When the Japanese “bubble economy” of the 1980’s collapsed, one of the more interesting developments was the sudden explosion of 100 Yen Shops all across Japan. A nation that had previously spurned any cocktail that didn’t feature swirling flakes of gold descended en masse on these stores, where for a single coin you could walk out with anything from clothing to tools to office supplies. And now that the economy is in recovery? 100 Yen Shops are more popular than ever.

Similar stores exist elsewhere, of course, but the difference in Japan is the sheer size and variety of 100 Yen Shops. A mid-sized store may have 90,000 different products on display at any given time, and some of the goods can be stunningly odd, particularly for an outsider. Paper cocktail napkins festooned with buxom women and mysterious Russian slogans are a personal favorite. For the most part products are purchased in vast quantities from countries such as China and Brazil, and you can also find clearances of overstocked goods from more traditional stores. It’s very nearly impossible to enter one of these stores without buying something that, frankly, you may not need. But many foreign residents and travelers to Japan (as well as Japanese themselves) find the 100 Yen Shops an indispensable source of household goods and cheap gifts. And with the constant change in inventory, it’s always fun to stop in and see what your 100 yen will buy today.

<About Japan in Motion>
At last, a webcast invitation to Japan. Japan in Motion!

“Photographs never tell the whole story.”
“Guidebooks skip too many of the details.”
Motivated by comments like these from visitors to Japan, Japan in Motion went online in April.

Japan in Motion’s unique strength lies in introducing Japan through high quality video, produced by professional Japanese TV directors especially for the site.

In addition to showcasing Japan’s incredible scenery, baffling customs, and culture both ancient and ultramodern, the videos answer many questions visitors to Japan may have.Visit the site, and become a real Japan expert.

Published 2007/05/28