All about Japan - Konbini: The culture of convenience
In Japan, you can't walk 100 meters without coming across a konbini.
Okay, I exaggerate, but it's almost the case!
And konbini have many fans, whether among the Japanese, but also among foreigners (tourists or not).
What is a Konbini?
Convenience stores, or "konbini" in Japanese, are retail shops that offer a wide range of essential products, such as food, drinks, toiletries, and stationery. They are open 24/7 and are very convenient for people who need to make last-minute purchases or find food or drinks late at night. They are known for their large selection of pre-packaged food, which includes sandwiches, salads, bento (prepared meals), sushi, and noodles. They also offer a wide range of drinks, including juices, smoothies, soft drinks, and teas.
How many konbini are there in Japan?
Convenience stores are very popular in Japan and are found everywhere in cities and rural areas. According to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, there are more than 50,000 across the country, including 7,000 in Tokyo alone.
There are many convenience store chains in Japan, each with its own characteristics and products. Here are some examples of popular chains:
7-Eleven: 7-Eleven is the most popular convenience store chain in Japan and offers a wide range of products, including food, drinks, toiletries, and stationery. They are known for their large selection of pre-packaged food, such as sandwiches, salads, and bento, as well as for their home food delivery service.
FamilyMart: FamilyMart is another popular convenience store chain in Japan and offers a wide range of products similar to those of 7-Eleven. They are known for their large selection of drinks, including smoothies and soft drinks, as well as for their online payment service.
Lawson: Lawson is another popular convenience store chain in Japan and offers a wide range of products, including food, drinks, toiletries, and stationery. They are known for their large selection of pre-packaged food, such as sandwiches and bento, as well as for their home food delivery service.
There are many other convenience store chains in Japan, each with its own characteristics and products.
Why are they so popular?
In addition to their convenience and wide range of products, convenience stores are also appreciated for their quality service and cleanliness. They are generally well-maintained and have clean and modern restrooms, making them a popular choice for people looking to use public toilets.
In summary, convenience stores are an important part of daily life in Japan and are a convenient and affordable way to purchase essential items and find food at any time of day or night.
I have already seen the word "conbini," is it different?
That's a big debate that many foreigners have about how to write the word コンビニ in romanized language.
Well, the answer is that both work.
Conbini comes from the English term "convenience store," hence the C.
Konbini is the more literal translation of the word in katakana コンビニ since the コ is written as ko in romaji.
For consistency in my article, I decided to use only the word Konbini, with a K then.