The konbini at a cross-roads.

Will these quintessentially Japanese establishments be able to withstand the impact of shifting demographics and M&A? Only time will tell.

I previously discussed the ubiquity of the konbini as part of the quintessential essence of Japanese culture.

But the konbini business model is facing a bit of an existential crisis, both from within Japan and from abroad.

An example of the famous Fuji + Lawson pic that became way too popular with foreign tourists.

Lack of workers

Japan’s demographic decli…