Filipinos are not strangers to Japan by any means. Be it through anime, music, food, style, or culture, anyone who keeps up with the times would be able to recognize Japan when its name is mentioned. That is why, when the Mitsukoshi Mall opened on November 18, 2022, in Bonifacio Global City, locals were immediately intrigued by what the new mall had to offer. Being the first branch of the Japanese department store in Southeast Asia, the connection between the Philippines and Japan was further strengthened, especially since Mitsukoshi offered local goods aside from their usual Japanese ones.
The geometric facade of Mitsukoshi Mall draws attention upfront. Asao Tokolo, the lead designer, mentioned that it was inspired by the hemp pattern, only renewed. Tokolo’s version of the pattern involves equilateral triangles and squares, noticeably different from the traditional hemp pattern, which consists of repetitive isosceles triangles. This facade was created with the purpose of creating various perceptions in mind. The pattern, according to Tokolo, is meant to be perceived from different angles by passersby, drivers, cyclists, and customers themselves.
All levels mirrored Japanese open-plan concepts and Japanese culture that places importance on the connection between man and nature. When roaming around, one would not miss any glimpse of green since every store or stall would have either a potted or hanging plant nearby.
In an interview, some people behind Mitsukoshi mentioned that aside from shopping, they also wanted customers to enjoy staying in the mall. This plan is put into reality by the luxurious yet relaxing vibe of the mall. The open stalls and stores mixed with creative yet non-overbearing ceiling schemes blended well with natural colors and materials, such as wood. Aside from that, Mitsukoshi is also full of traditional Japanese symbolisms and elements. Some subtle, and some are quite obvious.
One step in and the customers are already greeted with a structure similar to that of a traditional Japanese temple adorned with red which represents protection and strength in Japan. On another entrance is a display of Wagara, or traditional Japanese patterns, hung to be visible upon entry. Another access features a statue of the Mitysukohsi lion, a feature of the mall inspired by Trafalgar Square’s lions in London.
The ceiling scheme played a salient role in defining spaces upwards, especially because Mitsukoshi is an open-plan mall, making it easier to perceive space. The wooden beams first seen from the main entrance and noticeable while roaming around seemed to mimic the Kirizuma, or gabled roof. Another thing to take note of is the display of what seemed to be Kasuri or Japanese fabric, atop an escalator in Basement 1.
Despite all this, the third level, which is meant to be the entertainment level, is still closed to the public. It is safe to say Mitsukoshi has much more of Japan to offer. Pillars, ceilings, symbolism, and concepts—Mitsukoshi sure did show us vital aspects of Japanese architecture, and there is still a lot more of it to explore.
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