Conbini Boys: Recent Episodes
Conbini Boys
Mike and Matt dive into their passion - Japan’s convenience stores, known as conbini. From canned coffee to fried chicken to seasonal one-offs, we’ll be hitting you with the biggest news across the conbini landscape.
In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Music requests at Lawson
🐥 A body pillow in the form of a receipt
🐥 A hot and cheesy karaage-kun
🐥 Matt and Mike in sync over this weeks items
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 The stick and bar evolution of salad chicken
🐥 Tartar sauce inside of chikis
🐥 Imaginary fruits
🐥 Mottainai chuhais
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Back after a long break!
In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Shrunken quantities and skimped qualities
🐥 Daily Yamazaki’s great UI renewal
🐥 The legend of Egashira 2:50
🐥 Ever increasing “sticks” of stuff
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Oden and its mysteries
🐥 Tomato lemonade
🐥 Butter ramen
🐥 Cheese and cod fish sticks
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Daily Yamazaki’s plan to cure natsubate
🐥 How never to eat a Famichiki
🐥 Pretzels
🐥 The return of Pierre Hermes
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Summer Festivals (Natsu Matsuri) in Japan (and at Ministop)
🐥 An (abnormally?) large Famichiki
🐥 The ongoing evolution of the Pizza Chip flavor
🐥 An unreal banana bread offering from Daily Yamazaki
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Natto Day at FamilyMart
🐥 Fish nuggets at Lawson
🐥 Flavorless? Candy
🐥 Double cheesecake at Lawson
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Black Thunder - one of Japan’s greatest chocolate snacks
🐥 Mini-chikis?
🐥 A rare dual winner/loser out of Daily Yamazaki
🐥 Yet another extraordinary dessert from Lawson
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Ministop’s Ode to Okinawa Campaign
🐥 Karapeño Nanachiki from 7-11
🐥 Nagano Grape Ice Cream from Ministop
🐥 A Very Weird Corn Bread from FamilyMart
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 Lawson’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom campaign
🐥 The most chikis we’ve ever seen in one week
🐥 Ever increasing abstractions of pizza
🐥 Regulating your body temperature with inarizushi and zarusoba
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In this week’s episode we discuss:
🐥 7-11’s 50th anniversary and stories history
🐥 Yuzu Kosho Famichiki
🐥 Lawson’s attempt at a bagel
🐥 Giant eclairs
Because I am an idiot, I messed up my audio. I used an AI tool to correct it, which did a swell job. But it’s not as good as should be.
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This week, we decided to let AI to do our work for us. We asked ChatGPT to generate a script for an episode, and were really impressed with it came up with.
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After a long break we’re back talking conbini. We review Mother’s Day catalogs, celebrate 20 years of cheese Karaage-kun at Lawson, and look at a stale hot dog at FamilyMart.
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This week, we take a look at a lost episode. We recorded this one a month or two ago, but couldn't get it out until now. Who knows what we talked about? Something about 4 billion Karaage-kun sold? Sour cream and onion Famichiki? No one knows, but I'm sure it was pretty cool.
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In this week’s episode we take a look at a bonanza of seasoning and dorodoro ramen at Lawson. Mike issues a warning about spread of the Sugoonigiri and reviews the entire Juicy Asia lineup at McDonald’s.
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This week, we take a look at an exciting campaign out of Family Mart featuring nazo – that is – mysterious fried chicken. Each region of Japan will have its contender, and the champion will see a nationwide release. We talk about some other mysterious items such as bonjiiri yakitori, Sugo-Oni, and drinkable slime, and then Matt and Mike try to decide if smoked sausage is an acceptable flavor for chicken.
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In this week’s episode, we celebrate the ConbinI World Cup champion and review some of the tournament’s surprising outcomes. We take a look at 3 new chikis, pull back the curtain on a dirty diaper from 7-11, and Mike has a hot take on the Yuzu Kosho Famichiki.
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This week we check in on the first round of the Conbini World Cup. We pick up a couple of matches that stood out to us, including a few shockers that left us both speechless. Then, Matt introduces us to an amazing roast beef sandwich chain.
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This week, we celebrate our 100th episode by taking a walk down memory lane and looking back on some of our favorite episodes throughout the years. Then, Matt has a big announcement concerning the return of the much loved conbini tournament.
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In this week’s episode we preview Christmas lineups from the Big Three Conbini. We announce the start of bone season. Mike promotes Mabo tofu and Matt finds one of the strangest conbini items to date.
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This week, we’re taking a look at a cheese campaign coming out of Lawson. Will it live up to the legendary Nice Cheese Grand Prix of yore? We’ll have to see. We talk soups and burgers, and on the topic of burgers, Matt relays his experience with an amazing new burger out of Shake Shack.
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In this week’s episode, we offer more love advice by sharing how to spot THE ONE based on conbini hauls. We take a look at pizza karagekun, Matt questions Monster energy drink rehab-flavor, and Mike hunts for the curry L-Chiki.
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In this week’s episode we offer dating advice to Zoomers, evaluate 192 new items from 7-11, and Mike takes a trip to 7-11’s headquarters.
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This week, we’re catching up on the latest installment of a story that we’ve been following for a while – robots at the conbini. This time around, it seems like there’s been some progress, and Matt and Mike talk about what we can hope to expect with autonomous conbini machines. We talk Korean chikis, weird salad chickens, an amazing pudding selection from lawson, and a big development for Mike at the genba.
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In this week’s episode, we discuss two huge curry campaigns out of 7-11 and Ministop. We roast a five cheese tortilla. And Mike takes a deep dive into Lawson’s Machi Kado.
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This week, we’re bringing you a public service announcement about how to stay cool at the conbini. Last year, we recommended a number of items, but this year we walk you through each of our own strategies for keeping cool. The chiki wars are still in high gear, and in a heated segment, Matt and Mike talk about the merits of craft beer.
Last year's "Keeping Cool at the Conbini"
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In this week’s episode, we take two trips to Hokkaido with 7-11 and Lawson. We review FOUR new chikis. Mike tries a Sugoonigiri from New Days. And Matt pumps Tim Horton’s.
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This week, we take a look at some replies to a tweet that asked you to choose your go-to main dish, beverage, and snack from the conbini. In the winners and losers, we both take aim at the question of “what is a good summer item?” Finally, we investigate Family Mart’s new style of store, otherwise known at the Famima concept.
