Going to a 24-hour store in North America, the U.K., or Australia is usually for the people who are after a cold drink or an unhealthy snack. Other than that, there's not much to browse for. Japanese convenience stores, however, seem more like supermarkets than corner shops. When it comes to things and stuff, they apparently have everything that someone could need. I've compiled a list of just a fraction of the things and a handful of the stuff that can be found at Japanese convenience stores. Some items seem practical, some look delicious, and some are just downright weird. Let's have a look...
"Have A Brewsky On Me"
A lot can be said about the type of clientele that a store has by what they stock their shelves and fridges with. Considering the extended hours that most people work in Japan, the product choices should come as no surprise.
Half stocked with a variety of caffeinated beverages, in order to keep everyone alert during the day, the other half of the fridge is for after work.
"Well, Hello There..."
Not all snacks that are found at Japanese convenience stores can only be found in Japan. There are a few products that became so popular that they made it into the Western market as well.
Hello Panda is an example of a snack "making it" in the snack food market. With multiple filling options to choose from, these bite-sized crunchy snacks are more than good, they're addictive.
"They're So Squishy"
One of the things that we're going to see on our journey through Japanese convenience stores, is that in Japan a lot of foods are made out of rice.
Mochi is a delicious rice-based cakey dessert. They have a similar texture to marshmallows and usually come flavored as lychee, strawberry, mango, and matcha. Although the flavors aren't very potent, they are, nevertheless, difficult to put down.
"Can Someone Give Me A Hand...Or Eight?"
At a 7/11 in America, it's possible for someone to purchase a bag of pork rinds, and no one would think twice about it. In Japan, they have a snack that is as strange to an American, as pork rinds would be to someone from Japan.
Shredded squid and squid jerky are popular snacks in Japan. Most convenience stores sell a variety of brands and flavors. It might sound weird to be snacking on squid, but it seems a lot healthier than munching on deep-fried pig skin.
"Maybe Just A Few..."
If it's not obvious yet, that Japanese convenience stores have a bit of a different type of selection of foods than what most of us are used to, it will be very soon.
Mitarashi dango can normally be found in the dessert fridge (which we'll get to a bit later on). With anywhere from 3-5 sticky rice dumplings put on a skewer and covered in a sweet soy glaze, mitarashi dango is a sticky and messy delight that can be eaten on the go.
"Those Sure Are Some Tender Thighs"
Imagine making a pit stop during a road trip, and stopping at a convenience store that sells ready-to-eat fried chicken. It might not be "The Colonel", but Japan does have a great alternative.
FamilyMart's Famichiki is the ultimate in convenience store snacks. It's a fried piece of boneless chicken that's ready to be devoured along with all of its crunchy, yet juicy, goodness.
"Feelin' Like A VIP"
I know that it's not just me who's tired of the ridiculously over-priced parking rates in most cities, and that's only when we're lucky enough to find parking to begin with.
Don't worry about trying to find affordable parking when going to a Japanese convenience store, parking is always free. Just don't hang around too long, or some people might get a little upset.
"Special Delivery"
Waiting in the queue at the post office, in order to pick up or send a parcel, is not a very pleasant way to spend the day. But unfortunately, in North America and Britain, there aren't many other options.
In Japan, they have options. Most convenience stores in Japan also act as post offices. Heading over to pick up a package? May as well save a little time and grab some milk and eggs as well.
"Choose Wisely"
Most of us are probably fairly used to seeing Sports Illustrated magazine or Archie Comics when we go to the local corner store, or for those who are into the more taboo selections, Penthouse or Playboy.
Japan is fairly well known for its selection of Manga comics, and just as North America has magazine sections at its convenience stores, Japan does as well. And yes, for those after an animated thrill, they do also sell a variety of pornographic Manga comics.
"Food Just Tastes Better When It Comes In Triangles"
When visiting Japan, there is little need for a visitor to look any further than the local shop in order to quench their hunger, no matter how big, or small, of a craving they might be having.
