Guide to 100 Yen Shops in Japan: Daiso, Seria, and More

100-Yen Shops in Japan: Best Budget Stores Like Daiso and Seria Explained

Key Takeaways

Facing rising prices and a tight economy, Japan's 100-yen shops have become more essential than ever for saving money in 2025. Almost everyone in Japan relies on 100 yen stores in Japan. Only about 3% of people say they never shop at these stores – meaning virtually the entire population uses them regularly.

Daiso is the most popular shop chain, chosen by nearly 60% of survey respondents as their favorite. Massive nationwide presence. Daiso stores in Japan alone operate over 4,600 locations across Japan, while competitors Seria (~2,072 stores) and Can★Do (~1,340 stores) also have extensive networks. In total, Japan has nearly 9,000 100 yen shops in Japan, a number that grew by 50% over the past decade.

Everything for ¥100 plus tax. The core appeal is simple pricing – most items cost just ¥100 (about $0.70) before tax. Seria keeps a strict ¥100 policy on all items, while Daiso and others have introduced some better quality lines at ¥200–¥500 for special products. Even with Japan's 10% consumption tax (making it ¥110 each), these stores in Japan offer some of the best bang for your buck.

Household savings and variety. A typical 100 yen store stocks tens of thousands of products covering kitchenware, stationery, cleaning supplies, decor, toys, and even snacks. Many everyday items that might cost several times more elsewhere can be had for just ¥100, helping families trim costs. For example, Daiso's catalog spans around 100,000 different items at any given time, letting shoppers find almost anything in one stop.

Adapting to new trends in 2025. Despite global inflation and a weaker yen pushing up import costs, Japan's 100 yen shop chains are thriving by innovating. Industry sales now top ¥1 trillion annually. Major players are taking different paths: Daiso is developing new higher-end sister brands (like "Standard Products" for 300 yen goods) and expanding overseas (1,000+ daiso stores abroad), while Seria's strategy is to stick to the ¥100 model and focus on stylish, single-price offerings. This divergence shows how the budget retail sector is evolving to stay profitable yet affordable.

Why 100 Yen Shops Matter in 2025

Japan's 100-yen shops in Japan have become a social and economic lifeline in the current climate. With consumer prices creeping up and a decade of slow wage growth, shoppers are more cost-conscious than ever. These discount stores help soften the blow of inflation by offering daily necessities at fixed ultra-low prices. In fact, analysts note that even amid global supply chain woes and a weak yen (which makes imports pricier), the big 100 yen shop chains have continued to grow revenue by ~5% annually. This resilience suggests that when money is tight, Japanese consumers flock to 100 yen shops in Japan rather than cut back completely on purchases.

From a macro perspective, the 100 yen store industry has quietly become a huge retail sector. The top four chains (Daiso, Seria, Can★Do, Watts) together generate over ¥1 trillion in yearly sales and operate nearly 9,000 outlets nationwide. For context, that's on par with other major retail formats – an incredible footprint for stores that essentially sell "small luxuries" and daily goods for a coin.

A decade ago, 100 yen stores in Japan were seen as cheap and cheerful but perhaps low quality; today, they're a staple of Japanese life. The concept has expanded (with 300 yen shops and other variations), yet the classic ¥100 model remains extremely popular in 2025. There's also a cultural shift: frugality and smart spending are trendy now, and 100-yen shops in Japan perfectly fit that mindset.

Younger generations share 100 yen shop "hauls" and DIY hacks on social media, removing any stigma about shopping cheap. Compared to the past when people might have preferred department stores or mid-priced goods, now it's common even for well-off consumers to brag about a great 100 yen find. In short, these shops matter more than ever – they reflect how Japanese society is adapting to economic challenges by embracing value and creativity.

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Major 100 Yen Shop Chains in Japan (Daiso, Seria, and More)

When it comes to 100 yen shops in Japan, a few big names dominate the scene. Here's an overview of the leading chains and what sets each apart:

Daiso (ザ・ダイソー)

The pioneer and by far the largest player. Daiso has around 4,600 stores in Japan (and over 5,600 worldwide), making it one of the most ubiquitous retailers in the country. It carries an enormous range of products – roughly 100,000 different items ranging from kitchen tools and stationery to gardening tools and even clothing.

Daiso is known for constant innovation: you'll find seasonal holiday items, an extensive DIY/craft section, and even premium lines priced at ¥200 or 300 yen for products that need extra quality. Despite adding some higher price tiers, the vast majority of its products are still ¥100 each, preserving the thrill of the treasure hunt. Daiso's sheer size means if you need something, odds are Daiso stocks it. It also has the most robust international presence – if you're outside Japan, there's a good chance a Daiso is in your country or will be soon.

Seria (セリア)

The second-largest shop chain, with about 2,000+ shops nationwide. Seria sets itself apart with a focus on style and design. Walking into a Seria, you might notice the ambiance is aesthetically pleasing: goods are neatly arranged by color and theme, and many products have a cute or minimalist design aesthetic.

Seria is beloved for home decor items, storage containers, and kitchen goods that look more expensive than ¥100. Importantly, Seria has a strict single-price policy – everything is ¥100 (excluding tax) with no exceptions. There are no 300 yen items tucked in; they prioritize uniform pricing. This makes Seria great for carefree shopping because you know every item's low price at a glance. The chain also excels in organizational goods and DIY crafts. Bloggers often praise Seria's lineup of storage boxes, baskets, and closet organizers that help tidy up spaces on a budget. If you love a mix of functionality and Instagram-worthy design, Seria might be your favorite.

Can★Do (キャンドゥ)

Another major 100 yen store, with around 1,300+ stores as of 2025. Can★Do's identity lies in offering trendy, family-friendly products. They pay attention to what's popular (e.g. characters, current colors or themes) and quickly stock items to match the latest fads. Can★Do stores often have a bright, playful vibe – great for browsing with kids in Japan.