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In this week’s episode Mike and Matt take a trip to Hawaii with 7-11. Mike wonders whether it’s safe to eat shelled shrimp. And Matt reviews his local Dunkin Donuts following its renovation.
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This week, we’re looking at father’s day, and trying to unravel a mystery about why there are so few father themed items at the conbini. We check out a bizarre cheese and Chiki release, revisit a spicy chicken sandwich, and take a look at a truly incredible collaboration between pizza chips, fish and cheese.
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This week we take a look at two interesting campaigns, one featuring matcha flavored sweets, and the other featuring all the varieties of cold noodle dishes Japan has to offer. In the winners and losers segment, Matt picks up probably the worst sandwich we’ve ever seen, and Mike picks up a mystery item that the two try to solve. Finally, in "At the Gemba", we at long last take a look at some items outside of the categories of chiki and chuhai.
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In this week’s episode, we discuss 7-11’s Trattoria Open campaign — a celebration of Italian cuisine. The chiki wars heat back up with smoked fried chicken. We stare down a spam sandwich from Lawson and Mike reviews the Super Chuhai from FamilyMart.
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This week, we’re happy to introduce our brand new Conbini Newsletter. We fill you in on the good news, and then discuss a recent experiment where certain conbinis have opened their bathrooms up to the public. We check out an Okinawan themed karaagekun, talk burgers, curry ramen, and American dogs, and finally Mike catches us up on Family Mart’s attempt at the egg McMuffin.
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In this week’s episode, we discuss an Okinawa-themed campaign at 7-11, check out a tartar sauce karaage-kun, mourn the struggles of Daily Yamazaki, and meditate on ice cream.
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This week we take a look at the Famichiki Frappe, an imaginary item that Family Mart introduced as an April fools joke. And so of course, we take some time to imagine some of our own wacky April Fool’s style items, and come up with some pretty interesting things. To round out the show, we visit Matt’s Munchies, where Matt walks us through a number of incredible pairings of snacks and another feel good item.
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In this week’s episode we take a look at a Children’s Day Kabuto cake, dive into an Okinawa-themed campaign, question skid marks on a 7-11 gratin, and review FamilyMart’s crispy chicken.
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This week we take a look at two exciting campaigns coming out of 7-11, with the “choi happy” sweets campaign, and another focused on the cuisine of Kyushu. Matt and Mike collide during the winners and losers segment, opening up a debate over the strength of Japanese paper, and “At the Genba” Mike introduces the greatest melon pan that the two have ever seen.
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In this week’s episode, we take a look at the long-awaited emergence of new 5% chuhais, sippable Godiva chocolate pudding, and Mike tries a Famichiki sandwiched between a maple syrup nikuman.
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It’s a jam packed weak at the conbini. With Valentine’s Day coming to a close, we look ahead to White Day, and also 7-11’s Asian Gurume Fair. Matt reviews a new chicken sandwich from a fast-food place in the states, and to close it out, we read a story about how Famichiki grease is being used to power public buses.
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In this week’s episode, Mike describes an apocalyptic scene at his local conbini. We talk pig ears, yakiniku-sauced karaagekun, choux cream stuffed with brownie, and Donald-Trump-styled beer foam.
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Happy New Year everyone! We’re back after a very long break. We talk about what we were doing while we were off, and then jump right back into the conbini, where we look at Ehomaki and Valentines day.
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In this week’s episode, Mike and Matt record together for the first time in the United States. They step away from Japan and discuss some of America’s icons like Royal Farms and Costco, they celebrate the Au Jus summit, and they encourage everyone to buy a new TV.
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This week, we’re talking about the Conbini Boys America Tour… that’s right, Mike’s back in the states, and looking forward to meeting up with Matt. They discuss their agenda, with exciting things like eating Prime Rib, going to Sheetz, and checking out the TVs at Best Buy on the docket. In conbini related news, it’s a crazy week in the Chiki wars, where we see maybe the highest number of new chikis that we’ve ever seen.
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In this week’s episode we look at a Nikuman campaign out of Daily Yamazaki and a Creamy Milk campaign out of Lawson. We celebrate the arrival of more bones in the Hot Box. And we mourn the arrival of more rice burgers.
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This week, we take a look at the Extreme Cheese Festival from Family Mart, which promises lots of new items with lots of cheese. Matt picks up an amazing, sweet potato themed winner, and Mike finds a loser that shows that there are somethings that even the conbini doesn’t do well.
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In this week’s episode, we take a look at the Christmas menu lineup from FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-11. Mike reviews the PariPari chicken. And we fall in love with a pie cake hybrid from 7-11.
Christmas Lineups
FamilyMart Lawson 7-11 Matt's Featured Item #1 Matt's Featured Item #2 Mike's Featured Item #1 Mike's Featured Item #2
Chiki Wars
Garlic Butter Karaage-kun Crunky Hot Chili Chicken Cheese-in Chicken and Crisps
Winners and Losers
Mike's Winner Matt's Winner Mike's Loser Matt's Loser
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This week, we check in on Mike, and see if he was able to hold his lead in the Famichiki tournament to become the king of his conbini. In the Chiki wars, Lawson’s Parichiki makes it’s debut, and in the scoreboard, Family Mart makes a strong comeback. Matt picks up a surprising winner, and Mike’s winner has both Matt and Mike excited for the future of Nikuman.
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This week, we take a look at Lawson’s Parichiki, which claims to be an extra crispy Chiki coming out this week. We get an update from Mike about the Famichiki competition, and see if he’s still hanging in at the top of his local store. Finally, Lawson takes some hits in the winners and losers, where Matt picks up perhaps the saddest bento we’ve ever seen.
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In this week's episode we check in on Mike's position in the Famichiki Tournament. Lawson launches a nationwide celebration of ramen. The scoreboard heats up with Kimetsu no Yaiba items. And we look at a cake sandwich from 7-11.
Famichiki Contest
Lawson Ramen Festival
- Overview
- Matt's #1 Pick
- Matt's whacko pick
- Mike's #1 pick
- Mike's local pick
Chiki Wars
- Kimetsu no Yaiba Mentai Mayo Karaage-kun
Winners and Losers
- Mike's loser
- Matt's loser
- Mike's winner
- Matt's winner
YouTube and Twitter
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This week, we’re checking in on the Famichiki competition, where competitors battle it out over a month by eating as many Famichikis as they can. The prize: more Famichikis. Matt picks up a bizarre water, and Uchi Cafe continues to be the talk of the town.
