Since Japan's first convenience store opened near Tokyo Bay almost 50 years ago, these stores have become a ubiquitous part of the country's culture. Customers visit them not only for groceries but also for a variety of other services, such as financial services and package delivery. However, in recent years, the domestic convenience store market has become saturated, and competition has increased. A labor shortage has also become a serious issue, causing some stores to give up 24-hour operations and introduce unmanned cash registers to adapt to changing times. Established in November 1973, Seven-Eleven Japan Co. opened its first store in Tokyo's Toyosu district in May 1974, following a licensing agreement with Southland Corp., the U.S.-based operator of the brand. Today, Seven-Eleven Japan is a product of Japanese culture recognized worldwide. Other chains, such as Lawson Inc. and FamilyMart Co., started franchise operations shortly after Seven-Eleven's establishment...

Japan and the United States have long been economic powerhouses, but their approaches to free competition and market efficiency differ significantly. In Japan, corporations have traditionally focused on building strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders, rather than solely on maximizing profits through free competition. This mindset, however, is hurting the future growth of Japan. In Japan, corporations often prioritize long-term stability and harmony over short-term profits. This has led to the formation of keiretsu, large business groups consisting of interdependent companies that work together to achieve common goals. Keiretsu members may own shares in each other's companies and have strong personal relationships, allowing them to coordinate their activities and reduce transaction costs. This system has helped Japanese companies’ weather economic downturns and build strong brand reputations. In contrast, American corporations generally prioritize...