EXPERIENCE A JAPANESE CHRISTMAS AT MITSUKOSHI BGC

The allure of experiencing Christmas in Japan captivates the hearts of Filipinos.

- By LAI S. REYES

Marked by extravagant illuminations and decors that transform urban landscapes into mesmerizing winter wonderlands, these lights aren't just for aesthetics; they reflect the Japanese appreciation of beauty and light, especially during the darker winter months.

Food is another reason why people travel to the Land of the Rising Sun. Well, I would probably skip a fried chicken meal, which has become a traditional Japanese Christmas dinner meal, to save room for a hot bowl of ramen and the Japanese Christmas cake topped with fresh strawberries.

Japan offers a unique blend of customs and modern celebrations that are both delightful and intriguing. The good news is, you need not travel to Japan to experience all these. MITSUKOSHI BGC and The Seasons Residences bring the unique Japanese Christmas spirit to the Philippines.

Highlighting the spirit of giving, sharing, and togetherness, MITSUKOSHI BGC and The Seasons Residences meld Japanese culture with Filipino tradition in kicking off its series of festive holiday celebrations and activities aimed at bringing Filipino families closer while creating a uniquely Japanese yuletide experience for all to remember.

Starting its grand Christmas celebration in true Japanese tradition, Federal Land Inc. chairman Alfred V. Ty led the Kagami Biraki—a sacred sake barrel-opening ceremony symbolizing new beginnings. He was joined by Mitsukoshi Federal Retail Inc. president Tetsuo Koike, MITSUKOSHI BGC's general manager Yoji Kawaguchi, Federal Land Inc.'s Commercial Business Group head Charmaine Bauzon, and MITSUKOSHI BGC's senior marketing manager Yuriko Takatori who introduced the year's theme, Okurimono—the Japanese tradition of gift-giving, emphasizing the importance of love and thought put in selecting the perfect gift for each loved one. This extends from Omotenashi, a deeply rooted Japanese philosophy in Japanese culture that heralds Japanese hospitality and care.