Located in Bonifacio Global City, Japanese-branded shopping mall Mitsukoshi is celebrating its second anniversary with a cultural event rooted in Japanese folklore and Filipino hospitality.
From July to August, the upscale mall is hosting its version of Tanabata Matsuri, the traditional Japanese star festival, inviting the public to experience a vibrant mix of ritual, retail, and recreation.
Held at the podium of The Seasons Residences in BGC, the event highlights the mall’s continued commitment to blending refined Japanese culture with the energy of modern Philippine city life.
Inspired by the story of Hikoboshi and Orihime, star-crossed lovers who reunite once a year across the Milky Way, Tanabata Matsuri features colorful decorations, bamboo wishes, and family-friendly activities. Floating lanterns, tanzaku paper strips, and floral arches welcome visitors into a setting where tradition meets modern celebration.
On July 18, Mitsukoshi opened its anniversary festivities with an intimate ceremony featuring Kagami Biraki, the traditional opening of a sake barrel that symbolizes new beginnings. The day also introduced a refreshed look for Mitsuko, the mall’s popular Kokeshi doll, now dressed in a cheerful Tanabata-themed outfit.
Public activities began on July 19 with a full day of cultural programming. Guests were greeted by a live taiko drum performance. Crowds later gathered at Mitsukoshi Fresh for the third Maguro Cutting Show, where Iichi Yamashita skillfully carved an 80-kilogram tuna flown in from Kochi Prefecture in Japan.
The day also saw the opening of a new Watsons store at the basement level, offering more accessible wellness and beauty products for shoppers.
The celebration continues throughout the month with themed sales and creative workshops. The Grand Matsuri Sale runs from July 18 to August 14, featuring rotating promotions on food, fashion, home items, and children’s products.
On weekends from July 19 to August 17, families can take part in Senbonbiki, a Japanese string-pull game where each string leads to a prize. Shoppers with receipts totaling at least P2,500 are eligible to join and win items from brands such as Canmake, MNLA, Yogorino, and Kiehl’s.
The Natsu Workshops series adds more interactive experiences every Saturday and Sunday. Scheduled sessions include sandwich-making with Kewpie on July 27, terrarium-building with Moss Escape on August 2 and 3, and pottery with Bumi and Ashe on August 9, 10, 23, and 24.
Since its launch in 2023, Mitsukoshi has positioned itself as more than a shopping destination. Located in Grand Central Park, a master-planned community by Federal Land, the mall is part of The Seasons Residences.
The premium residential development is a collaboration with Japan’s Nomura Real Estate and Isetan Mitsukoshi. Haru Tower has already welcomed its first residents, while Natsu Tower is scheduled for turnover in the third quarter of 2025.
The development features Japanese-style amenities such as a KTV room, gym, pool, and leasing services for property owners.
This year’s anniversary events are supported by brands including Watsons, Shiseido, Daiso, Santouka, and Kiehl’s.
