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Comment by philip1209 | Hacker News Reader

7-11 in Japan is a way of life.

I've been to an American 7-11 once or twice in my life. (I didn't want to go back.)

In Japan, I went at least once daily - sometimes twice per day. They almost function the role of a NYC bodega, but with more and fresher food options. In addition, they often have a stack of microwaves run by the staff, allowing for inexpensive, fresh, and warm meals.

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The franchisee of 7-11 in Japan was so successful they eventually bought the mother company from the American owners and now 7-11 is a Japanese company.

7-11, Family Mart, and Lawson are the holy trinity of konbini (convenience stores)

I stayed in Japan for two months and some days I don't feel like sitting down for food. I go to a a grocery store (or supermarket) and grab food there to take home. If there's none along the way, I go for konbini.

7-11 here in the States tends to be a great place to get stabbed and/or purchase illegal drugs, in my experience.

Here their parking lots are used to stage large illegal street racing competitions.

7-11 used to have really great fresh brewed coffee. It been about 10 years since I moved and no longer go there. But it used to be the best gas station coffee around imo.

>they often have a stack of microwaves

you mean sometimes they don't?

and in some countries they never have them?

When I was there last I had an egg salad sandwich almost every day.

Tamago sando! The hot dog bun version is a little odd to me.

the hot dog bun is a perfect carb vessel for “salad”-like fillings. unlike traditional bread slices, the hot dog bun has fewer open sides, and acts more like a cup to hold the contents. though it may look a bit odd, it truly is peak salad sandwich performance.

I just want those ham and cucumber sandwiches in the US. That's the first thing I get whenever I land in Japan.

Is the US equivalent of 7-11 something more like WaWa?

It could be something regional. For instance Wisconsin has Quik Trip gas stations, which tend to have fairly large convenience stores, some with fresh groceries.

Wisconsin has Kwik Trip locations, quick trip is a different store.

Wawa is like 7-11 revamped to have a Michelin star.

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