Business May 15, 2021
Seven & I's buyout of Speedway may be illegal, U.S. antitrust officials say
The two officials said that the acquisition of the Speedway chain of convenience stores in gasoline stations raises "significant competitive concerns."
Business / Corporate May 11, 2021
Itochu becomes top-earning Japan trader for first time in five years
Itochu posted a net profit of ¥401.4 billion in the latest reporting year although the figure was down 19.9% from the preceding year.
People | 20 QUESTIONS May 9, 2021
Conbini Boys: ‘The konbini plays such an important role in society’
by Patrick St. Michel
Are nationalized convenience stores in Japan’s future? Maybe! You’ll have to ask the fried chicken-loving duo behind the “Conbini Boys” podcast.
Business May 1, 2021
A grudge match in Japan: One corner, two 7-Elevens
by Ben Dooley and Hisako Ueno
A fight playing out in Osaka will have ramifications for 7-Eleven and the rest of Japan’s major franchises.
Business / Corporate Apr 10, 2021
Aeon suffers record ¥71 billion hit as retailers report losses
The Japanese retail giant reported a record group net loss of ¥71.024 million for the year through February, its first red ink in 12 years.
Business / Corporate Mar 31, 2021
FamilyMart to open outlet with unmanned payment system and one employee
Over 40 cameras at the store will identify items picked up and held by customers, who will pay after standing in a zone where the bill is calculated automatically, the firm said.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Mar 27, 2021
Ministop goes all-in on the fruit flavor with its Hokkaido Raiden Melon soft-serve
by Patrick St. Michel
The chain has been offering melon-flavored desserts featuring fruits grown around the country all year, and it’s finally reached Hokkaido.
Business / Corporate Mar 14, 2021
Japan's push for less plastic use has some businesses concerned
An official of a major restaurant operator expressed concerns that charges on plastic spoons and other items may lead to restaurants losing delivery service customers.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Feb 27, 2021
Family Mart serves up a game-changing dessert
by Patrick St. Michel
Family Mart was never a go-to shop after dinner, but two new treats promise to change all that — as long as you eat all your vegetables.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Feb 13, 2021
Treat yourself to a culinary 1UP
by Patrick St. Michel
Feast like Mario with themed sweet, savory and even spicy dishes from your local Seven-Eleven.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Jan 30, 2021
There’s a mini Mexican food moment happening in Japan’s convenience stores
by Patrick St. Michel
Pro tip for any konbini giving tacos (or burritos) a try: Don’t serve them cold.
National | Regional Voices: Tohoku Jan 29, 2021
Fukushima businesses struggling to stay afloat despite government help
Financial issues will not end soon, given that only a portion of the residents who evacuated from disaster-stricken areas have returned or are expected to.