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This week we take a look at the Famichiki Competition, where competitors try to eat as many Famichikis as they can to hopefully win a years worth of Famichikis. Matt sings the praises of Uchi Cafe, Mike introduces a Toyama themed instant ramen, and then we check in on the Tsukimi Burger, the legendary McDonalds burger that is out now.
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In this week's episode we talk about a FamilyMart campaign that brings back some old favorites from long-lost conbini like Circle K, Sunkus, and ampm. We look at a Lawson-Godiva collaboration. And Mike gives a shocking review of the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIV Karaagekun.
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Items Discussed * FamilyMart's nostalgia campaign * Chicken Tempura (Toriten) - Family Mart * Rich Cheese and Bacon Karaagekun - Lawson * Chili Sauce Karaage - Seicomart * Final Fantasy VIX Karaagekun * Matt's loser * Matt's winner * Mike's loser * Mike's winner
This week, we’re taking a look at a very special section of the conbini, and that is the instant noodle zone. And what better way to start, than to introduce the king of instant noodles themselves, Cup Noodle. Mike continues to try to track down the Final Fantasy Karaage-kun, and Matt picks up an amazing man that neither of us have experienced before.
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In this week's episode, we welcome the coming of fall with the arrival of nikuman. Their blessed colors - yellow, orange, and white - paint the hot box like foliage blankets a New England landscape. We check out Takoyaki ice cream and Mike reviews the Razor Red Ghost Pepper L-Chiki.
Item we cover:
- Ministop's nikuman lineup
- Family Mart's nikuman lineup
- Salt and Lemon Pokechiki
- Matt's Loser
- Mike's Loser
- Matt's Winner
- Mike's Winner
- Double Red Karaagekun
- Razor Red L-Chiki
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This week, the chiki wars are taking over, with multiple chikis coming out across the conbini landscape. Family mart commemorates its 40th anniversary with 40% larger versions of a number of its items. Matt and Mike clash on the topic of vegetable sticks, and try to track down the illusive Final Fantasy 14 Karaage-kun.
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It's August, which means it's hot as all hell in Japan. Mike and Matt share some tips on how to keep cool at the conbini covering everything from body wipes to cold noodles. The Chiki Wars cool off with just one new boneless fried chicken product out. And the new item scoreboard shows record low numbers. The Big Three product development teams may be giving in to the heat.
Items to keep cool
- Gatsby cold wipes
- Hiyashi chuka noodles
- Grape frappe
- Pocari Sweat jelly
- Pocari Sweat slurry
- Garigarikun
- Coolish
Chiki Wars
- Lemon Karaage-kun
Winners and Losers
Matt's Winner
Mike's Winner
Matt's Loser
Mike's Loser
Other ways to enjoy and support the conbini
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This week, in the spirit of the Olympics, we continue our Conbini games, where Matt and Mike offer each other scenarios and try to choose their gold, silver, and bronze conbini items for various situations. The Chiki wars are still hot, and we see the introduction of a Taiwanese chiki into the mix. In the winners and losers section, Daily Yamazaki and 7-11 continue to take hits, while sweets continue to make progress. Mike reviews the ketchup and mustard Karaage-kun, and finally, we take a look at a haul by the one and only, Conbini Ojisan.
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In this week's episode, Mike and I compete in the Conbini Olympics to celebrate the start of the Tokyo Olympics. We take a close look at a Miso Katsu donburi and Mike reviews the Cheese-in Curry Famichiki.
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Conbini Items featured:
- Hot Chili Nuggets - Seicomart
- Ketchup & Mustard Karaagekun - Lawson
- Matt's loser
- Mike's loser
- Matt's winner
- Mike's winner
- Cheese In Curry Famichiki
It’s getting hot out there, but our old friend the Gooodog is here to save the day, with Lawson proclaiming that this summer will be the “Summer of Hot Dogs.” The Chiki Wars are alive and well with a ton of new offerings, including a curry-infused Famichiki and a Final Fantasy themed Karaage-kun. Finally, in the winners and losers section, we see some winners sure to keep you cool, and some losers that make us once again question the photography team at 7-11.
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In this week's episode, we do a lightening round of conbini news. We take a look at the scoreboard and share our winners and losers, including an entire bento box packed into an onigiri. Then Mike heads to Gemba to talk McDonald's 50th anniversary.
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In this week's episode, Mike and Matt go Conbini adjacent and look at the Jimoto Frappuccino campaign at Starbucks featuring unique Frappuccinos from all 47 prefectures. We take a look at the new item scoreboard and share are winners and losers for the week, where Mike continues his assault on the 1/2 day vegetable claims.
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This week we’re talking ice cream. It’s getting hot, summer’s about to start, and so we thought it would be a good time to introduce the ice cream zone at the conbini. We walk you through the lay of the land, talk about the different ice boxes you’ll find, and then introduce some of the legends of the conbini ice cream world. Matt picks up one of the most shocking losers we’ve seen in a while, and to close it out Mike introduces his family’s experience with Lawson’s Okaasan Shokudo.
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Last week, we looked at our top overrated items at the conbini, and this week we're continuing that trend by offering up our 3 most underrated items. If you've been listening to the show for a while, you can probably guess a couple of them, but some of them might surprise you. We make a big announcement during the scoreboard segment, then Matt reveals an amazingly appetizing loser, followed by one of the juiciest winners that we've ever seen.
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In this week's episode, Mike and Matt share their top 3 most overrated items. Mike goes off on products claiming to contain a half-day's worth of vegetables. Lawson comes out with a dessert haul for the ages. And Mike celebrates the new cheese-in famichiki
Our Overrated Items
- Mike 1
- Mike 2
- Mike 3
- Matt 1
- Matt 2
- Matt 3
Winners and Losers
- Ramen Salad
- Half-Day Vegetable Kimchi Soup
- Matcha Desser Haul
- Parisian Sandwich
What's the call on the haul?
- Check out the haul
At the Gemba
- Cheese-in Chiki
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Breaking news here in the world of the conbini today. The Conbini Boys that we know and love are in a courtroom battle after Matt’s sudden declaration that “Melon Pan is bad.” Mike steps in to defend Melon Pan, but Matt stays on the offensive. Is Melon Pan good or bad? Will the Conbini Boys be able to resolve their differences without it ripping the show apart. Those are the questions we’re hoping to answer today.
