There’s one rice ball that everyone chooses at Lawson, 7-Eleven, Mini Stop and Family Mart in Japan.
Mini Stop
A surprising new-and-improved contender from Lawson might just steal your heart this year.
McDonald’s Japan potato shortage continues to be an opportunity for competitors using local growers.
Lawson, 7-Eleven and Family Mart go head-to-head in this konbini battle but there can only be one winner.
This steaming hot showdown between Family Mart, Lawson and 7-Eleven produces a very surprising result.
Family Mart? 7-Eleven? Or a dark horse contender? Join us on this steaming hot konbini odyssey.
We visit Japan’s big three combini, plus one dark horse contender, on our search for nikuman bliss.
With all the flavors of a pot sticker in the perfect portion size, you can’t go wrong with the Gyoza Dog!
Heat and humidity are as much a part of a Japanese summer as festivals and fireworks. With the threat of dehydration always looming, it’s a smart idea to always carry a cool, rehydrating beverage with you, but if you’re sweating profusely, you can bet the plastic bottle your drink is in is doing likewise.
To keep the rest of the contents of your bag from getting damp, you could wrap the bottle in a hand towel. A more effective alternative, though, is to slip a specially designed cover over it, and if you’re going that route, why not use one of these cool Sailor Moon costume covers that you can get for free with a bottle of Japanese tea at Mini Stop convenience stores?
In perhaps the most genius use of french fries we’ve seen in years, Japanese convenience store chain Mini Stop has begun selling a number of Dragon Ball-themed sweets and fried foods as part of a promotion for upcoming movie Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods.
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Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
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Weekly
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7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
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7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches- Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Monthly
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet- Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan- Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Yearly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
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