Convenience stores are everywhere in Tokyo. Inside their bright, modern interiors, they stock pretty much everything too. But their older, more traditional counterparts, are very different. So different in fact that it’s amazing they still exist. But exist they do. And they will no doubt continue to exist for as long as their owners do.
Martin says
That looks convienient if you like junk food.
Lee says
Yes, not much — if indeed anything — in the way of fresh produce. The cans of what I presume are green tea would seemingly be the best option.
Matt Talbot says
I assume ‘Minimalist’ is the look she’s going for. Or, if some news reports are to be believed, maybe it’s in solidarity with the Greek retail experience that currently exists. Either way, I don’t imagine 7-Eleven are shitting themselves!
Lee says
Does conjure up images of rationing, doesn’t it? But yeah, I don’t think the nearby modern versions will be losing much trade.
anonymous says
Equivalent HK mom-and-pop shops, disappeared long ago, “thanks” to HK real-estate industry/scam. Makes one re-consider: despite past Japanese aggression in China & elsewhere, perhaps they have something important (?self-restraint) to teach us!
Lee says
There are still a good few left here, but they are sadly disappearing quickly. Like so many old things in Tokyo, there is little in the way of sentiment or attachment. They are simply knocked down, and another new, characterless building goes up in its place…
Stephan says
These lovely stores give out a lot of serenity, tranquility.
Sadly even in shitamachi areas they are vanishing one by one.
Lee says
Couldn’t agree more. Wonderful little places. Plus that great combination of a shop and home. But like you say, they are slowly disappearing. Their like never to be seen again.
Stephan says
The saddest thing in vanishing of these stores is, that a lot of these served as a micro community center, just like it is now in inaka regions. Every one of these going down is a little piece of community history lost. All the beautiful, sad, quirky stories will be lost sometime soon.
Anyways, I’m happy somebody keeps taking photos of these little cozy spots, so anybody who cares can see, that Tokyo is not only the super-steel-and-glass-high-tech-city but a city with a soul. Thanks Lee, keep it up 🙂
Lee says
That’s very true. And once they are gone, that’s it. Those kinds of places will sadly never return.
Glad you like the photos. Places like this interest me far more than Tokyo’s modern areas or buildings, so as long as they exist — and of course I can find them — the photographs will keep coming.
Al says
Wow! Hard to imagine this was taken in 2015!
Lee says
Yeah, apart from perhaps the tea in plastic bottles, it could have been taken at any point in the last 30 years or so, couldn’t it?
Neil says
Hard to know how they make ends meet with such a small offering … But I guess the ends are quite close to begin with. I love the contrast Japan offers ..: the super modern to the very old school.
Lee says
Yes, me too. Such contrasts are always great to see.
My take on these kinds of places is that they own the building, so have no rent to pay. Plus they are already drawing their pension. So it’s basically more habit than any real attempt to make a living.
Marc says
When I find places such as this I try to rationalize/justify buying as much as I can rightfully use from them. Give them an A+ for perseverance and effort. And many wishes for continued success and determination.
Lee says
Good on you. Should really do the same myself – at least when there’s something worth buying. Probably get an interesting chat thrown in for free too.
Taki says
My great aunt had a store like this, the living room was literally at the back of the store and when someone came in, she’d literally get up from watching TV.
Bet she still uses a soroban 🙂
Lee says
Those kinds of places are great, aren’t they? The shop being simply an extension of the living room. Thankfully still plenty to be seen.
Oh, I’m sure she does. Be very disappointed if she didn’t!