-R) President of Mitsukoshi Federal Retail Inc., Kazuhiro Shimo; General Manager of MITSUKOSHI BGC, Masahiko Yoshizawa; Zeti Cuenca; Commercial Business Group Head of Federal Land Inc., Charmaine Bauzon; and General Manager of Mitsukoshi Federal Retail Inc., Kenichi Yamaguchi
The Seasons Residences combines Japanese-inspired design with modern urban living. Through its connection to MITSUKOSHI BGC, residents have direct access to Japanese retail, dining, and cultural experiences within Bonifacio Global City. A limited selection of two-bedroom suites is available for those interested in becoming part of this community.
For more information on MITSUKOSHI BGC’s anniversary events and promotions, visit @mitsukoshi_bgc on Instagram and @MITSUKOSHIBGC on Facebook.
