A Tanabata Celebration at Federal Land's Mitsukoshi BGC

There's something magical about walking into Mitsukoshi BGC this season.

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The light filters differently through the lanterns; the air seems tinged with story. Overhead, streamers sway and bamboo trees stand tall, waiting to catch your wishes. You don't need to know the tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi to feel the romance of it all, but it's lovely once you do.

In Japan, Tanabata celebrates the reunion of two lovers separated by stars, destined to meet only once a year. Here, it's the inspiration behind the mall's second anniversary: a month-long celebration that blends tradition, community and, of course, a little sparkle.

The festival kicked off with a Kagami Biraki ceremony, that moment when a sake barrel is broken open to invite new beginnings. I always find these rituals grounding. Intentional. There's something beautiful about pausing to mark time, to say, "We made it to another year. Let's make a wish."

One of the most unforgettable moments was the Maguro Cutting Show. Imagine this: a whole 81.5-kg tuna flown in from Kochi Prefecture, laid out with reverence like an artwork. Chef Ichi Yamashita carved it with such precision, it felt more like choreography than butchery. It's the biggest one they've ever flown in for the occasion, and you could feel the collective awe in the room.