Why AI suggests that I get married at a Japanese convenience store?

June 16, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is still no substitute for common sense. AI suggests I get married in a Japanese convenience store. This was AI "connecting the dots" between posts about how much I love Japan, enjoy watching traditional wedding ceremonies in Kyoto, and absolutely love buying snacks are Japanese konbinis. 

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In this post, Creatix sells the idea that Japan is the best place to visit in 2024. Once in Japan, don't forget to stop by a konbini, a Japanese convenience store.  Long live Japan and long live konbinis!

Why is Japan our top travel recommendation for 2024? Unique Dollar AI

1. Unique. Japan is the "most unique" country in the world. 
2. Dollar. The dollar to yen exchange rate (157:1), first world quality, third world affordability
3. AI. AI language models are eliminating Japanese language barriers  

1. Japan is as unique as unique can be.

While arguably every country is unique, it is safe to say that some countries are "more unique" than others. Not all uniqueness is created equally. Japan is perhaps the most unique country on Earth. Centuries of self-imposed isolation allowed the Japanese archipelago to nourish a very unique culture. The successes and failures of Japan throughout its history, epic military victories and defeats, economic booms and busts, selective integration of external influences (Chinese, Indian, European, and American) with very limited immigration, and many other factors that we cannot even imagine understanding or even being aware of, have led to a super unique culture.

2. First world amenities currently at third world prices

Japan is a first world country. The U.S. dollar is so strong against the Japanese yen that it prices in Japan feel like third world country prices. Japan is the third largest economy in the world. Japan is one of the safest and cleanest countries on Earth. Japan offers all the amenities and safeguards that you would expect in a developed nation of its caliber and reputation. Nonetheless, and luckily for tourists, the dollar to yen exchange rate is very favorable nowadays. 

Current exchange rate as of June 16, 2024 is 157 yen for a dollar. This is the highest the U.S. dollar has been against the Japanese yen since the 1980s! This is a gift 40 years in the making. It presents incredible opportunities to visit Japan and experience the many wonders the Nation of the Rising Sun has to offer. This is not a secret, however. So far, 2024 has already set records for tourism in Japan. The trend is expected to continue as long as the dollar remains so strong against the yen. 

Members of the Creatix team just returned from a special consulting assignment in Japan. Reports on the incredible bargains available in Japan are incredible. Unlike the rest of the world after COVID, inflation is practically nonexistent in Japan. For the most part, prices on food and consumer items have stayed the same in years if not decades. There are amazing deals available right now. From 4 star hotels under $100 a night to fancy Japanese meals at a fraction of the cost in the States, the deals are amazing. The time to visit Japan is now.  

3. AI is making Japan easier for tourists by eliminating language barriers.

As we know, AI language models are already proficient in human languages, translating from one language to another in real time. Japanese language is notoriously difficult for tourists. Unlike other countries, English is not necessarily commonly spoken in Japan outside touristy areas. This is becoming a non-issue because AI is providing real time translation services for free to anyone with a smartphone and internet connectivity. 

Using free AI-powered applications such as Google Translate makes it very easy to communicate with Japanese people these days. The practice is already very common and you can see it in action in almost every train station or place where tourists gather. Some tourism and travel companies in Japan have their own hand-held devices that perform translations. As with everything else, the technology is getting easier to access directly from an app on your smartphone. AI is gradually eliminating language barriers around the world, and Japan is not an exception. 

Cons of visiting Japan this Summer. 

While this is the best year to visit Japan, there are still various difficulties associated with the destination. For once, it can be expensive to get there. Touristy places and areas can get very crowded. The summer months can be brutally hot and humid. The jet lag can he horrendous because Japan is on the other side of the world, 13 hours ahead of EST. 

1. Airfare. At ~$2,000 to fly economy round trip from New York, getting to Japan can be expensive.
2. Crowds. Japan is densely populated plus tourism is at record highs in 2024. It will be crowded.
3. Hot and humid. Summer can be very hot and humid in Tokyo and most other major cities. 
4. Jet lag. Japan is 13 hours ahead of EST. Jet lag can be hard and take over a week to get over. 

While in Japan, don't forget the konbinis 

If you do decide to visit Japan, don't forget the convenience stores, called "konbinis". Konbinis are ubiquitous in Japan. You can find them anywhere, at train stations, office buildings, and regular streets of all Japanese prefectures, cities, and towns. There are approximately 60,000 convenience stores in Japan. In Tokyo alone, there are about 8,000 konbinis. 

The three leading chains are 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. 

7-Eleven

• With approximately 21,000 stores, 7-Eleven is the segment leader and largest convenience store chain in Japan. 7-Eleven in Japan is known for its wide range of products, including food, beverages, magazines, and daily necessities.

FamilyMart

• With approximately 16,500, FamilyMart is the second largest konbini chain in Japan. Similar to 7-Eleven, FamilyMart is known for its extensive product range and services, such as photocopying, ticket sales, and its proprietary line of private-label products.

Lawson

• With approximately 14,600 stores, Lawson is the third largest chain and offers a variety of services, including ATMs, bill payment, and a diverse selection of ready-to-eat meals.

These chains dominate the convenience store market in Japan, providing a wide array of products and services that cater to the daily needs of the Japanese population. The numbers may vary slightly with new store openings and closures, but these figures give a comprehensive overview of the convenience store landscape in Japan.

