I specifically chose to live in Minami Azabu mainly to be close to the National Azabu supermarket there. They are the best in Japan, AFAIK, though meidi-ya isn't that far behind. Ironically, with the rather high rent there I found it hard to visit the store more than once a month. Still, it was nice just knowing "hon-mono" comfort food was just around the corner. These days Walmart has bought Seiyu and Costco is in Chiba and Fukuoka so I guess there's more options. FBC kind of sucks because you generally have to buy by the case, and orders take a month or two. posted by TadashiNovember 11, 2003 at 6:57 [ e ]

Not quite... I live in Fukuoka, and the Costco stocks mainly Japanese foodstuffs in bulk.  It still has some exotic items for Japan, but it's nowhere near the place to satisfy my American tastes that I had expected. FBC has come a *long* way in the four years I've been in Japan.  They now have an express airmail option (shipping costs ten bucks or so) and an additional catalog you can order single items from.  Check out the website, you might be surprised. Oddly enough, though, I find that I don't miss as many foods as I did a couple years ago.  Must be actually getting used to the country or something.  ;) --Rick posted by RickJanuary 18, 2004 at 7:17 [ e ]