Combini Size Sounds like combinis pack a lot of stuff in there. A lot more than your average American 7-11 or even those big truck stop places like Flying J. So are these stores way bigger than their American counterparts? I recently drove halfway across the US with my friend and I wish some places had half the food you just described. As usual there's nothing but nasty snacks that have been there who knows how long. That's great they have actual food that's actually fresh. Wish I could try some! posted by hummbabyAugust 29, 2002 at 16:15 [ e ]

it's not the size... Japanese Combini are generally smaller than your average American one.  Part of it might just be it's different stuff so it seems like more.  Another is just different emphasis, more real food less junk food.  Yet another might be less stock, more restocking. I get the impression most combini get restocked several times a day.  At least the drinks, all the bread, sandwiches, onigiri, bento, dinners etc I know get restocked at least 3 times a day where as an American convenience store probably has more stock of less perishable stuff. posted by greggmanAugust 29, 2002 at 20:13 [ e ]

natsukashii ya de! posted by anon_AfrodylanJune 19, 2003 at 1:11 [ e ]

Combinis are wicked I'm an Aussie recently returned from Japan on a study tour and thing most of the group I travelled with will miss most are the Combinis. The food is wonderful, and so cheap, compared to Australian convenience stores. Traditionally, Australian convenience stores are slapped onto a petrol station, and are usually only used for lollies and snacks, and truckies with cast iron stomachs buy the hot food. You also pay a fortune for a lot of Australian convenience store food. It was wonderful to come across the combinis as they sold everything and the food was always fresh, and most of all cheap. posted by AngeOctober 26, 2003 at 3:34 [ e ]

Sometimes not so fresh! Yes combinis do provide a huge amount of food and a good source of savings - in both terms of money or time - for travellers on the move. I used them a number of times durimg my recent trip to Japan and was generally happy. Unfortunately the last onigiri bought a few hours before leaving the country was probably not so fresh and caused me a terrible food poisoning which "exploded" during my trans-pacific flight to Hawaii. Anyway, no doubt: it's worth and fun buying at combinis. posted by lonelytravellerNovember 26, 2003 at 8:10 [ e ]

Typical Japanophile You sound just like the typical (everything Japanese is perfect) Japanophile to me. "Japanese combini are better than western  convenience stores by a long shot" Hey man. Hate to burst your bubble but you can find all the same junk at 7/11 back home. The only difference would be in the types of foods... posted by HitomiJanuary 23, 2004 at 0:14 [ e ]

Everything is perfect? Where did you get that idea? And also, where do you get the delusion that western convenience stores actually have editble food   In Japan I can basically actually eat healthy at a combini fairly easily.  At an American convenience store that would almost be impossible.  In Tokyo some not insignificant percent of the population basically lives off combini food.  You don't often see that kind of thing in the states because basically, with few exceptions, all there is is junk food. posted by greggmanJanuary 23, 2004 at 4:25 [ e ]

healthy combini food? maybe it's relative....lived in the UK, before coming here and would definitely say that the conveniance stores there had more healthy options, ie. variety of bread for sandwiches (not just all white bread), variety of inexpensive fruit, microwavable foods at low cost....but then I have'nt lived in the US nor paid attention to maybe compared to the US, Japan's combini food is more healthy. posted by faststeppaJanuary 27, 2004 at 1:04 [ e ]

I miss Japan... I'm half Japanese, and I haven't been in Japan for about 8 years. I really miss it. I wonder how much it's changed... Sounds like the convenience stores have changed a bit. I agree that Japan isn't perfect, but the average convenience stores in the U.S. really suck. I mean, hot dogs is about the furthest they go with hot food, and there are fatty snacky foods, and that's about it. Not really a meal, and who knows how old those hot dogs are. posted by JenFebruary 3, 2004 at 20:34 [ e ]

huh? "Hey man. Hate to burst your bubble but you can find all the same junk at 7/11 back home. The only difference would be in the types of foods..." Mmmm...this person is wayyy off unless she was referring to 7-11's in JP. Having lived in Japan, combinis carry much higher quality product and also larger variety. When I say higher quality, I'm talking about having the food changed out 1-2 times dailly for freshness vs. a sloppy wet hoagie that has a 3 week shelf life in the US...can't forget the forever cooking hotdogs on rollers that have aquired a raisen wrinkled consistency . Hell, at a combini I could even buy the latest video games for my old dreamcast while picking up a 6-pack of beer, a still-warm onigiri, a yummy beef bowl and a Dragon Ash CD complete with poster. Lawson and Family Mart were my favs. Anyways, when comparing American convient stores with JP combini's, we have a lot of catching up to do. posted by DavidMay 10, 2004 at 17:07 [ e ]

Forgot to add this ...is part of a message posted by the President of Family Mart, Junji Ueda.   "...Last December, FamilyMart became the first convenience store chain established in Japan to open its 10,000th store in East Asia, including Japan. Having now passed this momentous milestone, we are preparing to open an outlet in Shanghai, and have set our sights on starting operations in the American market. Through these initiatives, which are part of our larger long-term strategy for development throughout the Pacific Rim, we are making good progress toward our eventual goal of building a chain of 20,000 stores. "   Just imagine...Family Mart in the US...that would rock! posted by DavidMay 10, 2004 at 17:23 [ e ]

cross your fingers Let's cross our fingers that Family Mart in the US is not Americanized and turned into the same as every other U.S. 7/11 or Circle K.  For example that dreaded Americanized Yoshinoya, that is so sad, nothing at all like the real thing. posted by gmanMay 11, 2004 at 17:43 [ e ]

