I love to see American products packaged for the Japanese. Costco is becoming one of the most recognizable American discount warehouse stores. Whenever the toilet paper runs low, it’s time for a Costco run. The last time, as I took pictures, the store manager decided I was up to no good and attempted to put an end to my picture-taking. I put away the camera only to take it out and snap shots from the waist thereafter.
The building looked like all the Costcos in the US- inside and out.
The Sushi selection gave it away as Japanese
Especially this section.
Several choices of (1) white mama cheris identified this as a Japanese Costco.
It wouldn’t be a Costco without a Tire Center- and they’re all free!
Some interesting dance clothes for sale.
The Japanese don’t have many OTC drug choices- and it shows in the miniscule Pharmacy. The pharmacist is on the ladder looking busy for the picture.
Here was the biggest difference-efficiency- NO LINE!
And then- DELIVERY SERVICE! alleluia! A new reason to love Costco. For some reason the service is called the Flying Pig.
I believe many of you will recognize this- strangely not one Japanese item on the menu.
And finally- Japanese ingenuity – the cart going up the cart escalator. Nothing can make the cart roll backwards. Amazing.
Finally- Costco pre-made Bulgogi- Korean barbeque-only in Japan.
Hummm- could the Japanese version of an American classic have surpassed the original? I think so.
Hey from Japan- or wherever the moving van arrives- Emily Cannell 
I miss Costco so much!!!
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It is a little slice of home
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That is so cool, here in Winnipeg one can’t even find a cart that moves in a straight line let alone up hill without crushing the operator. I had to giggle at the lunch counter, same western selections the world round I guess. Do they even know what a hot dog is? Do they assume it’s someone’s pet?
Too funny, guess it’s a little slice of home when your knee deep in someone else’s culture.
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When I go people think I’ve entered a Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest…
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Great pics of the Japanese Costco.
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Thanks for making me feel better about my Super Sleuth Shots with the Store Manager on my heels.
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awesome post! Thanks for sharing!
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Glad you liked it!
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Great idea for a post! However, I’m having to read it from my phone, so I’m missing the photos! Damn! Will try again later on my laptop.
From Haiti,
Kathy
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Thanks Kathryn- I amended my last post based on your good comments- thanks!
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I loved visiting the Costco in Yokohama (Kanazawa-Bunko store) when I was there Oct 2009. Dead give away that we were in a Japanese Costco was definitely the efficiency and cleanliness. And I loved those bicycles! I so wanted to take one home. I’m surprised you were able to take so many photos; they busted me after my 3rd or 4th photo. (And by “busted” I mean they politely asked me to put away my camera and thanked me). Thanks for sharing these!
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Going to American places in Japan has become one of my favorite things to do! Except in the case of some of the fast food chains which are just as bad there….
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