Onigiri can be found in the sushi corner of most Japanese convenience stores. They are a nice snack for someone who isn't quite hungry enough for a full tray of sushi, but too hungry to settle for some shredded dried squid.
"The Show Must Go On"
Most people, who have been through the experience of purchasing tickets through an online ticketing site, know the frustrations that come with the site refreshing just as the order is about to be placed.
Say goodbye to missing out on a great night because of a faulty Wi-Fi connection. At convenience stores in Japan, they have ticketing machines that sell and print tickets for any sporting event or concert that happens to be taking place.
"Here's Lookin' At You Kid"
On the way home from a friend's place, it happens far too often that a midnight snack craving sneaks up on us unexpectedly.
These mini fried crab snacks could be just what's needed to satisfy those late-night munchies. They're crunchy, come in a few different flavors, and still have their eyes. Who doesn't want their food looking at them when they eat?
"Stamp Of Approval"
On the list of things that can be frustrating about going to mail a letter or package, not having enough postage stamps is right up near the top.
It's a good thing convenience stores in Japan sell stamps then, isn't it. I suppose it makes sense, after all, if you can send a parcel from the corner store, surely, they must have stamps.
"It Happened Again"
No matter what type of late-night emergency might unexpectedly arise, Japanese convenience stores have everyone covered.
For the woman (or man), that just so happens to realize that they need a new pair of knickers on short notice, convenience stores in Japan are usually equipped with an undergarment aisle.
"And Now We Know Where Popcorn Chicken Comes From..."
Although many of the snacks that we'd find at a Japanese convenience store could be considered a little bit odd by North American standards, no one can contest that the variety of snacks far surpasses what most of us are used to.
That brings us to deep-fried quail eggs. If the Famichiki and fried Karaage are a bit too filling, but that craving for fried foods is too strong to ignore, pick up a paper bag and toss in a few tiny deep-fried eggs and enjoy some embryonic quail on the walk home from work.
"Yes, We're Open"
In most Western countries, if someone needs an umbrella or a pair of underwear late at night, there's a good chance that if it's past midnight, they'd be out of luck. It's becoming increasingly rare to find shops that are open 24/7.
Most convenience stores in Japan actually do stay true to their names and remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That way, a customer can go shopping anytime it is convenient for them.
"Write That Down"
In recent years, due to the ability to type and text, fewer and fewer people are relying on the "ancient" craft of handwriting, but I'm not quite sure Japan got the memo.
For all of one's stationary-related needs, convenience stores in Japan, more often than not, have an aisle dedicated to just that. Either people in Japan send a lot of mail to one another or arts & crafts is making a comeback for the ages. It's a good thing these stores are open 24/7, it's impossible to tell when a late-night urge to doodle should happen to overwhelm us.
"Lost In Space"
A customer at a North American convenience store usually has a wide selection of potato and corn chips to choose from. It's not just the range of flavors that someone must decide between. For those who are more inclined to decide on which snack to go with based on its shape, there's a choice there as well. There are regular chips, scoops, cones, squares, pringles, triangles, there is no shortage of options.
Rice crackers in Japan are no different. Kaki no tani is basically, senbei fragments that are shaped like seeds and mixed with peanuts. A few years ago, in 2017, it was registered as Japanese space food.
"Opening Up"
For anyone who has had a look at some of the inventions that have come out of Japan, the fact that there are umbrellas being sold at convenience stores should come as no surprise.
I'm more surprised at the rather small selection of umbrellas available at this specific store. After all, there is not a single umbrella tie or shoe umbrella anywhere to be seen.
"Maybe Just Isolate, And Send Someone Else"
Ever wake up feverish in the middle of the night, sweating through layer after layer of clothing, yet feeling so cold that it's impossible to move? A common remedy in North America is to take 2 Advil and wait it out until the pharmacy opens to get something more effective.
