Shopping Guide
Everyone loves convenience stores, which are known as “combini” in Japan. They are a lifestyle that is indispensable to many Japanese people. In other words, we are “combini natives.” As expected from Japan, the source of otaku culture being spread to the world, combini aren’t simply for convenience; they are constantly developing the best campaigns and goods that will tickle the hearts of otaku - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For example, the prominent convenience store chain Lawson, which is everywhere in Japan, is very thorough about meeting the needs of otaku. To date, they have amassed a huge amount of anime and manga collaboration sweets and goods, creating collaboration projects with works such as Naruto and K-On!, which TokyoOtakuMode readers should definitely take note of. To briefly introduce one of the campaigns, the 2011 K-On! collaboration featured original fans being given out to those who bought specific goods. On the morning the campaign started, a huge number of fans gathered at Lawson; it was amazing! The campaign was so popular that the person in charge of it can still hear “I love Azu-nyan more!” ringing in his ears.
Lawson is a combini overflowing with otaku love, and it’s the pride of Japan. Jealous? Don’t get down in the dumps just yet! Lawson is actively expanding into other countries. In 1996, it expanded to China; in 2011, it expanded to Indonesia; and last year, it expanded to Hawaii.
Lawson is expanding so rapidly that a branch might be coming to your town soon. To get the inside scoop on the latest information on Lawson, check out their official YouTube channel!
Also, check back soon for our next article; you definitely won't want to miss it!
Lawson YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/lawsonnews
So far, we just opened the Special Page because their concept is too cool! Check it out now!
Lawson X TokyoOtakuMode Special Page:
http://otakumode.com/sp/lawson