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This week, we’re joined by a true conbini legend, Patrick St. Michel, the longtime writer of the legendary Konbini Watch column at The Japan Times. We learn about Patrick’s journey to becoming a journalist covering Japanese music and pop culture, and how that combined with his love for the conbini to lead him to Konbini Watch. After that, Patrick sticks around to hang out for the normal show, and offer his amazing commentary on a range of conbini items.
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Read Konbini Watch: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/column/konbini-watch
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In this week's episode, Mike and Matt give an update on the righteous battle between Mr. Matsumoto and 7-11. We discuss an amazing new beer can from Asahi that somehow replicates the draft beer experience. The Chiki Wars remain hot with two new chikis. We check on our winners and losers amongst this week's new items, which include a hot number from Go!Go! Curry. Mike wraps with a review of the Mochi Weiner from Lawson.
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This week, we’re taking a look at the Yamitsu-kitchen campaign from Ministop, which features a love triangle, some amazing items, and some questionable giveaways.
We take a look at the scoreboard, where the numbers are a little bit low, and then pick out our winners and losers, where Seicomart makes a strong showing.
Finally, Mike goes on a rampage at the genba, and sets a new personal record for number of chikis eaten in a week.
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In this week's episode, Mike and I imagine the conbini of the future. How will the conbini continue its pursuit of perfect ten or twenty years from today? The Chiki Wars heat back up with 4 Conbini releasing new chiki products. Then it's off to the scoreboard where we share a spectacular new product out of Lawson.
This week, the conbinis open up for preorder for mothers and fathers day gifts, and so Matt and Mike pick out some potential gifts for their parents. We take a look at the scoreboard, where Ministop makes some big gains and Lawson takes a few losses. Finally, Mike reviews three chikis from the genba. Also, a quick heads up, the audio this week might be a little messed up. Sorry about that, we’ll try to get it fixed by next week.
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Join the conversation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
In this week's episode, we follow up on the legendary battle between 7-11 and disgruntled franchise owners, Mr. Matsumoto. The Chiki Wars are finally heating up. Then we head off to the scoreboard where Mike and I share our winners and losers amongst this week's new items.
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eKvZ9cbMuLs
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
This week marks our one year anniversary since starting the podcast, and so we take a look back at some of the memorable items, news, and segments from the past year.
We take a look at some interesting items, including an innovative rice ball, some strange flavored chips, a classic hot dog, and a horrifying monster of a wrap.
Finally, Matt shares a pizza, while Mike shares his experience of rehydrating during a stomach flu.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSPvGGbEW7VKQ8Y4MTPBoQ
Join the conversation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
In this week's episode, we celebrate the arrival of the Kanbini - a convenience store that features Korean snacks, prepared food, and beverages. The Chiki Wars finally heat up with four new chikis. We take a look at the Scoreboard and finally see MiniStop serve up a couple of losers this week. Matt shares a review of Shake Shack's new Korean Fried Chicken sandwich. And Mike gives us the lay of the land when it comes to conbini at his new home.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/WTMAEjQlSXM
Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
This week, we’re looking ahead to the cherry blossom season. We look at some of the cherry blossom themed items being released at the conbini, and debate what exactly is the flavor of sakura?
We welcome NewDays to the scoreboard, share our winners and losers, and then preview a new segment where Matt will be reviewing fast food items from the states.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSPvGGbEW7VKQ8Y4MTPBoQ
Join the conversation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
In this week's episode, we're joined by our first guests, Casey and Joe from the Ishikawa Summit to Sea podcast. They're conbini veterans living in Ishikawa Prefecture. Highlights from the episode include:
- Casey describing his local Lawson, which he can reach without encountering a single traffic light
- Joe disclosing his clandestine conbini hauls that he hides from his wife
- Casey and Joe making a call on a haul
And now, links!
- Ishikawa Summit to Sea Podcast - listen to Casey and Joe each walk talk about life in Ishikawa and their hometowns, Cape Cod and Newscastle
- Ishikawa Summit to Sea Twitter
- The Beanpod Podcast - Casey's solo podcast about life in rural Ishikawa
- The Beanpod Twitter
- Conbini Boys YouTube Channel
- Conbini Boys Twitter
This week, we’re finishing our tour of B-tier conbinis, and to close it out we’re taking a look at NewDays, the train station convenience store chain.
We take a look at the scoreboard, pick our winners and losers where there’s a little bit of controversy, and then talk about another controversial item that keeps popping up, family mart’s Poki Chiki.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSPvGGbEW7VKQ8Y4MTPBoQ
Join the conversation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
In this week's episode, we continue our exploration of B-Tier conbini and head over to Poplar, a popular conbini in and around Hiroshima. We take a look back at their history and share what makes them special, notably the option to order a pound of rice in your bento. As always, we run down the new item scoreboard, share our winners and losers, and then head to gemba for another look at the the tare chiki from FamilyMart.
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F57i7TIKa2w
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
This week, we’re continuing our theme of taking a look at some of the smaller convenience stores around Japan. So just just like with Ministop and Daily Yamazaki, this week we’re taking a deep dive into Hokkaido’s pride, Seicomart.
The Chiki wars take an unexpected turn when Matt and Mike discover the existence of a mysterious association. We take a look at the scoreboard and pick out our winners and losers, where both newcomers Ministop and Daily Yamazaki make an appearance.
Finally, Mike reports from the genba with a review of an item that just might have to do with the conbini champion himself - Famichiki.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSPvGGbEW7VKQ8Y4MTPBoQ
Join the conversation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
In this week's episode we continue our deep dive into B-tier conbini and head to Daily Yamazaki, a minor conbini known for its baked goods. We check out the chiki wars and the scoreboard, where Mike takes a shot at Ministop. Then we hit the Gemba where Mike reviews the tarutaru chiki.
Check out all the action on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C-gIUUCkEro
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
It’s a new year, and we decided to do something new… For the next couple of weeks, we’re going to be looking beyond the Big 3, to some of the other smaller conbinis in Japan. This week, we’re starting with Ministop.
We check in with the Chiki wars, where we look at 4 new chikis. We take a look at the scoreboard, pick out our winners and losers, and then check in with Mike for some items from the genba.
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Join the conversation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
In this week's episode, we take a look back at some of our favorite clips from the past year:
- Unsolved Conbini Mysteries
- Famichiki Legendary Feats of Juice
- FamilyMart and Choshu Riki Collaboration
- 7-11 Cheese Dog
- Conbini Christmas Cake
- Casey's Conbini Memory
- The First Chiki Wars Segment
After six rounds of brutal matchups we finally crown the champion of the Conbini Tournament - Famichiki - and honor it by sharing four legendary feats of juice. We also look at the new item scoreboard and pick winners and losers. We make a call on a haul and Mike reviews a new Famichiki from the gemba.
