I realized the convenience store cashier might be recognizing me when he stopped asking whether I needed a bag, nodding in shared acknowledgement of the huge tote bag I take wherever I go.

When I moved to Japan, I expected to find some aspects of daily life to be different from what I was used to in the U.S. or the U.K. The language, cuisine, and culture were aspects I had readied myself to adjust to based on friends' and relatives' accounts of Japan. However, what everyone failed to mention was the absolute wonder that is the Japanese konbini. A konbini is a convenience store, but unlike in the U.S. and U.K., the Japanese seem to take "convenience" very literally. While 7-Eleven in the U.S. is largely known for its processed snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food, the Japanese konbini is a different experience entirely. What I discovered upon moving into a building approximately 30 seconds walk from the nearest 7-Eleven is that you can buy nearly anything in these stores. From drinks, snacks, and full meals to basic stationery, skincare products, and phone cables, 7-Eleven is truly a university student's dream. Though 7-Eleven meals are as cheap as they are convenient, I'm sure you could purchase a small village with the amount of money I've spent at my local 7-Eleven so far. But honestly, I don't regret a thing -- konbini food is as delicious as everyone says it is.

After a couple of weeks in Japan, I was already convinced of the magic of the konbini, but I hadn't even discovered all the ways in which it makes life more convenient. When my National Health Insurance slips came in the mail, I was sure this meant another trip to the city office or at least the post office to send money via mail. But yet again, 7-Eleven presented itself as the solution to my troubles: It turns out you can pay health insurance premiums at the konbini counters. So there I was, on a random Monday, buying tiramisu, vitamin juice, and my monthly health insurance at my local 7-Eleven.

When my friend and I bought tickets to a DJ set at the Boiler Room, I was no longer surprised to find out that I had to pick up my printed ticket at 7-Eleven. After all, 7-Eleven had never failed me before. In fact, I was beginning to see my local konbini as an extension of my dorm room. There are three places I frequent the most in Tokyo: the Waseda campus, my dorm room, and my local 7-Eleven. It's not an exaggeration to say that this convenience store has eased my transition to Japan. From providing convenient food and drinks to allowing me to tackle logistical necessities, this store has been my little helper in navigating a new city and country.

People often talk about culture shock as a big emotional upheaval -- loneliness, homesickness, an insurmountable language barrier. And although every exchange student may feel a measure of any and all of these three things, my experience in Japan has been overwhelmingly marked by positive surprises. The konbini has been my doorway into Tokyo, providing convenience, a sense of stability, and even belonging. I know that when I leave Japan in 2026, I won't just miss the fabulous view of Tokyo Skytree from my dorm room or the wonderful friends I've made along the way, but my local 7-Eleven with its warm fluorescent lights and the low buzz of its fridges. And the friendly cashier who made me feel like I belonged with just a simple nod of his head.

(By Lena Nicoletti)

Profile:

Lena Nicoletti is a third year undergraduate student at University College London, studying International Social and Political Studies (BA). She is currently studying abroad at Waseda University in the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS). She is German-American and was raised in Silicon Valley, California.

(This is Pt. 8 of a series. Subsequent parts will be published intermittently.)