
Growing up in the U.S., I had always been pretty jaded with customer service. At best, I’d get a cashier thanking me for my patronage (in response to which I would sometimes awkwardly say, “You too!”), and at worst I’d have to remind the cashier s/he was on the clock just to get them to lazily punch in some numbers and ring up my diet coke.
Things are different in Japan. People in retail and customer service jobs practically fall all over themselves to help the customer – when they aren’t busy taking Twitter photos of themselves in ice boxes, anyway. But this Family Mart employee may put them all to shame; he’s got the whole ringing someone up routine down to superhuman levels, snatching cash out of customer’s hands and tossing it into the register with ease and confidence like he’s some kind of teetotalling flair bartender:
Overenthusiastic Family Mart Guy – a name I just came up with – has been racking up the social media love in his native Japan, with over one million views of his various arm flailing customer service videos.
Kato-san (the guy’s real name), generated so much goodwill and attention online that news outlets started seeking him out. He says of his sort of bizarre brand of customer service, “It’s better to be enthusiastic than not at all.” There’s some sage life advice if we’ve ever heard it.
Fittingly, Kato-san spends most of his days working at an Osu Family Mart – a location in Nagoya known for its funky vibe. So, now you know where to find him if you want to add a little spice to your canned coffee purchasing experience.
Source: Byokan Sunday

Super-enthusiastic convenience store clerk fights the man, continues serving the people
Family Mart’s Famichiki upsize astounds customers in Japan
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
McDonald’s Japan branch wants employees to literally smile for the cameras recording their faces
1,200 Japanese workers convert above-ground train to subway line in a matter of hours
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Castle in the Sky becomes a Ghibli decoration in your home with cool Laputa hanging planter
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
How to properly wrap a ninja hood – Now available in English!
Japan to make foreign driver’s license conversions more difficult, exclude tourists from eligibility
Japan’s new canned chu-hai with fresh lemon slice: disappointing gimmick or drink revelation?
Bandai Japan unveils bizarre new turtle launcher capsule toys, curiously epic promo video
Stay home in style with Kyoto-easy hakama-inspired roomwear for men, women, and kids【Photos】
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Japanese people reflect on examples of irritating, excess customer services in Japan
Japanese convenience store FamilyMart inadvertently gives away pearl in pack of seafood snacks
Nine tales of stunningly crazy customer complaints in from the Japanese service industry
Crazy-athletic Japanese convenience store clerk may be employee of year, or Super Mario【Video】
Coordinating a whole outfit with nothing but clothes from Japanese convenience store Family Mart
Family Mart’s new products lead to a luxurious breakfast senbero【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】
Female fast food worker in Japan has awesome response to male customers who called her ugly
Top 10 acts of customer service that Japanese men would rather do without
Indian curry restaurant worker in Tokyo warms our heart with amazingly sweet customer service
Japanese office worker accidentally calls angry customer stupid, things turn out surprisingly well
Leave a Reply