MONDAY, MAY 26, 2025
Japan’s convenience stores are hoping to boost sales and they’re looking to a new demographic. That’s foreign tourists and foreign nationals who live in Japan.
Seven-Eleven Japan is rolling out more products that have been a hit with visitors from overseas, including rice balls with spicy wasabi and sweets made with green tea. Labels are now easier to understand for shoppers who don’t read Japanese.
(Yoshimura Hiroshi / Seven-Eleven Japan) “Inbound tourists and permanent visa holders are a major driving force for sales. We need to urgently create a shopping environment for such customers, including multilingual packaging.”
FamilyMart has created a website with product information in English, Chinese, and other languages. And Lawson has employees wear badges showing what languages they speak. The Japanese population is on the decline, and the convenience store industry sees foreign travelers as a new opportunity for growth.
While Japan can be a challenging place for newcomers, several factors are making it easier for foreigners to live there, especially in Osaka and areas with a strong expat community. Multilingual services at city offices and hospitals, a growing English-speaking community, and the availability of online resources and support networks contribute to a more welcoming experience.
Koji Kitada
Licensed real estate agent
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