Conbini Tournament Final Bracket
Items we discuss:
- Mike's winner new item
- Matt's winner new item
- Mike's loser new item
- Matt's loser new item
- What's the call on the haul
- Famichiki Mala Flavor
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Join the conversation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
Happy new year! And what a way to start: we've finally reached the championship round of the Conbini Tournament. From the hotbox division: Famichiki. From the meal division: Tuna Mayo Onigiri. We give our predictions, our thoughts, and look forward to the not so distant future where we can crown the king of the conbini. And that's not all... things are picking up again at the conbini! We pick up our winners and losers, talk some chikis including a really exciting one from Family Mart, and then Mike shares a couple of genba items, featuring one blast from the past.
Check out the youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSPvGGbEW7VKQ8Y4MTPBoQ
Vote for your champion on twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
Check out the full conbini bracket on Google Sheets: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VKUdrGm9J-esZ3TEBHoyZqr-BNBhBvXo4rIvk0ioaWs/edit#gid=0
In this week’s episode, we preview the Final Four of the Conbini Tournament showcasing each of the division champions that will face-off in epic matchups.
- Hot Box Division: Famichiki
- Snack Division: Black Thunder
- Meal Division: Tuna Mayo Onigiri
- Beverage Division: Pocari Sweat
Get ready for some brutal matchups!
We also share our very first Conbini Composition from a listener.
Check out the video and subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/JVtHSizOPvs
This week we're checking back in on the Conbini Tournament, where the third round has wrapped up and we're into the divisional championships. We celebrate the winners, and then take some time to commemorate some of the losers, who will continue to live on in our hearts. No chikis this week, for the first time ever, but we do take a look at the scoreboard and share our winners and losers as always. And finally, we celebrate Karaage-kun's incredible arrival aboard the International Space Station.
Check out the youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSPvGGbEW7VKQ8Y4MTPBoQ
Join the conbini convo on Twitter. https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
Download your conbini bracket or make one in Google Sheets. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VKUdrGm9J-esZ3TEBHoyZqr-BNBhBvXo4rIvk0ioaWs/edit#gid=0
The Conbini Tournament hosted some savage matchups in Round 2. Mike was left shaken to his core by a close battle between Pocari Sweat and Oi Ocha Green Tea, while Matt was left feeling anxious about a Round 3 fight between Canned Coffee and Conbini Drip Coffee.
Outside the tournament, Mike and Matt take a look at two new chikis from FamilyMart and Lawson. The former continues its quest to perfect a cheese-in recipe, while the latter has crafted a chicken leg masterpiece.
Mike and Matt bring back 'What's the call on that haul?' where Mike breaks down a shinkansen conbini haul sent to us on Twitter. The podcast wraps up with At the Gemba with Mike, where Mike reviews two cheese-stuffed chikis from FamilyMart.
Check out the video where you can see all the goodies on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wUw_Z2R46NU
Join the Conbini Tournament by following us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
View the live bracket here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VKUdrGm9J-esZ3TEBHoyZqr-BNBhBvXo4rIvk0ioaWs/edit?usp=sharing
In this week's episode we're checking in on the Conbini Tournament, where the first round has finally wrapped up. We take a look at our devastated brackets, talk about some of our favorite matchups from the first round, and look ahead to some of the exciting matches in the upcoming round of 32. We check out some cheesy chikis, spotlight a couple of upcoming conbini items, hear from the Spicy Commentator about a new drama-inspired sweet, highlight an upcoming conbini protégé, and then hear from a caller who tells an incredible memory of how the conbini saved him during a critical emergency.
Check out the youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSPvGGbEW7VKQ8Y4MTPBoQ
Join the conbini convo on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/conbiniboys
Download your conbini bracket or make one in Google Sheets.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VKUdrGm9J-esZ3TEBHoyZqr-BNBhBvXo4rIvk0ioaWs/edit#gid=0
In this week's episode, Mike and Matt share their respective Final Fours in the conbini tournament. Matt drops some shocking news about his feelings toward Pocari Sweat, while Mike speculates on the rise of conbini drip coffee. Naturally, they talk chikis. Lawson joins 7-11 and FamilyMart with their Christmas-inspired bone-in fried chicken, then one-ups them with beautifully broiled chicken legs. Winners and losers cover everything from Protein in Pocket to squid cartilage (what?!). Download your conbini bracket or make one in Google Sheets. Join the conbini convo on Twitter. And check out all the goodies on YouTube.
This week is episode 30, and it's a big one! For the next six weeks we're going to be holding the first ever Conbini Tournament, where we try to crown the king of the conbini. We talk about the upcoming tournament, take a look at some new items and the chiki wars, and then hear from a caller who shares a memory from their first trip to the conbini.
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2:34 - Chiki Wars
9:28 - The Scoreboard
10:30 - Mike's Loser
13:10 - Matt's Loser
15:17 - Mike's Winner
18:24 - Matt's Winner
20:48 - Main Story: The Conbini Tournament
28:36 - At the Gemba with Mike
32:27 - Conbini Memory
In this week's episode, Mike and Matt talk about yet another Karaagekun flavor, the return of premium bone-in chicken at FamilyMart, share this week's winning and losing new items from the Big 3 conbini, discuss a FamilyMart with a bar, hear from the Spicy Commentator on a new conbini sweet, hit the gemba, and listen to their first caller's conbini memory.
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- 1:50 - Chiki Wars
- 6:55 - The Scoreboard
- 7:44 - Winners and Losers
- 7:57 - Mike's Loser
- 10:29 - Matt's Loser
- 12:20 - Mike's Winner
- 14:16 - Matt's Winner
- 16:57 - Main Story: A FamilyMart with a Bar
- 21:30 - The Spicy Commentator Reviews a Conbini Sweet
- 24:30 - At the Gemba with Mike - Reviewing Nikuman
- 30:34 - Conbini Memory
In this week's episode, we welcome back one of our favorite members of the conbini boys universe: The Spicy Commentator. We look at some chikis, share our favorites from each conbini, check out a new conbini television drama, and continue on with our look at the history of onigiri at the conbini.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nb4XuNHZPY8
In this week's episode, the chiki wars heat up with three new chikis from each of the Big 3 Conbini. We share our winners and losers from this week's new items. Mike tells a spooky tale about 7-11's Zaku Chiki from the gemba. And we head to Conbini College to talk about the history of the onigiri.
