What is konbini in Japanese?
Konbini (the abbreviated word for konbiniensu sutoru, “convenience store”) are quite different from convenience stores in other countries. In Japan, the 24/7 konbini are essential in so many ways, from paying bills to picking up packages and, of course, serving as a place to grab a late-night bite.
Why are konbini popular in Japan?
More than 50,000 convenience stores, known as konbini, can be found across Japan. Strong competition between the major operators, such as Seven Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson, constantly produces new innovative products and services and makes Japanese convenience stores truly convenient.
What do Japanese think of foreigners?
The most correct description of Japanese people’s view on foreigners is “love and hatred.” They love them because they “are foreigners.” This is not to offend non-English speakers, but Japanese people often think all foreigners are English-speaking people.
Is it rude to speak English in Japan?
With the exception of random romaji interspersed into kanji and kana, English in Japan mainly serves as a way for the Japanese to communicate with foreign visitors, particularly non-Asian foreigners. Do people speak English in Japan? Yes, at least when they have to.
What do cashiers say in Japan?
After paying, the cashier will ask you if you want your receipt. They ask this because in Japan, many people don’t take the receipt. To answer yes, then just say “Hai, onegaishimasu” (はい、おねがいします) Which means “Yes, please”. And to answer no, then say “Daijobu desu” (大丈夫です) which means “No, thank you”.
What do Japanese say when you enter a restaurant?
Upon entering a restaurant, customers are greeted with the expression “irasshaimase” meaning “welcome, please come in”. The waiter or waitress will ask you how many people are in your party and then lead you to your table. Only in rare cases are customers expected to seat themselves.
Are Japanese friendly to American tourists?
Japan is a friendly and welcoming country, steep in history and tradition. While visitors are often amazed at how polite, courteous and gracious the society is, most first-timers may experience some sort of culture shock.
Can I live in Japan without knowing Japanese?
Working, living, and traveling in Japan without speaking Japanese is feasible, and there are countless examples of foreigners doing so. Having said that, learning Japanese will put you at an exceptional advantage in both your professional life and daily life.
How many Konbini’s are there in Japan?
Today, there are more than 50,000 konbinis in Japan, which is about 1 per 2,500 inhabitants! These convenience stores are everywhere, especially in large cities, especially Tokyo, where there’s one in almost every street corner! The Japanese go to konbini on a daily basis.
Where did the term konbini convenience store come from?
The term konbini (or combini) is an apocope as the Japanese language likes them, taken from the English expression “convenience store”. Open 24/7/365, they simply don’t close a single minute in the year. Yes, even during Golden Week. The phenomenon landed in Japan during the late ’60s.
What can you buy at a Konbini Store?
Konbinis also offer basic medicines such as aspirin or painkillers, band-aids, but also toiletries and cosmetics. You can make photocopies, send faxes. Touch screens help you order movie tickets and concert tickets.
When did Lawson start using Konbini in offices?
In July 2017, Lawson started to establish mini- konbini directly in companies’ offices, on a 1m² surface. About one thousand are expected to be installed by the end of March 2018. The same Lawson has tested in the beginning of 2018 a konbini system without staff, where customers can pay with their smartphones.