Konbini

Explore the heart of Japanese daily life through the food found in its iconic convenience stores with the loving observations of Konbini.

For any visitor to Japan, it becomes immediately clear how central the convenience store (or ‘konbini’) is to everyday life. Different to our understanding of the convenience store, Japan’s three huge chains – 7 Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson – are the beating heart of the nation.

Locals will pop into the konbini multiple times a day for household items, umbrellas (during those summer storms), manga and, of course, food in all its forms. From instant snacks, onigiri, lunch bento, steaming oden, the fluffiest cheesecake slices and pot noodles.

Through more than 110 recipes, this book celebrates the sometimes odd, always delicious offerings through recipes and stories, as well as delving into the history of this peculiarly Japanese cultural icon.