society

Japanese Convenience Stores (Konbini) May Be At a Crossroads

Interior of a Japanese convenience store (konbini). From Wikimedia Commons, mxmstryo [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

For decades, convenience stores (konbini) in Japan have been a fixture in the urban landscape, a much loved and much praised part of Japanese society. But there are signs that the konbini business may be showing some cracks, that reflect the problems of the society as a whole.

Protecting the Tokyo Olympics volunteer staff from the elements with wearable parasols

The uniforms for the Metropolitan Tokyo government's Tokyo Olympics volunteers

They may or may not be stylish, but the wearable parasols designed for Tokyo Olympics volunteers do seem practical. Plus, there's some history behind them.

Tipping in Japan

A waitress in the Edo period, from One Hundred Edo Beauties by Sandai Utagaka Kunisada

Is there really no tipping in Japan? Well, yes and no. When is tipping acceptable, and are the commonly held beliefs about tipping in Japan true?

society

Japanese Convenience Stores (Konbini) May Be At a Crossroads

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Protecting the Tokyo Olympics volunteer staff from the elements with wearable parasols

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Tipping in Japan

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