In Japan, there's no need to wait for the pharmacy to open up in the morning. All that's needed is for a well-abled person to head over to the shop and, at any time of night, they should be able to come home with the needed medication. That's right, Japanese convenience stores sell most medication. In fact, many of them aren't even over the counter, they have their own aisle.
"Yes, Please"
Pancakes should be a food group of their own. In some places, they are eaten as a part of breakfast, in other places, as dessert. In Japan, they eat them in a similar fashion to how North Americans eat Pop-Tarts.
For those who have never seen one of these, it is called a mochifuwa pancake, and it is a magnificent creation. They usually come as one individually packed pancake. They're fluffy, sweet, and come with maple syrup and butter.
"Nice Buns"
I'm fairly certain that most people who eat burgers do so for the taste, and not because they enjoy the way the patty looks on the bun (although some people might).
A cookie, shaped like a burger, filled with chocolate. Why not? This isn't even the oddest thing on this list and, to be honest, they don't look too bad.
"What's not to like? Rice...Good. Seaweed...Good."
There are dozens of different rice-based snacks in Japan. Many of them have even worked their ways over to North America. With a little bit of everything in it, it's no wonder Arare has become popular not just in Japanese convenience stores.
Nori maki Arare is a tube-shaped rice cracker snack that is wrapped in seaweed. They're crunchy, a little salty, and proof that sushi isn't the only Japanese food that incorporates both rice and seaweed.
"Can I Get That Cleaned And Pressed, Please"
While rushing around trying to get everything organized for work in the morning, there are many different things that one can forget to do. Some people forget to turn off the coffee machine, some can't find their keys, and some would forget their head at home if it wasn't screwed on right.
Just in case someone forgets to get dressed in the morning, while they're on the way to work they can stop off at the local corner store to pick up a whole new wardrobe. I wonder if there's a fitting room in the back?
"Make Way For The King"
Earlier on, we recognized the incredible achievements of Hello Panda, and how difficult it is to create a product that has gained worldwide popularity. Well, we would be hard-pressed to find a Japanese convenience store snack that has garnered more global fame than Pocky.
Annually, about 500 million boxes of Pocky are sold worldwide in 30 different countries and in dozens of different flavors. With over half of the total sales coming from outside of Japan, Pocky is more than just a Japanese convenience store snack, it's a worldwide phenomenom.
"Stickin' Around"
Not all Japanese snacks are made out of rice. Jagariko is a Japan's potato snack in the shape of really tiny fries, much like Hickory Sticks in North America.
Unlike Hickory Sticks, Jagariko comes in a cup instead of a bag, making them easier to stack and harder to break. There have been many flavors over the years, but the most common are cheese and original (salted).
"This Must Be Some Kind Of Yolk"
When purchasing an egg salad sandwich from a convenience store in Japan, a tourist is in for quite the welcome surprise. It appears as though a lot more effort goes into the prepared convenience store meals in Japan.
In Japan, a chopped egg sandwich comes with more than just a chopped egg. They usually also have cheese and a half of a boiled egg as well. That's not a bad-looking breakfast sammich.
"Strawberry Fields Forever"
There are many things that Westerners might consider to be a bit odd about Japanese snacks. Among those things is the country's passion for making treats that resembled other food.
Kinoko no yama literally translates to "Mushroom Mountain". They might look like the type of mushrooms someone would have been snacking on at Woodstock, but they aren't. They have a cookie stem and chocolate cap, and the only type of high someone can get from them is a sugar high.
"Same Same, But Different"
While walking through a Japanese convenience store, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that there are, at least, a few variations of every item. A great example is the fried chicken that the stores sell. Some people think that Famichiki and Karaage chicken are the same item...
After being marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, the chicken is then dipped in an eggwash that's been mixed with potato starch and then fried. So, is Karaage the same as Famichiki? No.
"Do They Have Outdoor Seating?"
