Many people told me there was no sense in setting up a chain of small stores in Japan, which already had streets of small shops, unlike in the United States, where there were big shopping centers.

According to the Japan Franchise Association, based in Tokyo, foreigners accounted for 10.7 percent of all employees at the four major convenience store chains (Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Lawson Inc ...

“The konbini is the cornerstone of urban life,” says Stefanie Breschi, referring to Japan’s famous convenience stores. Your favourite chain can be the subject of fierce debate and the ubiquitous shops ...

Convenience stores, or “konbini,” are a driving force in ... “It’s a regular thing for Japanese people. A lot of people live off convenience stores. For all of their dinners and lunches ...