While I agree that there is a lot of catching up to do, as you say, it may not be so easy. Before I say anything else about it, (largely speculation) I have a question: do they keep the fresh replacement food (for when they replace things on shelves during the day) on hand, or is it delivered? posted by DanielJune 8, 2004 at 16:57 [ e ]

Delivered 3 or 4 times a day posted by greggmanJune 8, 2004 at 20:40 [ e ]

YUP Y UP yeah, i was slightly short cahnging  myself...most stored have fresh deliveries 3-4 times daily...its common to see a truck parked outside of combinis. its really quite impressive, the amount of dollar (yen) used to upkeep each combini, but according to Japanese news ( cant remember where i read it), combini's account for a large large percentage JP's gross income posted by DavidAugust 10, 2004 at 16:10 [ e ]

Onigiri Hello! I have some questions about combinis in Japan. Can you say "a Onigiri", or is "Onigiri" plural? (And should there always be a capital?) And these Japanese combinis, are they open 24 hours a day? Do you know King Mart? Thanks. posted by TamaraJune 8, 2005 at 6:24 [ e ]

Japanese generally doesn't have plural forms except for people.  So 1 onigiri 2 onigiri 3 onigiri You don't capitalize it.  But also you generally wouldn't write it in English you'd write it in Japanese.  おにぎり、オニギル、お握り and yes, the combini's are open 24 hours a day. posted by greggmanJune 8, 2005 at 11:42 [ e ]

tuna Thanks, my first Japanese lesson... Nice photo gallery btw (although I'm not sure I'll ever eat tuna again...) posted by TamaraJune 9, 2005 at 13:15 [ e ]

Onigiri Questions Just a quick question, although it's not entirely related to this thread. I just whipped up my first solo batch of onigiri today (I've made it before with some of the TAs at the college, but never on my own) and have it chilling in my fridge. Do you know what the fridge life of onigiri is? I haven't been able to find it anywhere on the net. -Kusahara posted by KusaharaJune 11, 2005 at 18:43 [ e ]

Onigiri should last a couple days I'm not Japanese so I'm not an expert on this, but being Asian my Mom always made sure that we kept rice for only a couple days in the fridge. I also saw a televison program that rice can be contaminated by bacteria pretty easily when stored in the fridge. Rice keeps well in a rice cooker for a few days though with the "keep warm" button. ^.^ Hope that helps. posted by seiya_odangoSeptember 27, 2005 at 0:11 [ e ]

Really, Hitomi? Hey, I know that Hitomi's comment is kinda old, but it really boiled my potatoes, so I had to say something. These people aren't just saying that Japanese convenience stores are better. It's the truth. I mean, saying that you can find the same junk in the U.S. 7-11 is just ridiculous. Unless the convenience stores back home stock movies, underwear, and video games now. Which I'm pretty sure they don't. Or is the need for panties a cultural thing? Y'all like to let the southern areas hang out, get a little air? And, the food isn't just different in the type. Yeah, there's a difference between an onigiri and a paper plate of nachos. But that's not what we're talking about here. Do you think those nachos were freshly made hours ago? Do you think that the cheese you're dipping them in is actually cheese? If so, you're living in a fantasy world, my friend. And I hope your "Japan ain't that great, you smelly losers" butt is having fun there. How's that for typical? posted by JackoOctober 28, 2005 at 1:01 [ e ]

sweet!!! this sounds great, I knew that japan was awesome, and better than the states, but I had no idea that conveniance stores are that much better.  do you have any more articles that explain more about japan and its traditions and what not??? if so mail them to me, please!!!! posted by ShokushuoniJanuary 9, 2006 at 23:18 [ e ]

thanks! very helpful stuff here.  i'm leaving for japan in a week, and was freaking out about the prices and how i'd afford to eat. thanks a bunch! posted by redstickmanMay 10, 2006 at 22:36 [ e ]

I knew you were from Hawaii when you mentioned Manapua. Only the locals know that. I went to many Combinis in Japan. To name a few other than 7-11 is Lawson's, Yamazaki Daily, Sankus, AM/PM & Family Mart. posted by naaliiSeptember 24, 2006 at 19:39 [ e ]

I Wish... I wish that the U.S. had stores like this.  Your typical Dollar General doesn't even compare!  Wow! posted by skyclaw441January 20, 2007 at 15:59 [ e ]

iEverything you say about combini's is true except for the fact that  according to one of my Japanese friends who used to work in an onigirei factory, the onigiri's in the combini have  a boatload of preservatives in them to keep them fresh.  The still feel and nourish much better than hot dogs or nachos but they are not a perfect and pure and completely healthy Japanese food. posted by CInJapanMay 30, 2007 at 1:46 [ e ]

The new Famina! stores popping up in So Cal are close to the Japanese Combini concept. I like them. posted by gorditoJuly 2, 2007 at 3:59 [ e ]

oops, its Famima!!  I just looked it up and the shareholders are Family Mart and Itochu of Japan. No wonder they looked similar. I hope it catches on here. posted by gorditoJuly 2, 2007 at 4:05 [ e ]

COMBINIIIS!! hi there, i'm half japanese half french and was living in japan for 7 years... last winter i went on a trip to the U.S. and was happy to see the same combinis brand but not hte same quality. I think that in Japan it's more easy to have a good quality combini because of the demand tokyo's combinis have much more things than others in the countryside(oftenly where they sell housemade bento and stuff) yes you have to have a very high population demand to be able to make turn the stock and also have providers than refills not only 1 but thousands of combinis 24hours a day. One more thing i really miss it too.... posted by japolocoJuly 28, 2009 at 20:32 [ e ]