Japan First Move
Convenience store

Why Is the Best Snack Hiding Behind the Register?

You have already chosen your drink and snacks when you notice fried chicken, croquettes, and steamed buns sitting in a warm display beside the cashier.

They look close enough to choose but just far enough away to create a new question: How do I get one of those?

First Move

Point to the item in the heated display and say, “Kore o hitotsu kudasai.”

Quick steps

  1. Point to the item you want.
  2. Say, “Kore o hitotsu kudasai.”
Tip

The selection changes by store, time, and season. An empty space may simply mean that today’s popular snack was faster than you.

Say or show this

Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.

Point to the item while saying it. Kore o hitotsu kudasai. One of these, please.
Use when the item is easy to identify. Furaido chikin o hitotsu onegaishimasu. One fried chicken, please.
Use when you cannot see one in the case. Nikuman wa arimasu ka? Do you have nikuman?
Use when one hot snack has somehow become two. Futatsu kudasai. Two, please.

If You See or Hear This

Furaido chikin It means: Fried chicken. Your move A classic convenience-store hot snack.
Karaage It means: Japanese fried chicken. Your move Usually smaller pieces rather than one large fillet.
Nikuman It means: Steamed bun with a savory meat filling. Your move Especially tempting on a cold day.
Korokke It means: Croquette. Your move Usually crispy outside and soft inside.
Urikire It means: Sold out. Your move Choose another snack and begin a new favorite.

If You’re Stuck

Point through the display and hold up one finger. You do not need to know the product’s full Japanese name. At the hot-snack counter, pointing is not a backup plan. It is fully supported ordering technology.

Tiny Culture Note

The hot display turns a convenience store into a tiny kitchen. You can walk in for a bottle of water and leave with hot fried chicken or a steamed bun you had not planned to meet. That is part of the danger—and the charm—of the Japanese konbini.

Need to explain food needs?

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, use a simple Japanese card before ordering.

Food needs

Create a food card for Japan

Show allergies, dietary needs, or ingredients to check before ordering.

No app needed Save as image Point-to-reply answers

One-time purchase: USD $7.99

Create my card See sample cards

Stay in the same situation area, or go back to the category page and choose the closest moment.

What to Do First at a Ramen Shop

How to Order at an Izakaya Without Feeling Lost

What to Do When a Japanese Restaurant Says “We’re Full”
Back to Food