Shopping Culture in Japan & the World

This week’s lesson looked at how shopping shows cultural values, especially omotenashi (deep politeness), careful packaging, special store types like depāto and konbini, and shopping etiquette.

Comparing Japan and Lithuania, there are some evident similarities and differences. Both places care about good products and polite service, but Japan’s service feels more formal and ritualized (bows, “Irasshaimase!”, careful wrapping), while shopping in Lithuania is usually more casual. Japan’s konbini and depachika make everyday shopping very convenient and food-focused, and while it exists, it is something less common in Lithuania.

Video insights reminded me that small actions (using cash trays, avoiding bargaining, protecting wet umbrellas) are not random: they reflect respect, efficiency, and attention to detail.

For extra research I looked into a relevant concept: omnichannel retailing. Omnichannel retailing means stores let customers shop in different ways (in person, online, or a mix). For example: order online and pick up in a store, or browse in a shop then buy from the store’s website. This concept helps explain how retail can combine Japan’s strong physical service with modern convenience. (L'Houssaine et al., 2021) It's actually something that is popular in Lithuania, and I suppose that is due to covid epidemic back in the days.

I’ll use these ideas when I shop next: watching how service, packaging, and channel options tell cultural stories.


Reference:

L'Houssaine, Mounaim & Knidiri, Zakaria & Tamer, Hind. 2021. Omnichannel retailing, from the focus on consumer behavior through organizational and retailer impact: A systematic review from a marketing perspective. 2. 302-322. 10.5281/zenodo.5133323.

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