Federal Land Inc. is bringing the Japanese principle of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, into its Philippine residential business as a long-term partnership with Japanese real estate and lifestyle companies moves from one project to a broader development strategy.
The approach is taking shape at The Seasons Residences in Bonifacio Global City, where Federal Land is working with Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. The partnership recently reached another milestone with the inauguration of Aki Tower, the third of four towers, and the opening of The Guest House.
For Federal Land, the value of the partnership goes beyond adding Japanese touches to a condominium. It gives the Philippine developer access to Japanese practices in space planning, construction, technology, and customer experience that can be adapted to the local market.
“There’s a lot to learn from their practice of real estate as to what we do here. We don’t claim to be the best, but we want to offer something different,” Federal Land Chairman Alfred Ty said.
Ty said Kaizen has influenced how the partners approach development, including the efficient use of residential space. Japanese developers, he noted, can make even a 50-square-meter unit work harder through careful planning and storage.
The Seasons applies that thinking through integrated storage, space-saving kitchen features, separate shower and bathtub areas, vibration-control technology, and other Japanese technologies.
Aki Tower extends the proposition into shared spaces, offering a business center, function room, culinary station, gym, outdoor terrace, and contemplation garden. Additional amenities, including a children’s play area, multimedia room, and golf simulator, are planned.
The Guest House brings another Japanese concept, omotenashi, or wholehearted hospitality, into a Filipino setting. Its four bedrooms, including a tatami room, are complemented by living and dining areas, a kitchen, and garden.
The partnership is also expanding through Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (FNG), the joint venture between Federal Land and Nomura Real Estate.
Federal Land Vice Chairman and FNG President Thomas Mirasol said The Seasons demonstrates what the partnership can accomplish and provides a foundation for future developments.
For Federal Land, the longer-term payoff from Kaizen may be less about making Philippine projects look Japanese and more about continuously improving how they are designed, built, and experienced.
“This project is just the start,” Ty said.
