Some people say they visit the 7-11 (referred to as just “Seven” here) almost daily. It is so integral to daily life, I feel as if it’s an extension of one’s kitchen, dining room, closet and office. There’s usually one within a few blocks. Sure you can get the usual convenience store packaged foods and drinks but there’s so much more! This may sound like a commercial but 7-11 is truly a wonder to behold. Even the packaged foods are tantalizing with exciting instant ramen flavors or an international selection of snacks. The milks come in flavors such as strawberry, papaya, black tea, coffee and malt! My husband’s favorite is the wide selection of freshly made onigiri available at all hours (basically seaweed wrapped rice balls with different fillings). There’s plenty of other prepared foods that the 7-11 staff is more than glad to warm up for you in their microwave.
Just the other day, I went to print up some documents, pay my gas and electric bills, add value to my iPass (transportation card) and transfer funds from my bank to someone else’s bank account. One can buy high speed rail tickets from the kiosk and pick up freshly prepared soba noodles and warm roasted sweet potatoes or an oden at the same time. Steamed buns and foot-long hot dogs (cheese stuffed or spicy) are also available. If one feels like warmed canned coffee or tea, no problem, or they have a full coffee and bubble tea menu made to order.
One can shop gift boxes of foods and teas for last minute gifts or get online purchases from other stores delivered to the store for pick up. Furthermore, one can buy Muji undershirts, underwear and other sundry items if one finds themselves in a situation where these would be needed. The store also carries department store quality facial products for the woman on the go. The question is what can’t one do at the “Seven”?!? All this manned by two to three people operating with utmost efficiency at lightning speed. Imagine that!
Everyday Dan Bing 