By GMA News Published May 26, 2026 9:17am + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. When it comes to design, versatility, and craftsmanship in fashion, Japan remains known for producing high-quality lifestyle products. Among its notable modern bag brands is Ball & Chain, known for its embroidered reusable bags that combine style and function.Now, Filipino bag lovers no longer have to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun to get their hands on the brand, as Ball & Chain has officially opened in the Philippines with two pop-up stores.Founded by Japanese designer Hideaki Mihara, Ball & Chain has gained popularity for transforming everyday reusable bags into statement pieces through colorful embroidery and playful designs inspired by pop culture, food, animals, and everyday life.Blending Japanese design sensibility with practicality, the brand creates bags designed for daily use, whether for work, travel, shopping, or casual wear.Ball & Chain has opened two outposts at SM Megamall and SM North EDSA earlier in May, with another branch set to open at The Podium in July. —Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA News
Japan's Ball & Chain bag brand officially opens in Manila
Filipino bag lovers no longer have to travel to Japan to get their hands on Ball & Chain, as the brand has officially opened in the Philippines with two pop-up stores.
TL;DRAI
Ball & Chain, Japanese embroidered-bag brand by designer Hideaki Mihara, opened two Manila pop-ups (SM Megamall, SM North EDSA) in May with a third at The Podium planned for July. The Philippines entry signals Japan's lifestyle brands pursuing direct retail expansion across Southeast Asia rather than relying on local distributors.
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