Japanese Supermarkets – A Study in Packaging
Visiting supermarkets in Japan is a visual feast. Ever since I first had the book ‘How to Wrap 5 Eggs, A Study in Traditional Japanese Packaging’ in my hands, I’ve been eager to see Japan’s current take on protecting their goods. I must have spent well over an hour at Ozeki, looking at the unusual ways Sake bottles or noodles where labeled and wrapped. I also played ‘what could this possibly be’–trying to discern package contents from their often hilarious cartoon-like graphics.
Besides just examining the coolest designs, there’s of course shopping for real. I’ve found that many of the higher-end supermarkets like Ozeki, are a great place to shop for really fresh sushi, at an affordable price.
It’s also good to know–especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget–that many supermarkets begin to mark down their unsold lunch items and prepared foods after lunch and until closing.
My warmest thank you – domo arigato gozai masu – to the @SuntoryGlobal team, who went above and beyond, introducing me to Japan’s food and drink culture. I’m forever in your debt. #SuntoryTime #SuntoryTimeTour