Japanese convenience stores or "konbinis" differ significantly from American convenience stores in various ways: 

1. Quality

• Above all, the difference between a Japanese konbini and an American convenience store is quality. Japanese convenience stores offer a wide variety of high-quality ready-to-eat meals, including bento boxes, onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, salads, and freshly prepared hot foods. Unlike in the United States, these food items at Japanese konbinis are often comparable to restaurant-quality food.

2. Variety.

• Konbinis offer a wide variety of snacks and prepared meals plus they also introduce seasonal and limited-time products, which keeps the selection fresh and exciting for customers. They also tend to have extensive private label lines offering unique and varied products at reasonable prices.

3. Neatness

• Japanese convenience stores are meticulously organized to maximize space efficiency and customer convenience. They often have clearly defined sections for different types of products. The stores are typically very clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant shopping experience.

4. Customer Service

• Staff in Japanese konbinis are known for their politeness and efficiency. They often greet customers with a warm welcome and provide fast, courteous service. Many Japanese convenience stores operate 24/7, providing reliable access to goods and services at any time. With Japan being one of the safest countries in the world, shopping at a konbini is generally a prudent and safe decision at any time of the day or night. 

5. In-Store Dining and Social Space

• Some convenience stores in Japan offer in-store seating areas where customers can eat their purchases comfortably. Konbinis often serve as community hubs, offering a place for locals to gather and access a variety of services.

These unique aspects make Japanese convenience stores not only places to buy goods but also integral parts of the community, providing a wide range of services and high-quality products.

7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson 

These are the three main konbini chains in Japan and should visit all three of them. Each chain has its own unique features, product offerings, and services that distinguish them from one another. 7-Eleven emphasizes its wide variety of high-quality ready-to-eat meals and financial services. FamilyMart is known for specific popular food items like Famichiki and its extensive use of the FamiPort for various services. Lawson differentiates itself with specialized sub-brands like Natural Lawson and Lawson Store 100, and a strong focus on sustainability and unique product offerings. These differences make each chain appealing to different customer preferences, contributing to the vibrant and competitive convenience store market in Japan.

7-Eleven has its own premium line of products called "Seven Premium," which includes snacks, drinks, and daily necessities. 7-Eleven is known for its extensive selection of high-quality beverages, snacks, meals, and deserts including:  

• Freshly brewed coffee and lattes
• Egg sandwiches famous for their fluffy texture and creamy taste.
• Onigiri (Rice Balls): Varieties include tuna mayo, salmon, and mentaiko (spicy cod roe).
• Salads: Fresh salads with various toppings, including chicken and seafood.
• Bento boxes with assortments like karaage (fried chicken), grilled fish, and sushi.
• Instant Noodles: Wide variety of instant ramen and udon options.
• Premium sweets like the "Seven Sweets" line, including cream puffs and puddings.

FamilyMart features its own line of private-label products, ranging from snacks to household goods. FamiCafe coffee is amazing and our favorite among the three chains. Other notable items include:

• Famichiki: Iconic fried chicken, known for its crispy texture and juicy flavor.
• FamilyMart Collection: Private label snacks and sweets, including chocolates and potato chips.
• Oden: Seasonal hot pot items with ingredients like daikon, boiled eggs, and fish cakes.
• Pasta and Spaghetti: Ready-to-eat pasta dishes with various sauces.
• Sandwiches: Varieties like ham and cheese, egg, and katsu (fried cutlet) sandwiches.
• Desserts: Popular sweets like cream puffs, mochi, and cakes.

Lawson also offers exclusive products and is known for unique and high-quality desserts, such as the Uchi Café sweets line. Natural Lawson is a sub-line focused on health-conscious consumers and including organic products and low-calorie meals and snacks. Lawson also operates Lawson Store 100 within the konbinis, providing a wide range of products at a uniform price of 100 yen. Lawson notables include the following:

• Fresh Bakery Items: Freshly baked goods, including croissants, bread, and pastries.Karaage-kun: Bite-sized fried chicken nuggets, available in various flavors.
• Natural Lawson: Health-focused items, including organic and low-calorie meals.
• Curry and Rice Dishes: Ready-to-eat curry meals and donburi (rice bowl) dishes.
• Uchi Café Sweets: A range of high-quality desserts such as roll cakes, parfaits, and ice cream.
• Mochi and Japanese Sweets: Traditional sweets like mochi, daifuku, and yokan.

Summary

• 7-Eleven stands out for its premium quality onigiri, bento boxes, and desserts, catering to a wide range of tastes with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
• FamilyMart is popular for its Famichiki fried chicken and seasonal oden, offering a variety of ready-to-eat meals and snacks under its private label.
• Lawson is known for its Karaage-kun chicken nuggets and Uchi Café Sweets, as well as its emphasis on health-conscious and budget-friendly options through Natural Lawson and Lawson Store 100.

Each chain has carved out a niche with specific food items that have become favorites among Japanese consumers and visitors alike. 

If you have the means, time, and can withstand jet lag, consider visiting Japan. If you do go there, don't forget to experience the Japaneses konbinis. 

As to why AI recommends that I get married at a Japanese convenience store, it was simply matching my proclaimed love for the country, fascination with traditional weddings (to be discussed in future posts), and my fascination for Japanese konbinis. Go figure. 

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