Today, February 23, marks the 65th birthday of Emperor Naruhito, the 126th emperor of Japan. Known as a ‘tennou tanjoubi,’ the day’s celebration is distinguished by the customary appearances of the members of the Imperial family on the Chowaden hall’s veranda in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to greet well-wishers. Aside from sending letters to the emperor, Japanese people celebrate the momentous occasion by watching traditional dance performances in honor of the emperor’s birthday, visiting ancestral shrines closely related to the Imperial family, and bringing home commemorative sweets and limited-edition sake as souvenirs.
The observance of the Japanese emperor’s birthday extends to the Philippines as the government and various companies send their greetings in recognition of the countries’ diplomatic relations and Japan as an ally, friendly neighbor, and strategic partner to development and progress.
Proud of its Filipino-Japanese roots, real estate company Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (FNG)—borne out of a partnership between Federal Land, Inc., the wholly-owned property development arm of GT Capital Holdings, Inc. (GT Capital) with a legacy of over 50 years in the Philippine real estate industry, and Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. (NRE)—joins the celebration of Japan’s National Day in honor of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.
In 1988, GT Capital, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), and Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co. partnered and established Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), under the leadership of Dr. George S.K. Ty, the late founding chairman of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), and Shoichiro Toyoda, then president of TMC. With a 46.5 percent market share in 2024, TMP is a long-standing leader in the Philippine automotive industry.
GT Capital has also forged alliances with top Japanese leasing and financing firms, such as ORIX Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation to offer solutions tailored for vehicle ownership, reinforcing GT Capital’s commitment to accessible and convenient financial services.
Beyond automotive partnerships, Japanese companies have expanded their joint ventures into property development.
FNG is one of the many results of these efforts. Through the joint venture, Federal Land and Nomura Real Estate promise to deliver Japan-inspired living in the country.
For over 65 years, NRE has been pivotal in Japan’s real estate industry, reshaping lifestyles and communities with its residential, commercial, and large-scale urban developments. Known for its precision, quality, and innovative approach, NRE has built a reputation for creating spaces that are harmonious and future-proof.
Another notable collaboration is Federal Land’s partnership with Japanese financing conglomerate ORIX Corporation for the Zen-inspired condominium, The Grand Midori. This continued with the 5-star hotel Grand Hyatt Manila, a landmark destination for superb accommodations, world-class service and amenities, and unique dining options, and Grand Hyatt Residences, offering luxury living with meticulously-designed residential units, finest services, and grand views of the BGC skyline.
In recognition of his enduring legacy in cultivating meaningful international partnerships and valuable support to philanthropic initiatives through the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., Dr. George S.K. Ty was bestowed with Japan’s highly prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star decoration by His Majesty then-Emperor Akihito on Nov. 7, 2017.
When founder Dr. George S.K. Ty passed on in 2018, his sons Arthur Ty and Alfred Ty took over the leadership of Metrobank and Federal Land, respectively.
Partnerships continued to foster, guided by the shared vision of timeless tradition and modern innovation started by Dr. George S.K. Ty. Under Alfred Ty’s leadership, Federal Land built The Seasons Residences and Mitsukoshi BGC together with two of Japan’s most trusted names in the real estate and retail industry, NRE and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.
The mixed-use complex creates a piece of Japan by bringing a distinct charm to Japan’s four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter, while its retail podium showcases Japanese pop culture through its product offerings, tenant mix, and architectural style.
Japan-inspired experiences extend with joint venture FNG’s products. In 2024, it has introduced residential and commercial developments infused with Japanese principles of design and innovation.
Starting with the award-winning Yume at Riverpark in Cavite, FNG envisions communities that are developed with Filipino lifestyles in mind while blending Japanese precision and focus in its design, amenities, and features. Its rising mixed-use development in Mandaluyong City, The Observatory, will feature unique Japanese retail and food stores and well-thought-out living spaces. In 2024, FNG not only introduced their commercial lots in Riverpark North, but also broke ground for the human-centric UNIQLO Logistics Facility in partnership with Fast Retailing Philippines.
By introducing Japanese precision, architecture, and expertise, FNG can deliver developments that enrich Filipino lives. At the core of its ethos, FNG embodies Japanese values of craftsmanship, precision, focus, and harmony to bring Japanese-inspired living to the country.
FNG is a story of collaboration that shows the result of cultural exchange and dedication to progress that will stand the test of time.
