The Philippines-Tokyo Banana Connection: Discovering The Story Behind One Of Japan’s Most Beloved Treats
A delegation from the Philippine Embassy in Japan visited the manufacturing facility of Tokyo Banana on 31 July 2024. MASDAC Chairman Fumiharu Masuda (standing 4th from left), MASDAC President Nobuo Okuda (standing 2nd from left) and Grapestone Production Director Katsuya Yamasaki (front, 3rd from left) were among the corporate officials who received the Embassy delegation consisting of Economic Officer Alvin Malasig (standing 5th from left), Agriculture Attache Aleli Maghirang (standing 3rd from left), Public Diplomacy Officer Darell Artates (standing 6th from left) and Assistant to the Agriculture Attache Hadija Sato (off camera).
07 August 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, through its Economic Section and the Office of the Agricultural Attaché, engaged with the companies behind one of Japan’s most beloved confections, Tokyo Banana, on 31 July 2024 at their manufacturing facility in Saitama Prefecture.
The officials of MASDAC Co., Ltd. and Grapestone Co. Ltd. received the Philippine Embassy delegation.
Introduced in 1991, Tokyo Banana is a banana-shaped sponge cake filled with banana custard cream. A significant amount of the bananas used as a raw ingredient in the custard filling comes from the Philippines.
MASDAC produces the Tokyo Banana pastries, as well as custom-made machinery for large-scale pastry manufacturing. Grapestone, on the other hand, is Tokyo Banana’s brand owner and distributor.
Tokyo Banana items are available in classic and special limited-edition bundles. Since its introduction to the Japanese market, Tokyo Banana has become a commercial success and a must-try for visitors exploring Japan and an excellent “omiyage” for friends and family.
“We appreciate the valuable opportunity to interact with MASDAC and Grapestone. It is gratifying to know that bananas from the Philippines, renowned for their high quality and superior taste, are part of a product cherished by the Japanese people. The Philippines is dedicated to continuing to bring the tastiest and freshest bananas to Japan,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano.
Japan is the top overseas market for Philippine bananas. Nearly 80% of fresh bananas imported by Japan come from the Philippines. In Mindanao, the banana industry generates about 700,000 jobs, making it a major driver of economic growth and stability in the region.
Bananas are the most consumed fresh fruit in Japan. Packed with nutrients and easy to eat, they are considered an energy-boosting food and a staple in the Japanese diet. In recognition of banana’s popularity, August 7 is unofficially celebrated as Banana Day in Japan.
