Tag: Japan

  • Japan’s ‘Jack in the Donuts’ Opens First Overseas Store at Glorietta 4 in Makati

    Japan’s ‘Jack in the Donuts’ Opens First Overseas Store at Glorietta 4 in Makati

    Japan’s popular specialty donut brand Jack in the Donuts is officially making its way to the Philippines.

    The brand will open its first overseas store on July 24, 2026, at Level 2 of Glorietta 4 in Makati City. The launch marks an exciting new chapter for Jack in the Donuts as it begins its international expansion in the Philippines.

    Store Front

    For Filipino food lovers, the opening means finally getting a taste of the brand’s well-known “World Donuts,” a colorful and creative collection inspired by sweets, flavors, and textures from different parts of the globe.

    A Beloved Japanese Donut Brand Arrives in Manila

    Founded in 2011 by BIGCREATE Co., Ltd., Jack in the Donuts has become one of Japan’s most recognizable specialty donut brands. It currently operates 35 stores across the country and has built a loyal following through its playful menu, accessible pricing, and commitment to quality.

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    The brand was created around the idea of bringing more excitement into everyday life. Its donuts are designed to appeal to both children and adults, transforming a simple snack into something fun, memorable, and worth sharing.

    With its first Philippine branch, Jack in the Donuts hopes to introduce that same cheerful experience to local customers.

    A Bright and Playful Store Experience

    Along with its international expansion, Jack in the Donuts has introduced a refreshed brand identity focused on adding more joy and personality to ordinary moments.

    Its new visual style takes inspiration from the process of making and decorating donuts. Chocolate drizzles, icing patterns, and colorful toppings influence the brand’s graphic elements, packaging, interiors, and staff uniforms.

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    At the Glorietta store, customers can expect a bright, pop-inspired space with a playful atmosphere. Designed to feel like a whimsical toy box, the store brings the brand’s cheerful personality to life from the moment guests walk in.

    Even the takeaway boxes are made to stand out, making every donut run feel like a small celebration.

    Explore Donuts Inspired by the World

    Jack in the Donuts is best known for its “Donuts from Around the World” concept.

    The brand offers a rotating selection of 25 to 40 donut varieties inspired by well-loved desserts and flavors from different countries. The lineup includes internationally influenced creations, classic favorites, savory options, and selections for customers looking for lighter choices.

    Premium Series

    Each donut is carefully made with selected ingredients. Pumpkin and sweet potato are incorporated into the dough to create a soft texture and gentle natural sweetness.

    Japanese flavors also play an important role in the menu. Customers can expect donuts featuring milk, kinako or roasted soybean flour, and premium matcha.

    These ingredients give the collection a distinctive balance of familiar comfort, creativity, and authentic Japanese character.

    Do Not Miss the Soft Malasada

    One of the brand’s must-try offerings is the Soft Malasada, a light and fluffy donut inspired by Hawaii’s famous pastry.

    Malasada

    Known for its airy texture and satisfying bite, the Soft Malasada has become one of Jack in the Donuts’ most popular products in Japan. It is expected to be one of the standout treats at the brand’s first Philippine store.

    Whether customers prefer sweet classics, unique international flavors, savory varieties, or Japanese-inspired creations, the menu offers plenty of choices for different cravings.

    Sweet Treats for Everyday Moments

    For more than 15 years, Jack in the Donuts has aimed to be more than just another donut shop.

    The brand wants to be part of the little occasions that make daily life more enjoyable. A donut can be a reward after a tiring day, an after-school surprise for the kids, a quick coffee break, a weekend treat with friends, or a simple reminder that it is perfectly fine to enjoy something special.

    With its playful products and welcoming atmosphere, Jack in the Donuts hopes to create a place where Filipino families, friends, and communities can gather, celebrate, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

    One donut may be small, but the moment it creates can be joyful, comforting, and memorable.

    Celebrate the Opening With a Free Donut Coupon

    To mark its Philippine launch, Jack in the Donuts is giving customers an extra-sweet reason to visit.

    On weekends from July 25 to August 30, 2026, customers who purchase six donuts in a single transaction will receive a free Old Fashion Donut coupon.

    Ring da Pon

    The coupon can be redeemed during the customer’s next store visit.

    Jack in the Donuts opens on July 24, 2026, at Level 2 of Glorietta 4 in Makati City.

    For updates, new product announcements, and upcoming promotions, follow Jack in the Donuts Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

  • ABC-MART Brings Japan’s Best Sneakers to BGC with New Flagship Store

    ABC-MART Brings Japan’s Best Sneakers to BGC with New Flagship Store

    Filipinos are no strangers to Japanese culture. Whether it’s slurping ramen, binge-watching anime, or hunting for the latest streetwear trends, Japan’s influence is everywhere. And now, one of Japan’s biggest footwear giants is bringing its sneaker game to Manila. Say hello to ABC-MART, the country’s go-to shoe haven in Tokyo and Osaka, now set to open its first stores in the Philippines.

    ABC-MART Grand Stage
    Renders of the first ABC-MART Grand Stage store

    If you’ve ever traveled to Japan and found yourself wandering into an ABC-MART store for kicks you couldn’t find anywhere else, you’ll be thrilled to know that soon, you won’t need a passport to get the same experience. Get ready for a shopping experience that’s about to level up your style!

    Sneaker Haven Coming Soon to BGC

    Through a new joint venture between SONAK Retail Group and ABC-MART, shoppers can look forward to a new retail destination that puts top global sneaker brands all under one stylish roof.

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    Opening in Fall 2025, the ABC-MART Grand Stage and ABC-MART Standard stores will debut at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and they’re going big.

