The Evolution of Food in Japanese Convenience Stores
The Evolution of Food in Japanese Convenience Stores

Convenience stores, also known as “konbini” in Japan, have become an integral part of communities for over 55 years. It offers customers a wide variety of products and services, from food and drinks, household needs, delivery and logistics, to even banking and payment.
But its superb status in Japan owes itself to the scrumptious foods made available around the clock. And as society’s palate and lifestyle change, so do the meals in convenience stores. Learn more about the progress of Japanese convenience store foods in this article.
History of Japanese Convenience Stores
History of Japanese Convenience Stores
Japanese convenience stores, date back to 1969. However, the first store remains unknown, as current historical accounts suggest. This first shop was far from the convenience stores we know today—the quick, cheap, and easy meals were not available, and the merchandise and services offered were different.
The modern-day stores can be traced to 1974 in Tokyo's Toyosu district, where Japanese retailer Ito-Yokado joined forces with USA’s Southland Corporation to open the first 7-Eleven. It was not a big hit at first because the concept was novel for the population. But the tides changed because of two things:
- The rise of Onigiris in 1978: A convenience store recipe for on-the-go lunches, the Onigiris, became a trademark product. It catered to specific regions, featuring location-anchored flavours and ingredients, hence helping them adapt to the Japanese market.
- The use of the Point of Sales (POS) system in 1982: The POS system allowed branches to control their inventory, which guarantees the uniqueness and freshness of their products, especially their food items.
Today, there are over 55,713 convenience stores all around Japan, with three brands dominating the sector: 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson. It does not only offer food and drinks to customers but also vends household supplies, bills payment, banking, event tickets, and delivery pick-ups.
In 2023, convenience store sales witnessed a 4.3% record high, amounting to ¥11,659.3 billion. This was due to the influx of travellers after the pandemic and the heat wave that Japan experienced, pushing more customers to find food and drinks in the most convenient places. Not to mention, with how busy the Japanese working population is, it continues to be the lifeblood of the nation for workers looking for a filling meal.
Discover a World of Authentic Japanese Food and Beverages at "JAPAN'S FOOD" EXPORT FAIR
Discover a World of Authentic Japanese Food and Beverages at "JAPAN'S FOOD" EXPORT FAIR
From Traditional to Contemporary: Evolution of foods in Japanese convenience stores
From Traditional to Contemporary: Evolution of foods in Japanese convenience stores
The humble beginnings of convenience stores ushered in the creation of and love for Onigiris in the 70s, as it became a huge hit for its practicality and unique flavours. But this is not the only traditional Japanese food that convenience stores adapted. More Japanese classics are getting a convenience store evolution while still maintaining their fresh and nutritional qualities.
O-den, or simmered foods in broth of soy sauce and dashi, were also retrofitted for the convenience store experience, especially during winter. A wide array of o-den dishes are now available, from radish, fishcake, and konjac to boiled eggs, tofu, and beef tendon.
Japanese cuisine staples like Yakitori and other ready-to-eat chicken meals like Kara-age became a mainstay in these shops. Not to mention the famous Fami-chiki of Family Mart, a crispy boneless fried chicken, which was branded a convenience store classic.
Another food item that may seem simple, but Japanese convenience stores have fully transformed, are sandwiches, or sandoiichi. From sweet to savoury fillings, these on-the-go snacks are sure to resolve any craving. Famous flavours include Strawberry and Cream, Katsu and Yakisoba, Ham and Cheese, Potato Salad, and the famous Egg or Tamago sandwich.
Convenience store foods are also bringing their best noodle dishes to the market. Classics like Ramen, Yakisoba, and Tantanmen are now a staple. Consumers rave that despite these meals being sold cheap and made instantly, they still maintain a rich broth and similar quality to those from restaurants. Famous ramen restaurants also have instant ramen versions of their dishes found in these small shops.
A diversion from the usual instant cup noodles, ramen in convenience stores today is getting a more elevated transformation. Just March of this year, a well-known Japanese ramen chain has partnered with a convenience store to create microwaveable versions of their famous Kotteri Ramen. This hot noodle dish brings the same experience to consumers without the need to go to the restaurant. And in August, they launched a new cold ramen dish, complete with toppings and broth, which is perfectly refreshing on a hot day.
Ready-to-eat meals have also become a popular option as well. Traditionally, Japanese workers and students bring their own lunchboxes, or o-bento, for a long day. But busy schedules have ushered consumers to convenience stores to get an o-bento that’s nutritional, filling, and similar to the original dish. They carry a wide variety of lunch sets nowadays, including donburi, gyudon, oyakodon, katsudon, and kaisendon.
And lastly, vegan, organic, and gluten-free food options are recent powerhouse additions to the evolution of convenience store foods. The menu has expanded to accommodate buyers with dietary restrictions or those just looking for healthier meals.
These food items geared towards clean eating range from pastries, instant noodles and ramen, bento boxes, sandwiches, onigiris, salads, and select sweets like ice cream and candies. A convenience store in Tokyo called ‘Weller’ is at the forefront of this food development by specialising in such options.
Convenience Stores: A Mainstay in Japanese Living
Convenience Stores: A Mainstay in Japanese Living
Japanese convenience stores offer a delightful and varied array of food that caters to thousands of customers, especially those looking for a little break from the busyness of life. Aside from adapting classics from the nation’s rich cuisine, a definite selling point is its practicality, alongside the freshness and nutritional value it possesses.
Convenience stores have truly established themselves as a staple in everyday Japanese living for the ease and accessibility it provides and, above all, for the comfort in every dish they sell and serve.
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Experience the Essence of Japan's Culinary Excellence at "JAPAN'S FOOD" EXPORT FAIR
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