- 1:58 - Chiki Wars
- 8:15 - New Item Scoreboard
- 8:54 - Matt's Loser: Lawson's Mentaiko Mochi Man
- 11:03 - Mike's Loser: FamilyMart's Katsuobushi Gohan
- 13:26 - Matt's Winner: 7-11's Haagen Dazs Quattro Formaggio Ice Cream Sandwich
- 15:40 - Mike's Winner: 7-11's Green Salad Bowl
- 17:17 - 7-11 Recipes
- 21:39 - At the Gemba with Mike: Unsolved Mystery of the Zaku Chiki
- 15:28 - Conbini College: History of the Onigiri
YouTube: https://youtu.be/epruUtLSptw
On this week's podcast, we round out our review of Christmas preorders at the conbini, finishing up with a look at Family Mart. We take a look at a chiki from Ministop, pick out our winners and losers of the week, share some conbini resources, and then take a look at Ministop and their game-changing "partner contracts" with conbini franchise owners.
Video version here:
https://youtu.be/dW4wQIk1JaM
Conbini Resources:
Super Salary Man (@salariedman_s)
https://supersalariedman.blogspot.com/
Konbini Watch (@mbmelodies)
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/column/konbini-watch/
We kickoff this week's episode with more vegan innovation out of FamilyMart - meatless nuggets. Then we dive into the New Item Scoreboard , picking winners and losers out of the Big 3 Conbini. The mailbag is back with shoutouts to a few Twitter followers dropping big-time knowledge. We review Lawson's Christmas menu and nearly blow our stacks on the price and size of their Christmas cakes. Mike reviews a new poke chiki and we wrap with some news on conbini sales during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2:32 - Chiki Wars
6:58 - Scoreboard
8:40 - Mike's Winner: Kushikatsu from Lawson
11:04 - Matt's Winner: Tamagotchi's Sando from Lawson
12:28 - Mike's Loser: Caramel Popcorn Lifeguard Flavor from FamilyMart
14:23 - Matt's Loser: Spicy Cod Roe (mentaiko) Filled French Baguette from FamilyMart
15:59 - Mailbag
20:35 - Lawson's Christmas Menu
23:42 - Lawson's Christmas Cake Lineup
31:55 - At the Gemba with Mike: PokeChiki
35:11 - Conbini News
In this week's episode, we're looking at the start of the Christmas preorder season at the conbini: Christmas cakes, fried chicken, pizza - those Christmas classics, starting at 7-11. We take a look at a few new chikis, take a look at the scoreboard, and then catch up on an on-going story of conbini franchise owners challenging the corporate offices for the freedom to do business as they please.
Video version here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_J3jCh0xZE
In this week's episode, Mike and Matt explore a fundamental part of Japanese culture: eating, sleeping, and watching TV alone in the confine parking lot. They also hit the scoreboard to cover new items out at the Big Three conbini. Mike shares reviews of the Black Pepper Famichiki and the Honey Maple L-Chiki. The show wraps with an exploration of conbini growth since the 60s.
In this weeks episode, we're talking burgers. Yes, that elusive, staple item that the conbini has yet to perfect. Is Family Mart's new burger series the answer to our prayers? We'll have to see. While on the topic, we also look at some of our favorite fast food burgers from Japan as well. We check in with the chiki wars and look at two new chikis: a maple syrup chiki from Lawson, and a black pepper chiki from Family Mart. As always, we take a look at the scoreboard, and check up on some conbini news: this time, an unfortunate trend has extended internationally.
Video version here:
https://youtu.be/a0kx4yFlSy4
In this week's episode, we take a deep dive into a conbini staple - the bento box. What are our Top 3 bento boxes? Then we head off to the gemba for a tour of the hot box section. As usual, we take a look at the new item scoreboard and follow up on some conbini news.
In this week's podcast we make our video premiere! We get accustomed to the new video format and then check out the Chiki Wars and the scoreboard for new releases at each of the conbinis. We take a focused look at the unfortunate phenomenon of the elderly crashing their cars into conbinis, Mike gives a live "At the Genba" review, and then we take a look at some news revolving around Lawson's new strategy for oden.
Video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8j5ckHKWHM
In this week's episode, the chiki wars are heating up with all three conbini releasing big-time chikis. Mike and Matt take a look at the new item scoreboard, which has a surprise from Lawson. The Spicy Commentator is back for another sweets review. We make a call on a couple of hauls before heading to the gemba with Mike to hear about the return of 7-11's agetori. Did it bring tears to his eyes? Finally, we follow up on the phenomenon of old people crashing into the conbini.
This week, we're looking at some new fried chicken items coming out of Family Mart and Lawson, checking in on the weekly output at the conbini and picking up some items to share, taking a look Family Mart's collaboration with professional wrestling legend Choshu Riki, and catching up on some conbini news.
Check out photos of the items we discuss on social:
In this week’s episode We take a deep dive into Okinawa-only items at FamilyMart. The Spicy Commentator is back with a surprising review of 7-11’s new Pierre Here signature sweet series. We critique two more confine hauls and Mike reviews the Cheese Takkarubi Famichiki. In Conbini News we follow up on the plastic bag reduction effort. Plus, the Chiki Wars rage on with new items from 7-11 and Lawson.
Check out photos of the items we discuss on social:
In this week’s episode, we turn our eyes to Lawson - checking out their weekly output as well as their legendary Uchi Cafe series. In the Chiki Wars, we take a look at the final results of Lawson's Nice Cheese Gran Prix, as well as a look at a new addition to the Famichiki lineup. We share a few hauls, enter a lightning round in Mike's "At the Genba" series, and check in on some controversial news coming out of the conbini.
