LIVING IN JAPAN
Combini: Japanese Convenience Stores and Life in Modern Japan
Convenience stores ("combini") in Japan are everywhere. But what do people use them for? A look at combini and everyday life in…
combini
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LIVING IN JAPAN
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
The Number of Vending Machines in Japan is Dwindling
It's been known as the "kingdom of vending machines" for years. So why is the number of vending machines in Japan falling…
SOCIAL MEDIA
FamilyMart Socks Take Over Japanese Social Media
FamilyMart, one of Japan’s major convenience store chains, recently released a collection of cheap necessity items, including underwear, t-shirts, and socks. But…
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Shrinkflation: The Truth Behind Japan’s Dwindling Combini Serving Sizes
A viral Twitter post sparks a conversation about dwindling sizes at Japan's convenience stores - but the trend, sadly, is nothing new.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
These Japanese Product Names Are Just Bad Dad Jokes
From ginger ale honoring shrines to coconut cookies for exam takers, these product names prove that the appeal of bad puns is…
SOCIETY
Umbrella Theft Inspires Some in Japan to Get Clever
Umbrella theft is a vexing problem in Japan - inspiring some to invent clever ways to prevent people from purloining their parasols.
FOOD
Why the “Strong Highball” is Booming in Japan
A popular line of alcoholic drinks is bucking Japan's drinking decline. Here's why it's so cheap - and why some experts are…
TECHNOLOGY
7-11 Japan Shutters Its Cashless App After Only Four Days
What was supposed to be a huge boon for the struggling convenience store chain became a software engineer's worst nightmare. Learn about…