Hacker News Reader

Comment by snowman56789 | Hacker News Reader

Are they joking or is it really so common to spend nights at the office that convenience stores actually sell underwear?!

View on HN

Underwear is indeed sold but the reason being spending nights at the office is probably mostly joking, hours can get long but not Elon long.

The underwear is for all the "Spend the night at xxx" situations you can probably imagine anywhere in the world (pun intended).

You don’t even need a special situation. If I’m at the convini for food, but also happen to need socks/shirt/underwear, and it’s right there, why make a separate trip somewhere else to buy it?

Something as simple as getting caught in rain and needing an emergency change of wet socks meant these convienence stores were lifesaving. Truly something worth emulating in other countries.

They do! I accidentally went on a side trip while in Japan and forgot to pack enough shirts and underwear. No problem, with 7-11 nearby!

I'm sure it gets the job done but how was the quality?

Pretty good. I wouldn’t buy clothes from there by choice regularly but it’s definitely not disposable level quality. Maybe about on par with Uniqlo for basics?

Family Marts have a shelf of individually packed socks/underwear/T-shirts/leggings etc in many styles and colours. Cheap and good quality too.

Ran out of socks a few times when I was there. Top up was a 10s walk from the hotel. :)

Things are slowly changing now but pulling an all-nighter in the office is fairly common and used to be a mark (scar?) of achievement and loyalty to the company.

I don't think Japanese companies keep workers around anymore than American ones, so the "hero" masochism signaling is misplaced.

They do sell underwear and other essentials. There are lots of reasons people might need them, not just all-nighters at offices. Especially since lots of convenience stores aren't near office buildings.

Not joking at all. There are even vending machines to sell you a fresh pair of briefs and a change of tie. I've seen them in Tokyo around major train stations and hotel districts.

People also get blackout drunk on the street fairly often (at least, in certain areas like Shinjuku for example). That sort of thing can lead to a need for a quick replacement pair…

Japan has an unhealthy workaholic culture similar to America.

It's worth noting that in Japan, there are also vending machines that sell used women's underwear.

It's also worth noting that those vending machines are only located in sex shops.

> there are also vending machines that sell used women's underwear.

While the plural is technically true, it is a little disingenuous. There are very few, probably not enough to overflow the fingers of both hands (or even, maybe one hand) in the entirety of Japan.

I never needed to buy a pair of convenience store underwear. But it's comforting to know that it's an option.

yes

Reply on news.ycombinator.com