1:30 - Final Results of Lawson’s Nice Cheese Grand Prix
3:15 - Family Mart's Dak-galbi Famichiki
5:21 - Podcast Blooper #3 (ZERO kcal Cider triple)
7:28 - Lawson's Weekly Output
- 9:35 - Uchi Cafe's Shequasar Frozen Fruit Bar
- 10:46 - Uchi Cafe's Custard Peach Daifuku
- 11:46 - Coffee Jelly Pudding
- 13:16 - Sweet Beef Curry Bread
- 14:49 - Pasta Clam Chowder
17:04 - Lawson's Uchi Cafe Introduction
- 18:50 - Bravo Michipu
- 19:40 - Zakushu
- 20:54 - Chocomint Tart
22:40 - 7-11's Pierre Herme Series Introduction
25:43 - Sharing Hauls
Z32:09 - At the Genba with Mike Lightning Round
37:51 - Conbini News
In this week’s episode, Mike and I once again examine the prolific number of new items out of the konbini - this time at 7-11. We get into the Chiki Wars with updates on Lawson’s Nice Cheese Grand Prix and a shocking new big chiki out of 7-11. We also dive into a Weiner War between Lawson, 7-11, and FamilyMart, then report on big news concerning plastic bags at the konbini. Let’s get started.
- 1:45 - Update on Lawson’s Nice Cheese Grand Prix
- 3:54 - 7-11’s Shocking Big Chiki
- 6:43 - 7-11’s 97 new items for the week July 14 - July 21
- 8:14 - 7-11’s Hashed Potato
- 9:32 - 7-11’s Wasabeef Chips
- 11:10 - 7-11’s Torori Takkarubi Doria
- 13:38 - 7-11’s Taiwan Beef Mixup Salad
- 15:07 - 7-11’s Black Thunder Pablo Cheese Tart Hybrid Snack
- 17:33 - 7’11’s Zero kcal Cider Triple
- 19:06 - The Haul Segment (Mike’s Haul and Matt’s Haul)
- 24:58 - New Items: Weiner Wars
- 25:36 - FamilyMart’s Big Chorizo
- 27:15 - Lawson’s Pork Weiner and Cheese Roll
- 29:07 - 7-11’s Double Weiner Red Curry
- 31:08 - Lawson’s Chocolate Pudding Sandwich
- 32:59 - Mail Bag
- Conbini News
- 34:02 - Thank You to the Conbini
- 35:40 - Huge News about Plastic Bags at the Conbini
68 new products this week... and that's just at Family Mart. We take a look at the mind-blowing weekly output of the conbini, check in on Lawson's Nice Cheese Grand Prix, take a look at 7-11's Sauce in Chicken series and Ministop's Double Cheese Katsu Dog, critique a couple of hauls, hear from the Spicy Commentator about a previously introduced product, and catch up on some conbini news that is sure to shake up the industry.
In this week’s episode, we celebrate 200 known flavors of Lawson’s karaage-kun fried chicken, critique some conbini hauls found on twitter, and share some big news about robots coming to FamilyMart.
In this week’s episode the Conbini Boys kickoff with Lawson’s Nice Cheese Grand Prix. Then they engage in some heated discussion around other people’s reviews of the Famichiki. The Spicy Commentator is back to review the Basque Cheese Choco Pie. Mike shares his review of FamilyMart’s Karamucho Famichiki introduced last week, followed by an introduction of two new items: the Mango and Passion fruit Zeitaku Shibori canned cocktail and Lawson’s Rare Cheese Jelly. Mike and Matt close out with big news - Lawson will begin selling 500 yen bags of vegetables at 15,000 stores.
- 1:38 - Nice Cheese Grand Prix
- 7:30 - Famichiki Critiques
- 14:45 - Spicy Commentator on Basque Cheese Choco Pie
- 17:34 - Karamucho Review
- 19:38 - New items: Mango and Passion fruit Zeitaku Shibori canned cocktail
- 21:30 - New items: Lawson’s Rare Cheese Jelly
- 23:30 - Conbini News
The Conbini Boys are back after their episode 10 blowout. They start with a check in on the Chiki Wars, taking a look at Family Mart’s new 3 part famichiki series, featuring the incredible Karamucho Famichiki this week. Following up from last week’s alcohol themed episode, Matt and Mike go in depth about drinking culture in Japan, talking about everything from nomikais to daikos. The Spicy Commentator is back with a traditional Japanese sweet review from 7-11, and for new items this week, the boys take a look at some items to keep you cool during the hot summer. Finally, they take a look at the world of conbini news, unearthing an interesting new trend involving t-shirts as well as another hero to add to the conbini hall of fame.
1:57 - Chiki Wars: Family Mart’s new 3 part Famichiki series
5:49 - Overview of Japanese drinking culture
12:00 - Spicy Commentator Reviews: 7-11’s Mochimochi Warabimochi
14:40 - New Item: 7-11's Clear Cooler Strong: Pineapple and Mango Sour
16:14 - New Item: Lawson's Machi Cafe: Frozen Party Soda
18:07 - Mailbag
21:44 - The Great Conbini T-shirt battle: Lawson's Sour Squad vs Family Mart's Karamucho Chiki
24:48 - Conbini News: A new hero is born
It’s episode 10! Mike and Matt kick off with congratulatory notes recognizing this unbelievable milestone. Everyone from Michael Jordan to Shinzo Abe wrote in. Then the boys jump into a HUGE conbini topic in celebration of the 10th episode: alcohol. The Conbini Boys cover everything from beer to canned cocktails to cup sake. They ask the big questions like “Which has more text on it: a New York Times front page or an Asahi Super Dry beer can?” They dispense critical advice, such as what to do when your friend peels back a cup sake top. In new products, Mike and Matt review the Lemondo canned cocktail from Coca Cola and frozen beer from Kirin. Finally, Mike and Matt share big news about Lawson’s karaage-kun launching into space and the accompanying Black Hole flavor chicken nuggets.
- 1:48 - Congratulatory messages on the 10th episode
- 6:58 - Introduction to conbini alcohol
- 10:47 - Overview of conbini beer
- 22:41 - Overview of conbini canned cocktails
- 25:32 - Overview of conbini sake
- 29:36 - Lemondo canned cocktail
- 33:18 - Kirin Frozen Beer
- 35:15 - Lawson’s Karage-kun in outer space and Black Hole flavor karaage-kun chicken nuggets
Matt and Mike round out their deep dive into hotbox fried chicken with a journey to Family Mart, and follow it with some truly legendary tales about the power of Famichiki. The Karakuchi commentator heads back to Lawson to bring us a review of a cupcake inspired item. Mike shares his thoughts on the Kakipi Famichiki, and the two look at a couple of new items: the Burger King Strong Burger and Cheese Milk Tea. Finally, after taking a look into the mailbag, we share some uplifting Conbini-related news stories.
0:00 - Kickoff
2:10 - Family Mart's Fried Chicken Deep Dive
8:03 - Legendary Famichiki Stories
17:20 - Sweets Review from the Karakuchi Commentator (Lawson's Cupke)
20:07 - Kakipi Famichiki review
22:50 - New Items: Burger King Strong Burger and Cheese Milk Tea
28:33 - Mailbag!
