Japan Photo | convenience store = konbini コンビニ consumption

consumption
© JAPAN-PHOTO-ARCHIV

convenience store
コンビニ konbini

Originated in the United States, convenience stores developed tremendously in Japan, were they are called konbini. Japan also heavily influenced those stores in other Asian nations, such as Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, and China. Generally, foods are delivered two to five times a day from factories to each store. Since products are delivered as needed, stores don't need large stock areas. There are over 44,500 convenience stores in Japan (2007). SEVEN-ELEVEN leads the market followed by LAWSON and FAMILY MART.