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100-yen stores

A visit to the largest Daiso 100 yen shop in all Japan【Photos】

What wonders await in this massive seven-floor Daiso just outside Tokyo? Come with us and find out!

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Daiso recalls cut-your-finger joke knives for being REAL cut-your-finger knives

Cheap joke item could lead to gruesome disfigurement thanks to terrifying packaging snafu.

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Can a wig be made solely using 100-yen store products? Go investigates

You may (or may not) be surprised by the end result!

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Let’s find the Japanese full-face visor best suited for your grandmother or handmaiden

No mature woman’s ensemble would be complete without their own Imperial Guard mask.

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How to put together an earthquake/typhoon preparedness kit at the 100 yen shop

Japan is a country of violent storms and seismic activities, but also amazing discount retailers that can help you deal with natural disasters.

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We test out wax hair removal strips from the 100-yen store on our hairy, manly legs

Could it possibly be easier than using a razor? It’s time to grit our teeth and find out!

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Does Daiso’s fork designed especially for pasta live up to its name? We find out!

You may think you don’t need such a frivolous item, but we’re here to tell you that you do.

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Japan’s 100 yen stores have canned energy drink cocktails for under a buck, so we tried one

Truly, there is nothing you can’t find at Japan’s 100 yen stores.

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Japan starts getting ready for Halloween…in August?!?

As a kid, I loved Halloween. My brother and I would go all out decorating the house with tombstones, cobwebs, and corpses made out of old clothes stuffed with newspapers. Plus, how can you not like a holiday that gives you not only free candy, but an excuse to stay up past your bedtime eating it too?

So I’ve been happy to see how whole-heartedly Japan has been embracing Halloween, which each year seems to get bigger and bigger here. Some neighborhood shopping arcades have started inviting trick-or-treaters and passing out candy, and there are now multiple costume parades in the Tokyo area. As a matter of fact, Japan is so psyched for Halloween this year that stores started selling decorations in August.

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Daiso’s new hair-drying glove is set to revolutionize the way we dry hair

Good things come in small packages, right?

The new “hair-drying glove” (ヘアドライ手袋) being sold at Japan’s Daiso chain of 100-yen shops is currently plastered everywhere on Japanese social media, and for good reason–it’s a simple but extremely effective and convenient way to dry your hair!

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Daiso wine, the super cheap vino from Japan’s largest chain of 100-yen stores 【Taste test】

If you’ve had the pleasure of shopping at Daiso, you know Japan’s biggest chain of 100-yen stores sells just about everything. An array of kitchenware, school and office supplies, and even basic articles of clothing such as underwear, neckties, and belts can all be yours for just 100 yen (US$0.84) each.

Daiso even sells food and beverages, with seasonings, snacks, and soft drinks lining the shelves. This is common knowledge among thrifty shoppers looking for a cheap place to stock up on snacks, but if you’re searching for something stiffer than a bottle of tea or cola, a trip to the convenience or liquor store is still in order, right?

Not necessarily, as we recently discovered that some Daiso branches now sell wine. As big of a surprise as that was, we were in for an even bigger one once we poured ourselves a glass, because it’s actually pretty good.

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Why are young Japanese women going crazy for this 100-yen Daiso wristwatch?

Even with one of the most outspokenly pessimistic presidents in the business world, Japan’s Daiso 100-yen shops are one of the most successful chains in the country. Walk into any branch, and you’ll see a huge mix of demographics among the customer base, including starving students, newlyweds setting up their own household, and thrifty families.

But while Daiso’s huge product selection gives it a wide appeal, it’s usually not the first stop for fashionable young ladies who’re looking for trendy accessories. So it’s been a surprise for the chain’s managers that since November, women have been snapping up Daiso-brand wristwatches like they’re designer timepieces, even though they’re dirt-cheap at just 108 yen (US $0.92) after tax.

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Head of Japan’s most successful 100-yen chain calls himself “hopeless,” might need a hug

An important part of business leadership is being able to walk that fine line between optimism and realism. It’s important to recognize the organization’s flaws, but if employees see the boss panicking, they’re likely to follow suit. A capable leader needs a certain amount of swagger, with the ability to convince those under him that there’s a way for the company to turn all of its crises into opportunities.

Or, there’s the tactic adopted by the head of one of Japan’s largest chain of 100-yen stores, which is to wear that uneasiness on your fear-sweat-drenched sleeve, telling everyone associated with your business that they should brace for disaster.

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