Japanese Store Chains: A Primer for Everyday Shopping

Congratulations! You have just arrived in Japan. The sheen is still bright, you’re riding that high of the newness of everything, and all is good. But now you need to buy a bed. And groceries. And medicine. Uh oh. Where do you go? Well, here’s a short list of (hopefully) helpful chain stores where you […]

The Seven Eleven Japan Controversy

Seven Eleven is big business here in Japan. Serious business. People get real heated about their convenience stores, called conbini, and have their own allegiances. But this year, the year of our lord 2021, started out with something many Seven Elevenites could not stand for.

Kawagoe Warehouse and Tsubakiya Foot Spa Tea Room

It’s not often that I’ll single out a specific store but this one has so much character and a nice surprise in the back that I couldn’t help but give it its own spotlight. I figured I’d spend a little time sharing about the Kawagoe Warehouse and Tsubakiya Foot Spa Tea Room.

Lucky Bags in Japan

Do you fancy yourself a gambling-type? Do you find a thrill in the luck of the draw? Do you also like getting goods at steep discounts? If you answered yes to any of those, then Japan has a New Year’s consumer tradition for you: The Lucky Bag, or Fukubukuro (福袋).