‘Okurimono!’ A Japanese twist on Filipinos’ favorite holiday
Just like Filipinos and many other nationalities, the Japanese love giving and receiving gifts, or what they call okurimono, especially during the holiday season.
“We open our presents on the morning of Christmas day,” said Yuriko Takatori, who was born and raised in Japan. She told Lifestyle that she traveled for the first time in the Philippines in January this year. Since then, she’s been part of Mitsukoshi BGC, which is part of the iconic Japanese department store chain, Mitsukoshi.
Mitsukoshi BGC is found at the podium of The Seasons Residences, which also gives a slice of Japanese living in the Philippines. Both entities comprise the premium mixed-use development by Federal Land and its Japanese partners, Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.
Takatori works as a senior marketing and customer service omotenashi manager. Omotenashi, which roughly translates in English as “hospitality,” is a deeply rooted culture in the sado (tea ceremony) that commits to wholeheartedly looking after guests.
She had been informed beforehand that the Philippines holds the longest Christmas celebration, typically starting in September. Still, she was amazed when the Mitsukoshi BGC team started preparing for the Yuletide as early as March.
Takatori got more excited seeing the whole picture unfold at the lighting ceremony held last Wednesday at the mall’s location on 8th Avenue, corner of 36th Street, in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Unique charm
Guests gathered in anticipation at the lobby, where the program took place. It zeroed in on three central gifting themes: The Gift of Celebration, The Gift of Sharing, and The Gift of Entertainment.
“We are thrilled not only to bring you the magic of Christmas, but also the unique charm of Japanese-inspired Christmas season right here in BGC,” said Mitsukoshi BGC general manager Yoji Kawaguchi.
“We’re more than happy to share with you what we have prepared for the rest of the year. This year alone, we opened additional unique and concept stores. We shall continue to bring unique offerings as we bring to the Philippines the same standard of service and attention to detail that the brand has been known for all these years.”
Kawaguchi was then joined by Federal Land Inc. chair Alfred Ty and Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (FNG) commercial business group head Charmaine N. Bauzon for the traditional Japanese ceremony of breaking the sake (rice wine) barrel. It symbolizes breaking barriers to make new beginnings, forge unity, and bring in good fortune.
Giant ‘kokeshi’ doll
After the opening ceremony came the unveiling of the huge sculpture-like kokeshi doll named Mitsuko, creating a welcome sight just outside the mall. Mitsuko encapsulates what’s in store this holiday season at Mitsukoshi BGC: traditional, forward-thinking, and all-out cute.
From the kokeshi dolls’ long history, dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), they have since become a favorite souvenir item of modern tourists. They are also cherished for symbolizing blessings of wealth and happiness.
“She’s like an honorary marketing manager,” Takatori, who holds that position full-time in real life, said of Mitsuko. “Moving forward, in all the marketing activities, Mitsuko will be involved.” In essence, the human-sized doll will function as a mascot interacting with mallgoers.
Visitors can snap a selfie with the giant doll which glows with a magical snow effect. The first 200 selfies posted on Instagram with the hashtags #MITSUKOSHIBGC and #MITSUKO will earn each poster a free voucher from one of the mall’s food shops, Key Coffee. The promo runs until all 200 prizes have been given away.
From Dec. 1 to Dec. 25, shoppers with a minimum purchase of P1,000 of any merchandise—from clothing, jewelry and gadgets to toys, skin-care and beauty products—are entitled to a free holiday gift-wrapping service. The wrapping paper and bags are the same ones used in Isetan Mitsukoshi Japan.
The parent company issues a special holiday gift wrapping paper every year, Takatori explained, and this year’s edition will be shipped out for use in Mitsukoshi BGC.
Raffle promo
For dining options, mallgoers can choose from a wide range that will satisfy their cravings. The in-house grocery, called Mitsukoshi Fresh, is the perfect starting point as it also offers fresh and freshly cooked food. Then there’s the nearby Itadaki Food Court, which offers more Asian dishes aside from Japanese favorites. Even more varied offerings are available around the area and on the mall’s upper floors.
The good news is that dining hours have been extended. From Monday to Thursday, Mitsukoshi Fresh and all eateries are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday, closing hour is 11 p.m. During weekend and holidays, the schedule is from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
More good news: patrons get the chance to win exciting prizes, including a MacBook Pro, restaurant gift certificates, Christmas cakes, and Metrobank merchandise.
They just need to spend a minimum of P3,000 for dine-in, if they use a Metrobank credit card. For any other payment method, they have to spend a minimum of P4,000 at any participating restaurant, food, and beverage stores to qualify for the raffle promo.
More mall activities
While showcasing some of the quintessential aspects of Japanese culture in Mitsukoshi BGC, Takatori said homegrown customs and other influences are also given the spotlight.
“We actually try to be more integrated with the Filipino people,” she explained. “We don’t want to just push Japanese culture. We want to have a mix. We learn from Filipino culture and we also bring Japanese culture.”
How Filipinos value family is considered at Mitsukoshi BGC, for instance. Parents can bring their children, aged 5 to 11, especially from Dec. 20 to 22 for the Christmas kids’ event. The little ones and tweens can participate in sing-alongs, workshops, and mini games. Registration is open to those who make a minimum purchase of P2,000.
“Afterward, the kids can go around to the tenants and do something like a Christmas treat or trick thing,” Takatori pointed out.
By Dec. 23 to 25, the whole family can all enjoy the live music performances, as well as the Santa Meet and Greet sessions.
Hearing classic Christmas songs, such as “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night,” sung in Japanese sounded refreshing. We were treated to a sample by singers from the University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University during the launch.
Honmono living everyday
The Japanese inspiration echoes all-year round not only at Mitsukoshi BGC, but also at The Seasons Residences right upstairs. Residents of the upscale residential condominium get exclusive access to the property’s private elevator leading directly to the mall. This means you’re always just a few steps from fulfilling your shopping needs, satisfying your cravings, or simply immersing yourself in Japanese lifestyle options everyday.
With this well-thought-out development, Federal Land has created a unique opportunity of owning a piece of Japan. Offering honmono or authentic Japanese living experience, The Seasons Residences’ first tower, Haru, is now welcoming its residents with ongoing turnovers, while the fourth and final tower, Fuyu, is now preselling. Offering spacious two- and three-bedroom high-zone units with panoramic views of the bustling Bonifacio Global City, Fuyu Tower promises a unique opportunity to own a piece of Japan right in the heart of Metro Manila.
