{"id":1010,"date":"2024-05-07T13:34:40","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T04:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/higojournal.com\/en\/?p=1010"},"modified":"2024-05-07T13:34:40","modified_gmt":"2024-05-07T04:34:40","slug":"im-old-enough-i-went-to-an-unmanned-convenience-store-all-by-myself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/higojournal.com\/en\/archives\/im-old-enough-i-went-to-an-unmanned-convenience-store-all-by-myself.html","title":{"rendered":"I’m Old Enough! I Went to an Unmanned Convenience Store All By Myself!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/span>There are about 400 <\/span>unmanned convenience stores<\/b> across Japan. In Kumamoto, they’re still a rare sight, but I found one at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, so I decided to try it out for the first time “Old Enough-style”!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Limited Product Range<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

You can find it near the number 5 bus stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

I knew of it, but have never used before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It says a maximum of three customers allowed inside at once, but\u00a0having three people inside would make it pretty cramped, and I doubt you’d be able to see all the products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We proceed into the shop through the gate labeled “GO”.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

You can easily view the store’s products by simply turning around, Surrounded by shelves on three sides.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as you come in, you’ll find the sweets, snacks, and bread on your left.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Straight ahead at the back are drinks.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

On the right side, you can find a variety of light meals including sandwiches, miso soup, yogurt, and rice balls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>They seem to sell pretty well!\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>There are no daily necessities or instant noodles, and of course, they don’t have cigarettes either. It’s a convenient and speedy option for those who need a quick bite before heading to work.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Checkout Process<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll grab a bottle of jasmine tea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

I went to the cash register positioned right in front of the exit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since there were instructions provided, I thought it would be wise to give them a read, and once placing my items on the <\/span>counter…<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Wow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The item just pops up immediately!\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>You can either place your item on the counter or scan the barcode through the reader, and it shows up on the screen. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

I chose \u201ccash (\u73fe\u91d1)\u201d as the payment option.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Simply place the money in the cash register and you’re all set to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>I guess I am “Old Enough” after all!\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

You can find plastic bags and single-use chopsticks by the cash register.<\/span><\/p>\n

Feel free to reach out to the call center if you encounter any issues or have any questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you’ve paid, the exit door opens automatically. If it doesn’t, there might be an issue with the transaction or a mistake in the accounting. In that case, check again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Judging by how quickly the bread and snacks are selling, it seems a lot of people are already using this as if it\u2019s the norm.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This style of convenience store might start popping up at various train stations and around the city…or maybe they’ll become even more common in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unmanned Everything<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

We are not affiliated with Family Mart, but it could be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the concept of “unmanned <\/span>__<\/span>______” by frequenting this stores more often. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>In the future, we will definitely see the emergence of “unmanned _______”.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, there will be “unmanned restaurants” where you cook your own meals, <\/span>
\n<\/span>“unmanned hotels” that require you to tidy up your room before leaving, <\/span>
\n<\/span>“unmanned amusement parks” where you must inspect the rides for any issues, <\/span>
\n<\/span>“unmanned adult entertainment” (I cannot provide further details), <\/span>
\n<\/span>and even “unmanned family” where you live alone. <\/span>
\n<\/span>The possibilities are endless. However, personally, I find such a world to be uninteresting.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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