Supermarket And Konbini Experiences

 

Many people have already pointed out the convenience of Japanese konbini and supermarkets. Most of these observations focus on the wide variety of products they offer. However, I will explore other aspects beyond just the product selection.

In the summer of 2023, I had several unassuming encounters in Nagano Prefecture.

Fig. Nagano Prefecture 1

Source: Google Earth modified by the author

Fig. Nagano Prefecture 2

Mount Shirouma and Alpine plant seen from Mount Korenge in Ushirotateyama Mountains, Nagano prefecture, Japan.

Date  31 July 2000

Source        Own work

Author        Alpsdake

This is in the public domain.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Shirouma_from_Mount_Korenge_2000-7-31.jpg 

Fig. Nagano Prefecture 3

Nagano Prefecture by Hiroshige

English: From Hiroshige's series Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido (1834-1842), view 19 and station 18 at Karuisawa.

Date  between circa 1835 and circa 1837

Medium      woodblock color print

This is in the public domain.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hiroshige_Travellers_lighting_their_pipes_by_a_fire.jpg

Supermarket

Fig. A supermarket in Nagano Prefecture.

At a supermarket I set out to purchase several items. Lacking a suitable bag to carry my purchases home, I opted for two lightweight polyethylene plastic bags. One minor inconvenience associated with these bags is their tendency to resist easy opening on the side meant for loading items. They tend to be sticky. Fig. A thin plastic bag is a typical example.

Fig. A typical thin plastic bag. The two sides are sticky.

However, the cashier—an attentive woman—made a considerate adjustment. She opened the bag from the top, ensuring that customers could effortlessly slide their items within, as depicted in the accompanying photo. This made my day.

Fig. The plastic bags opened by the cashier. The item is local grapes to be put into the bag.

Since I have not seen such behavior in Tokyo, where I live, I find myself pondering potential reasons:

a. It might be a protocol instituted by the supermarket company.

b. It could reflect her individual approach to customer service.

c. It might incorporate elements of both perspectives.

Konbini

Fig. Konbini in Nagano Prefecture 

At a konbini in Nagano, the need for a small plastic bag to manage some garbage prompted me to approach a young store clerk. I inquired about purchasing one. Confirming my request with a smile, she indicated that I could indeed obtain what I needed. My curiosity piqued, I inquired about the cost, to which she responded, "5 yen, please" (equivalent to 3.3 cents). With delicate precision, she folded the modest bag and handed it over with genuine gratitude. Note that this is a situation opposite to the supermarket in that she nicely folded the bag as opposed to opening the bag.

 Fig. Nicely folded plastic bag.

I am inclined to believe that culture flourishes subtly, transmitted through the ages without conscious awareness.

In both instances, the supermarket and the konbini, we are reminded that seemingly trivial actions can hold a profound impact. Just as these instances are part of my encounters in Japan, similar stories might unfold in various corners of the world.