Japan has a vast network of convenience stores (commonly called “konbini”), each offering unique products and services. Below is a summary of the major convenience store chains in Japan.
1. Seven-Eleven
Basic Information
• Operator: Seven & i Holdings
• Number of Stores: Around 21,000 nationwide (as of 2024)
• Key Features:
• The largest convenience store chain in Japan
• High-quality private brand products under “Seven Premium”
• Various services, including ATMs, delivery services, and photocopying
• Seven-Eleven App for point accumulation (Seven Mile Program)
Popular Products
• Onigiri (Rice Balls): “Tuna Mayonnaise,” “Grilled Salmon”
• Sweets: “Gold Series,” “Choux à la Crème”
• Hot Snacks: “Fried Chicken,” “Karaage Stick”
2. FamilyMart
Basic Information
• Operator: Itochu Corporation Group
• Number of Stores: Around 16,000 nationwide
• Key Features:
• Famous for hot snacks like “Famichiki”
• Offers FamiPay, a proprietary electronic payment system
• “Famimaru” private brand products
• Some stores carry MUJI (Minimalist Japanese brand) products
Popular Products
• Hot Snacks: “Famichiki,” “Spicy Chicken”
• Sweets: “Butter Biscuit Sandwich,” “Cream-filled Eclair”
• Beverages: “FAMIMA CAFE” (Coffee & Latte)
3. Lawson
Basic Information
• Operator: Mitsubishi Corporation Group
• Number of Stores: Around 14,500 nationwide
• Key Features:
• Offers premium sweets under “Uchi Café” brand
• Multiple store types, including Natural Lawson (health-conscious) and Lawson Store 100 (¥100 shop)
• Ponta Points and dPoints reward programs
• High-quality original products
Popular Products
• Sweets: “Premium Roll Cake,” “Baschee (Basque Cheesecake)”
• Onigiri: “Gold Rice Ball Series”
• Healthy Options: “Low-carb bread from Natural Lawson,” “Salad Chicken”
4. Ministop
Basic Information
• Operator: Aeon Group
• Number of Stores: Around 1,800 (as of 2024)
• Key Features:
• Specializes in fast food prepared in-store
• Famous for “Soft-serve Ice Cream”
• Seasonal desserts like “Halo-halo”
Popular Products
• Sweets: “Soft-serve Ice Cream Vanilla,” “Halo-halo”
• Hot Snacks: “X French Fries,” “Onigiri Dog”
• Bento & Light Meals: “Hand-rolled Onigiri,” “Pasta”
5. Daily Yamazaki
Basic Information
• Operator: Yamazaki Baking Company
• Number of Stores: Around 1,200
• Key Features:
• In-store bakery with freshly baked bread
• Unique bento meals and sweets
• Many products from Yamazaki Baking
Popular Products
• Bread: “Freshly Baked Melon Bread,” “Hot Dog”
• Bento: “Daily Hot Bento”
• Sweets: “Fluffy Chiffon Cake,” “Custard Cream Bread”
6. Seicomart
Basic Information
• Operator: Secoma (formerly Seicomart)
• Number of Stores: Around 1,200, mainly in Hokkaido
• Key Features:
• Regional-focused convenience store chain based in Hokkaido
• Offers “Hot Chef”, an in-store food preparation service
• Features local Hokkaido products
Popular Products
• Hot Chef: “Katsu-don,” “Fried Chicken”
• Onigiri: “Mountain Wasabi Rice Ball”
• Sweets: “Hokkaido Milk Soft-serve Ice Cream”
Common Services in Japanese Convenience Stores
Japanese convenience stores offer more than just food and drinks. They provide a wide range of useful services for daily life.
Main Services
1. ATMs (Available in almost all convenience stores)
2. Parcel Delivery Services (Yamato Transport, Japan Post)
3. Copy & Printing Services (Photo printing, FAX)
4. Ticket Sales (Concerts, movies, sports events)
5. Bill Payments (Electricity, gas, water, taxes)
6. Free Wi-Fi (Provided by different store chains)
7. Mobile Apps & Point Programs (Seven Mile, T-Point, dPoint, Rakuten Point, etc.)
Conclusion
Each convenience store chain in Japan has unique products and services, making them an essential part of daily life. With a highly competitive market, they continue to evolve, providing better quality and convenience to customers.
Choosing the best convenience store depends on personal preferences, as each chain specializes in different products and services! 🚀
