Philippine products may soon be featured in the shelves of Japanese thrift retail giant Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH) following a meeting with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officials in Tokyo.

PPIH, the company behind the Don Quijote and Don Don Donki store chains, expressed interest in expanding its sourcing of Filipino-made goods for its stores in Japan, the United States, and across Asia. The company currently retails home electronics, household items, food, and lifestyle merchandise.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met with PPIH executives to discuss enhancing the visibility of Philippine products — both as branded goods and as ingredients for Japanese-packaged offerings tailored to local markets.

“We welcome every opportunity to introduce Filipino products to the world, especially through partners who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence. Engagements like this underscore our dedication to creating new market avenues for Filipino enterprises,” Roque said.

The Japanese firm identified food and wellness products, eco-friendly home goods, and unique lifestyle items as areas of interest. PPIH also expressed a desire to work directly with more Filipino exporters and manufacturers to better access high-quality and trending items.

Secretary Roque underscored the Philippines’ growing export capabilities and assured the company of government support in connecting with local suppliers that meet international standards. Discussions also included finding solutions to regulatory and packaging concerns to ease entry into foreign retail markets.

While opening a Donki store in the Philippines remains a long-term consideration, PPIH officials said a successful sourcing partnership could pave the way for future expansion in the country.

“As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy, we are guided by a fundamental principle: alone we can only do so little, but together, we can achieve so much,” Roque added.

The meeting, according to the DTI, laid the groundwork for a stronger partnership between the Philippines and Japan’s dynamic retail sector.