    The Grand Stage concept is ABC-MART’s premium retail experience. Think elevated interiors, exclusive releases, and a carefully curated lineup of high-end sneakers and streetwear.

    Meanwhile, the ABC-MART Standard store offers a wide selection of lifestyle and casual shoes for every kind of shopper, making it easier for everyone to step up their shoe game.

    What to Expect at ABC-MART Grand Stage BGC

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    As the ultimate destination for style and selection, ABC-MART Grand Stage in BGC will span over 750 square meters across two floors and will offer a wide, meticulously curated collection, including limited-edition releases from leading brands: Nike, Adidas, ASICS, Puma, New Balance, Skechers, Timberland, Vans, Crocs, Salomon, and many more.

    It’s designed to be the ultimate one-stop shop for style-savvy shoppers, casual collectors, and streetwear enthusiasts.

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    From L-R: Koji Higashimae, Chief Executive Officer of ABC-MART SONAK Philippines, Kiichiro Hattori, Senior Vice President of ABC-MART Japan, Anil Buxani, Chief Executive Officer of SONAK Retail Group, Kabir Buxani, Incoming Chief Executive Officer and Director of SONAK Retail Group

    “Filipinos’ affinity for streetwear fashion makes this the perfect time for the much-loved ABC-MART to usher in a new era of retail excitement here in the country. We’re particularly thrilled about this partnership, building on the recent success of ABC-MART in Vietnam,” stated Mr. Anil Buxani, Chief Executive Officer of SONAK Retail Group. “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in SONAK Retail Group’s mission to deliver unparalleled shopping experiences in the country.”

    Mr. Kiichiro Hattori, Vice President of ABC-MART, further shared, “Our entry into the Philippines is part of our strategic expansion plan in Southeast Asia. It’s a large and dynamic market for ABC-MART, and we believe that our collaboration with SONAK Retail Group will deliver outstanding outcomes. We’re eager to bring the distinct retail experience and curated brand assortment to the style-conscious Filipino shopper.”

    Follow for Updates and Sneaker Drops

    Whether you’re hunting for exclusive sneaker releases or just want to be first in line when the store opens, stay in the loop by following their official accounts:

    Instagram: @abcmartph.grandstage and @abcmartphilippines
    Facebook: @abcmartph.grandstage and @abcmartphilippines

    More Stores, More Style

    Beyond the flagship store in BGC, both ABC-MART Grand Stage and ABC-MART Standard have plans to expand across the country throughout 2025 and beyond, bringing more global style and footwear innovation to Filipinos wherever they are.

    Whether you’re a longtime sneaker collector or just looking for your next favorite pair, ABC-MART is set to be your new go-to. Keep an eye out, your dream kicks might just be stepping into the city soon.

  • Explore Cinema-inspired Spots and Finds as Shangri-La Plaza Moves Into the Heart of Japan

    Explore Cinema-inspired Spots and Finds as Shangri-La Plaza Moves Into the Heart of Japan

    From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the vibrant cityscapes of Tokyo, Japan continues to be a highly popular travel destination for Filipinos. Shangri-La Plaza is giving Filipinos more reasons to visit and love Japan, as it hosts Into the Heart of Japan, a curated selection of exciting events that celebrate and promote Japanese arts and culture, as made possible in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Manila.

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    Shang’s Into the Heart of Japan is headlined by Journey Through Japan on Screen, a new initiative by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, which aims to introduce essential destinations, goods, and culinary delights as seen in Japanese films. It will be launched first in the Philippines from February 15 to 16 at the Red Carpet Cinemas as a special program of the beloved Japanese Film Festival.

    The films to be featured on Journey Through Japan on Screen are My Sunshine, a 2024 coming-of-age film about two young figure skaters in a small wintry town; DitO, a 2024 drama about a Japanese father who tries to revive his boxing career in the Philippines; Komada: A Whisky Family, a 2023 Japanese animated film that documents a small whisky distillery in rural Japan; and The Dancing Okami, a 2023 musical comedy on a young dancer’s journey to becoming an okami or a traditional Japanese inn manager, just like her mom. The mini film fest includes two talk-back sessions with Hiroshi Okuyama, the director of My Sunshine, accompanied by celebrated Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, and Takashi Yuki, the director of DitO, joined by upcoming Filipino director Mikael Joaquin.

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    Coinciding with the screenings is JAPAN DAY Fair, happening also at the Red Carpet Cinemas. This is where cinephiles can check out the film locations they should visit and browse all the goods and delights featured in the films. Hosted in cooperation with the Japanese local governments and tourism-related organizations, it also offers guests unique giveaways and promotional presentations about the places you should visit next in Japan.

    Into the Heart of Japan concludes with Nihongo Fiesta 2025 at the Red Carpet Cinemas and the Grand Atrium. This year is extra special as for the first time, the fiesta will run for two days from February 22 to 23. As a celebration of the spirit of collaboration for all Nihongo learners across the Philippines, the fiesta features the much awaited 52nd Nihongo Speech Contest as well as a unique Kobanashi (comic storytelling) performance. Guests must also catch the rare live performance of Japan’s renowned Maiko and Geiko from Gion Higashi, Kyoto, renowned for their graceful interpretations of classical Japanese dances on February 22 at 6:30 PM at the Grand Atrium.

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    Special booths will also be available on the second day of the Nihongo Fiesta 2025. This includes Kana Art from the Ateneo de Manila University; anime-inspired artists @rinishi_, @bloomerart__, and @haranikala.

    With the theme issho ni or togetherness and co-creation, Nihongo Fiesta has become a platform that showcases Japanese language, art, and culture; and more importantly, it fosters and deepens connections and camaraderie within the Nihongojin community in the Philippines.

    For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.