32:34 - Conbini News
The Conbini Boys continue their deep dive into hot box fried chicken at Lawson, home of the karagage-kun. These fried chicken nuggets have an astonishing number of flavors. The Spicy Commentator is back to review FamilyMart’s Zakuzaku Banana Chocolate Ice Cream Bar. The Conbini Boys dig into two new items: gatsuri ramen out of 7-11 and Kakipi (rice cracker) Famichiki at FamilyMart. After diving into the mailbag, Mike and Matt announce the winner of Lawson’s Regional Mayonnaise Onigiri Tournament. Finally, the Conbini Boys share news on the Famichiki Senpai (Famichiki big brother) and his exercise routine while in quarantine.
- 2:42 - Bloopers
- 4:28 - Lawson Fried Chicken Deep Dive
- 17:20 - Spicy Commentator reviews banana chocolate bar from FamilyMart
- 19:36 - New Item at 7-11: Gatsuri (gut buster) ramen
- 24:20 - New Item at FamilyMart: Kakipi Famichiki
- 27:20 - Mailbag
- 31:38 - Winner of the Lawson’s Regional Mayonnaise Onigiri Tournament
- 34:52 - Conbini News: Famichiki Senpai Exercise
This week, the Conbini Boys take a deep dive into the fried chicken section of the hotbox. Starting with 7-11, they’ll be taking a look over the next couple of weeks at the fried chicken selection from each of the Big 3: Lawson, Family Mart, and 7-11. The spicy commentator is back with another review, this time looking at "Italian Pudding" from 7-11, and as for new items this week, they’re looking at the traditional Japanese cuisine known as “hot dogs.” Next, following up last week's Top 3 Favorite conbini items episode, Matt and Mike introduce their “honorable mentions” to the list. And finally, the Boys introduce a new segment: “Conbini Boys Story Time” with a riveting story about the development of Pocari Sweat.
0:00 - Kickoff
1:30 - Hot Box Fried Chicken Deep Dive: 7-11 (7-11’s fried chicken selection)
8:47 - Sweets Review from the Karakuchi Commentator (7-11’s “Italian Pudding”)
11:20 - New Items: Hot Dogs! (Lawson’s “GOOODOG”, 7-11’s Cheese Dog)
15:42 - Mail bag check
18:32 - Near misses to our Top 3 Conbini Items
26:28 - Conbini Boys Story Time: The history of Pocari Sweat (The History of Pocari Sweat)
In their first Behind the Scenes bonus, Mike and Matt discuss the anxiety of choosing their top 3 favorite conbini items just before kicking off Episode 6.
In this week’s episode, Mike and Matt share their Top 3 favorite conbini items. It’s a nearly impossible question to answer. But after a week of long walks, pacing around the house, and consulting with fellow conbini-lovers, they each managed to whittle it down to three spectacular items. As always, Mike and Matt kick it off with hot box chicken, specifically tatsuta chicken. The Karakuchi Commentator IS BACK for another sweets review where she talks Basque-style Cheesecake from Lawson’s. The Conbini Boyz follow up on Lawson’s regional mayonnaise-themed onigiri tournament sharing which two made it to the final showdown. Conbini news continues to revolve around Covid-19, celebrating a collaboration between a long-haul bus company and Lawson’s. As always, Mike and Matt round it out with two conbini memories.
- 0:00 - Kickoff
- 4:27 - Chiki Wars: Tatsu Chicken
- 8:24 - Sweets Review from the Karakuchi Commentator: Basque-Style Cheesecake from Lawson's
- 11:15 - Mike and Matt's Top 3 Conbini Items
- 21:10 - Lawson’s Mayonnaise Onigiri Regional Tournament Update
- 24:17 - Sponsor's Ad
- 26:58 - Conbini News
- 29:53 - Conbini Memory
In this week's episode, Mike and Matt take a deep into the conbini's spectacular regional, seasonal, and limited edition culture. Lawson's is kicking off a two-week long mayonnaise-themed onigiri (rice ball) tournament. Who's is going to make it out on top? Strong contenders like Sendai's cow tongue and miso-mayo onigiri and Okinawa's taco meat onigiri blast off into a winner-takes-all battle.
5:19 - Correction on the History of Boneless Hotbox Chiki 7:29 - Lawson's Mayo Onigiri Regional Tournament 17:03 - Regional, Seasonal, and Limited Edition Conbini Culture 22:05 - Maimai's Karakuchi Commentator Review 25:12 - Conbini News 29:05 - Look Ahead to Next Week
Show Notes: History of famichiki: https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20160607-familymart/ Lawson onigiri tournament voting page: https://www.lawson.co.jp/lab/campaign/onigirisensyuken_mayo/ Chocolate Bar Cookie Sandwich: https://www.family.co.jp/goods/dessert/1940404.html Conbini cooler open solution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgA7GXsQ0z8
In this episode of Conbini Boyz, Mike and Matt talk Big Chiki. That’s right - BIG Chiki. FamilyMart has unleashed from its hot box a 1.5x sized Famichiki. Does it live up to the hype? Tune in to find out. In Conbini News, we talk Covid-19 and how 7-11 owners are braving the crisis like true samurai warriors. Then, we talk about the latest trend in conbini items - Cheese Foam Drinks. Should you have one? Probably! Finally, as always, we end with Conbini Memories.
In this week's episode, Mike and Matt dive into the conbini items foreigners love and hate. Will the hotbox boneless fried chicken reach the top of the conbini food chain? And what's sitting at the bottom? Also, Mike and Matt get into Covid-19 discussing 7-11's mobile conbini serving at-risk populations. Despite the challenging environment, Mike managed to do some field work to test out the Samurai Mac burgers. As always, we start off with fried chicken and end with a couple conbini memories.
In this week's episode, Mike and Matt dive into the latest news and products hitting the conbini:
Unmanned conbinis watched over by AI 7-11's acquisition of Speedway falls through Gubo chunky sticks FamilyMart debuts its first vegan item PABLO cheese tarts in drinkable form
As always, we kickoff with something on the Chiki Wars. And end with a couple conbini memories.
In their inaugural episode, Mike and Matt dive into the fried chicken wars, the latest seasonal items on conbini shelves, Covid-19, and 7-11’s war on the storeowner who refused to stay open 24 hours.