When we're running late for work and don't have time to prepare anything for lunch, at least, we can always rely on the local convenience store to have a variety of day-old sandwiches to choose from.
The pre-packaged food sections in Japanese convenience stores have turned the dial up to "11". Each store has its own selection of sushi trays, noodle or rice dishes, fried chicken, and so much more. And all for very reasonable prices. Don't forget to stick around for dessert as well, rumour has it, they are delectable.
"A Portable Soup Bib, Or Slurp Guard, Would Be Swell"
Busy at the office and unable to take a proper lunch break? The quick and easy answer is to make sure there is always a stash of instant noodles handy.
Ippudo instant ramen is one of the biggest selling instant soups in the world. Varying in flavor and spice intensity, Japanese convenience stores have no shortage of ramen options.
"Quit Eggin' Them On"
All because instant ramen is on the menu for lunch, that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be enjoyed, very much in the same way, as regular ramen.
A customer would be hard-pressed to find a convenience store in Japan that sells Ippudo instant ramen, but not a half-boiled runny egg to add to it.
"You, Put Those Hands Together"
Been working hard all morning and, finally, it's time for a lunch break, but with lunch comes great responsibility. Sandwich or noodles? This choice will determine how the rest of the day goes, so, no pressure.
Pasta lovers who enjoy eating with their hands no longer have to worry about making (as big) a mess. The yakisoba sandwich is the best of both worlds.
"One Footlong Sushi Burrito Please"
It comes as no surprise that there is a sushi corner in most convenience stores in Japan. In the ones that don't have a corner, they usually have a few shelves in the fridge.
The amazing thing about sushi sections is that the sushi is usually fresh to the day, and the variety is as plentiful as the sandwich fridge in English or American convenience stores.
"Give Me A Break. Give Me A Break. Break Me Off A Piece Of That..."
For more than 85 years, Kit Kat has been providing the world with delicious candy bars. The segmented bar took the world by storm, and before anyone knew it, there were dozens of flavors circulating the globe.
Since 2000, there have been more than 36 different flavors in Japan alone. Among these flavors are sake, ginger, soy, and, of course, matcha.
"Oh, Chute!"
To continue along with the snacks that Japanese convenience stores sell, that taste nothing like how they look, we have the sibling snack of Kinoko no yama.
Takenoko no sato is a tasty, chocolate and strawberry-flavored, bamboo chute-shaped snack. What's confusing is, why would anyone choose to shape a snack after a bamboo chute?
"I'll Be Honest, It Was a Little Corny"
In North America, convenience store customers have grown accustomed to a variety of corn-based snacks. To name a few, pretty much anything that ends in "itos", Fritos, Doritos, Tostitos.
Instead of a bag of corn chips, in Japan, Umaibo has become all the rage. The crunchy, puffed-up corn snack is an excellent choice for "itos" lovers everywhere who are tired of getting their fingers covered in "chip powder" every time they reach into their favorite bag of corn chips.
"Why Eat Anywhere Else?"
In Western convenience stores, the choice of "fresh" options for dessert is usually narrowed down to either a 2-day old donut or a stale danish. The desserts in Japanese convenience stores are a little bit different.
The options that are available in most Japanese convenience stores are reminiscent of what most of us would consider being "gourmet".
"I Wonder If They Have Any Dong"
For travelers who arrive in Japan, or locals who are on their way out of the country on holiday, going to the money exchange is usually such a hassle, and the rates are horrible when exchanging at the aiport. But what other options are there?
Most Japanese convenience stores have fully functioning, international ATMs. That means that when in need of any of the major currencies, there is no need to go any further than the closest shop around.
"Boxed In"
For someone who is constantly on the go, it's tough to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, especially with how many different fast food options are available these days.
A bento box is the quintessential "business person's" lunch. They come equipped with carbs, protein, some veggies, and even a little something for dessert. All that food usually costs less than a Big Mac Combo from Micky D's.