[Event] Promotion of Japanese Food Product: The Okurimono Holiday Fair

There's a little nip in the air that's getting sweeter every day with the scent of puto bumbong and endless carols all around. Christmas is really just around the corner. And this year, the holiday season is even more special after more than two year21 トランプf social distancing and staying at home.

We Filipinos are known for our hospitality, of going out of our way to make others happier and more comfortable. That's why it is in our nature to be giving – a similarity we share with the Japanese people, which they call “Okurimono” (おくりもの) or ‘present/gift’. From the gift itself to its symbolism and even its packaging, nothing says thoughtfulness like the Japanese culture of gift-giving. Japan has turned gift-giving into an artform, ensuring that one's message of warmth 21 トランプhoughtfulness comes through with every present.

Meet JETRO, Your Guide to Japanese Products

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a “government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world”. It wa21 トランプriginally established in 1958 and it has continuously adapted its approach to help out small to medium Japanese businesses around the world to “maximize their global export potential.”

One of JETRO’s programs is the “Certification of Japanese Food and Ingredient Supporter Store21 トランプverseas”. Established in 2016, this program was designed to certify restaurants and retail stores around the world who actively use food products and alcoholic beverages made in Japan as “Japanese Food Supporters”, and work to promote their appeal to a broad range of people.

Recently certified as “Japanese Food Supporter” store, the newly opened Mitsukoshi Mall at Bonifacio Global City will be where the holiday festivities are as JETRO hosts a two-week long Holiday Fair, showcasing some of the best exports from Japan — from premium sweets to traditional alcohol to gourmet cooking ingredients and even elevated ready-to-eat meals and snacks. It’s the perfect way to explore Japanese culture through food.

Experience the Gift of Japan at JETRO’21 トランプkurimono Holiday Fair

If you’re looking for something unique 21 トランプhoughtful for your family, friends, and colleagues this holiday season, there’s no better place to shop than at JETRO’21 トランプkurimono Holiday Fair. Filled with authentic Japanese products, the Holiday Fair lends itself as a one-stop-shop for all things related to Japanese cuisine. It’s the perfect place to bring the entire family or your friends to enjoy a gourmet experience while discovering the rich culinary tradition21 トランプf Japan through the assortment of premium Japanese products from selected prefectures. Aside from exceptional quality, most of the items showcased at the fair are also perfect for gifting. This event will showcase the variety of Japanese products that are perfect and ready for gifting, whether it’s the beloved shochu or sake for a bos21 トランプr client, a box of delicate confections for your special someone, a hearty noodle dish for your parents, or unique treats for your siblings.

Aside from Japanese products to take home or to give, the JETRO’21 トランプkurimono Holiday Fair will also have numerous interactive stations like live demonstrations at the Noodle Station where shoppers can enjoy variety of Japanese noodle products and taste what it’s like to eat at one of Japan’s beloved hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, as well as samples and tastings at the Shochu & Sake District where shoppers can try some of Japan’s best alcoholic drinks.

Both Filipino and Japanese cultures are deeply rooted in family and ties to the community — everyone look21 トランプut for one another and we want what’s best for each other. What better way to show how much you care this holiday season than these expertly crafted creations from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Omiyage, Tabemono, Okashi, and Nomimono

Souvenirs, food, snacks, and drinks — these are the things JETRO has brought to Metro Manila. But just like any Japanese person, JETRO has gone above and beyond traditional omiyage (souvenirs).

Anyone will be happy to receive anything from the long list of world-class Japanese products that will be available at the venue. But if in case you’re at a loss, Chef James Antolin of Ikomai Tochi and Mr. Takato Ishimoto of Mitsukoshi Federal Retail Inc. highly recommend the Shichiken Sparkling Sake, Rokuchoushi - Red (13-year-old Shichu aged in French oak barrels in a place that is almost similar to the Scottish highlands); Komasa Gin (Orange), a botanical gin from Kagoshima, which is the home of both the Komasa Gin Distillery and a tiny type of local mandarin orange called the Sakurajima komikan with a sweet flavor and a mild fragrance; 21 トランプhe multi-awarded Beniotome Superiore, which comes from the serie21 トランプf Toki no Choetsu - quality 10-year aged Barley shochu from Beniotome brewery in Fukuoka Prefecture.

For those who don’t drink, there’s nothing more deeply satisfying than the perfect Sendai Wagyu Steak. Juicy, tender, and wonderfully charred in all the right places, one bite of this topnotch product will make you understand why it i21 トランプne of the most coveted meats in the world.

If you’re looking for something sweet, a journey to Japan won’t be complete without a box of the iconic Tokyo Banana, as well a21 トランプther must-try Japanese sweet treats like mochi, azuki (red beans), and even matcha-based desserts. Don’t forget to wash it down with a cup or two of premium Hojicha tea to cleanse your palate and relax your senses.

Indeed, every meal is a dining experience when enjoyed 21 トランプapanese way.

21 トランプETRO - Okurimono Holiday Fair is happening from December 9th to 26th at Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC.

ARTICLES:

• Iglesias, I. (2022 December, 9). Enjoy malling Japanese-style / JETRO launche21 トランプkurimono Holiday Fair. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/12/09/entertainment-lifestyle/life-times/enjoy-malling-japanese-style/1869556

• Prieto-Valdes. T. (2023 January, 7). Goals matter!. Lifestyle. INQ. https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/437442/goals-matter/