Life supermarket opened a "WORLD FOOD" deli corner at its new Oi-machi store in Tokyo in March 2026 [1].

The initiative provides Japanese consumers with an affordable way to experience international flavors during a period of rising food prices. By offering ready-to-eat meals from various countries, the store aims to simulate the feeling of overseas travel for those unable to travel abroad.

The deli features 13 different dishes [1] representing six countries and regions, including Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and Hawaii [1]. To maintain accessibility, some items are priced as low as a "one-coin" amount, approximately 100 yen [1].

These authentic dishes are prepared by skill-training interns, ensuring the flavors remain true to their origins. A store representative said the Thai one-plate meal is currently the most popular item in the section [1].

Shoppers have responded positively to the variety and pricing. A shopper in their 30s said they were curious to try the food because it included items they do not usually get to eat [2]. Another shopper in their 50s said that because prices are currently high, the ability to eat Asian cuisine without traveling is affordable [2].

The trend of integrating diverse, low-cost international options is becoming more visible across supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Japan as consumer preferences shift toward global tastes [1].

“The Thai one-plate meal is currently the most popular item in the section.”

The launch of the WORLD FOOD corner reflects a broader strategy by Japanese retailers to combat the psychological and financial impact of inflation. By leveraging the expertise of foreign skill-training interns to provide authentic tastes at extremely low price points, Life is transforming the supermarket deli from a convenience center into a destination for affordable cultural exploration.