The nation's convenience stores are changing with the times, shedding their image as places for young shoppers keen on fast food, concert tickets and comic books, and increasingly catering to older clientele.
As the population grays and people live longer, the small, near-ubiquitous stores are revising their offerings to suit the tastes and needs of seniors by introducing home delivery, healthy bento boxed meals and a one-stop shop where pharmacies share floor space.
Some are setting up elderly care support counters, and in a stab at becoming social meeting spots, are offering seating and even karaoke boxes.