In today’s ever-changing world, Filipinos constantly look for meaning and balance in how they live. The Japanese share this same desire but express it through values that shape their everyday life — a life defined by harmony, simplicity, and a timeless sense of beauty.

MODO Food & Living Japan aims to bring a way for Filipinos to experience authentic Japanese values in everyday life. Founded in Manila in 2025 by a visionary team of creatives, culinary professionals, and designers, MODO blends the beauty of daily rituals with the precision of curated living. More than a retail concept, it is a living canvas of culture, uniting Japanese lifestyle with Filipino warmth through trusted brands and experiences that bring Japan directly into Filipino homes.

To bring this vision to life, MODO partners with Japanese heritage brands that embody the same ethos: excellence, simplicity, and soul. These brands honor tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, celebrating the small, meaningful rituals that bring joy, balance, and intention to everyday life; values that define both Japan’s enduring culture and the lifestyle MODO invites Filipinos to embrace.

Now, MODO is currently partnering with some of the leading Japanese brands, including Vermicular, Unir, Ippodo, and Sengoku Aladdin. Their goal is to distribute their high-quality products and also use them in their café to prepare exceptional food and beverages. Learn more about the official partners and cafés in the following sections of this article.

VERMICULAR
Beautiful and Thoughtfully Designed

Made in Japan by a third-generation foundry, Vermicular is the product of the Hijikata brothers’ mission to merge traditional cast-iron craftsmanship with modern culinary needs. The brand’s name comes from vermicular graphite iron, known for its exceptional heat control and retention.

At the heart of Vermicular’s innovation is the Musui–Kamado: a waterless cooking system that locks in moisture and flavor without added liquid. Each piece is hand-finished for an airtight seal — a testament to Japan’s culture of precision.

For MODO, Vermicular is more than cookware. It represents the quiet mastery of Japanese engineering, a deep understanding of how people cook, and a belief that tools should elevate everyday cooking into something extraordinary.

UNIR
From Seed to Cup

Founded in Kyoto in 2012 by Hisashi Yamamoto, Unir (meaning “to connect” in Spanish) is rooted in direct trade, deep coffee knowledge, and total transparency.

Yamamoto-san’s dedication to understanding coffee at its source led him to farms around the world. Each bean is carefully selected, roasted with precision, and brewed with intention — highlighting the unique flavor of every harvest.

Their commitment to serving high-quality coffee is reflected in their careful selection of only the most skillful and passionate baristas to join their team. Among them are champion baristas Tomoko Yamamoto-san, their Head Barista and General Manager, who won the Japan Barista Championship in 2018, and Toshio Uchibe, their Sales and Barista, who earned the title of Japan Barista Champion in 2022. All of their baristas continuously participate in competitions and dedicate themselves every day to ensuring that every drink they serve meets the highest standards.

Unir’s presence at MODO is a celebration of craft, connection, and education. It’s not just about coffee; it’s about honoring the journey from farm to cup, and creating moments of pause in a fast-moving world.

IPPODO
Over 300 Years of Tea Heritage

Founded in 1717 in Kyoto, the shop began as a tea and ceramics store called “Omiya,” established by Rihei Watanabe. In 1846, its name was changed to “Ippodo,” meaning “preserve one,” after Prince Yamashina enjoyed their tea and encouraged them to uphold a single tradition: providing high-quality tea. To this day, the Watanabe family continues this legacy, safeguarding a centuries-old tradition. Because of this dedication, Ippodo remains one of Japan’s most respected tea houses.

With over 300 years of tradition, Ippodo has remained committed to blending and serving authentic Japanese teas, including matcha, gyokuro, sencha, genmaicha, and hojicha, in their flagship store in Kyoto.

Each cup tells a story of legacy, ritual, and refinement. MODO proudly brings Ippodo to new generations of tea drinkers, offering not just products, but an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and find meaning in the everyday.

SENGOKU ALADDIN
Magic... Starting with a Single Lamp

Sengoku Aladdin originated in Japan in the early 20th century, blending classic British design with exceptional Japanese craftsmanship to create timeless heating and cooking appliances. Their most iconic creation, the Blue Flame Heater, has been warming both homes and hearts for over 90 years, a true symbol of comfort and enduring quality.

Today, the brand has expanded its lineup to include a variety of home appliances, all while maintaining its signature quality and seamlessly blending retro design with modern technology. They are best known for their iconic heaters and stylish retro-inspired toaster ovens that bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia to modern homes. 

Here at MODO, we see Sengoku Aladdin as a source of inspiration for creating cozy, meaningful spaces. It’s a celebration of how everyday living can be both beautiful and functional. With its blend of vintage charm and modern innovation, it brings warmth, style, and a sense of comfort to our daily lives.

MODO Food and Living Japan Café
A Taste of Japan at Our Café

MODO Café was established with one purpose: to let people experience quality food and beverages, inspired by Japanese cuisine. From carefully curated pastries to expertly crafted dishes and drinks, every offering reflects the mastery of the artisans who have tirelessly produced and served these products.

Currently, the cafe is at Mitsukoshi, BGC, sharing the space at The Bakery by Café Dolci, where both brands come together to create a unique culinary experience. The offerings vary from a wide range of specialty coffees made with Unir beans to authentic green teas from Ippodo. The meals are crafted using premium kitchenware from Vermicular and Sengoku Aladdin, ensuring every dish is prepared to perfection.

MODO and Café Dolci have exciting things in the works that will take your Japanese lifestyle experience to the next level. Stay informed by following the up-to-date social media accounts.