Parents appreciate the variety of toys, bento accessories, and seasonal event goods (for school sports days, holidays, etc.) that Can★Do provides. Quality-wise, CanDo, like Daiso, has introduced some items above ¥100, but most remain at the base price. They also run an online shop, making it convenient for customers who prefer to order certain items in bulk or those not near a store. In short, Can★Do aims to deliver a fun shopping experience with items that often have a creative or "kawaii" twist.

Watts (ワッツ) and Others

Watts is the fourth major player, operating about 1,800 stores (under the Watts, Meets, and other brand names). Interestingly, by store count Watts is actually third (just behind Seria), though its sales are a bit lower, indicating many smaller footprint shops. Watts stores tend to appear in local shopping streets and smaller towns, offering the basic 100 yen fare in convenient neighborhood locations. The selection of products is more traditional and utilitarian, but they have loyal customers who value the accessibility.

Aside from the big four, you might also encounter chains like Lawson Store 100 (a convenience store/100 yen shop hybrid for groceries) or smaller regional 100 yen stores. However, Daiso, Seria, Can★Do, and Watts collectively account for the lion's share of the market. Each has its own personality, so it can be worth visiting a couple of different chains to see which fits your style – many Japanese people actually "shop around" different 100 yen stores in Japan depending on what they need or simply for the fun of discovery.

To summarize the key differences, here's a quick comparison of the top chains:

Chain	Japan Store Count (2025)	Pricing Policy	Notable Strengths
Daiso	~4,600 stores	¥100 base (some ¥200+ lines)	Huge variety (~100k items); best one-stop shop in Japan for almost anything; strong in DIY, seasonal goods.
Seria	~2,072 stores	All items ¥100 (no exceptions)	Stylish designs and home décor; great storage/organization products; everything is uniform price, easy budgeting.
Can★Do	~1,340 stores	Mostly ¥100 (few higher-priced items)	Trendy & family-friendly selection; lots of character goods, kids' items, and creative gadgets; fun store atmosphere.
Watts	~1,800 stores	¥100 base (traditional model)	Convenience – many small local shops; standard 100 yen items for daily needs. (Watts focuses less on flashy products and more on essentials.)

Each chain brings something different to the table, but all of them adhere to the core concept of affordability. As a shopper, knowing these nuances means you can choose the best shop in Japan for your purpose – for example, go to Daiso for a massive selection, Seria for aesthetically pleasing goods, or Can★Do for the latest cute trend item. Of course, if you're a true 100 yen lover, you might end up visiting multiple chains regularly to capitalize on each of their strengths!

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What Can You Buy at a 100 Yen Shop?

One word: almost everything! Part of the thrill of 100 yen stores is their astonishing range of products. These shops started with basics like dishware and snacks, but over the years they've expanded into every nook of daily life. Here are some major categories of goods you can find in Japan for ¥100:

Kitchenware and Dining

From ceramic plates, mugs, and utensils to bento (lunchbox) accessories, 100 yen shops are a paradise for kitchen geeks. You can stock your kitchen with measuring cups, spatulas, cutting boards, and even small appliances (think handheld milk frothers or personal blenders) at rock-bottom prices. Many Japanese home cooks buy things like silicon molds for eggs or cake, onigiri (rice ball) shapers, and decorative picks for bento lunches from 100 yen stores in Japan. The quality of products is surprisingly decent for everyday cooking needs – e.g. porcelain bowls that could pass for much pricier, or heat-resistant plastic containers that do the job for a fraction of supermarket prices.

Storage and Organization

Need to tidy up? 100 yen shops have you covered with storage bins, baskets, trays, and shelves in every size. Seria in particular offers a variety of stylish storage solutions, from woven-look baskets to clear modular drawers. You can find closet organizers, shoe racks, file boxes, and even vacuum-compression bags for clothes, all for ¥100 each. These stores make it cheap and easy to reorganize your home or office – a big reason they're loved by neat freaks and DIY interior decorators. Tip: measure your spaces (shelf width, drawer depth) before you go, because you'll likely find a perfectly fitting container at a 100 yen shop if you know the dimensions you need.

Stationery and Crafts

Japan is famous for stationery, and the 100 yen shops contribute to that fame. You'll find notebooks and pens, markers, washi tape, stickers, and origami paper galore. For journalers or students, being able to grab quality gel pens or cute sticky notes for ¥100 is fantastic (just keep in mind extremely cheap pens might not last long – more on that in Best Practices). The DIY and crafting sections in Daiso and Seria are extensive. They sell yarn, needles, beads, fabric patches, fake flowers, and more, enabling countless hobby projects on a shoestring budget. Whether you want to try knitting, scrapbooking, or painting, you can pick up the basic supplies at a 100 yen store and test the waters cheaply.

Cleaning and Bath

Household cleaning products are big sellers. Expect a whole aisle of sponges, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, and cleaning sprays. Many folks stock up on things like dish sponges, rubber gloves, or toilet cleaning wipes from 100 yen shops since you replace these often – why pay more? In the bath section, you'll discover items like soap dispensers, shower caddies, and even toiletries (shampoo, travel-size lotions) in some cases. The quality is generally good enough for moderate use. It's not unusual for college students or new apartment dwellers to outfit their entire bathroom and kitchen with 100 yen shop items initially.

Decor and Seasonal Goods

Want to decorate for Halloween, Christmas, or Cherry Blossom season without breaking the bank? 100 yen stores shine here. They roll out seasonal merchandise well ahead of major events – for example, Halloween costumes for pets, mini Christmas trees, New Year's decorations (kadomatsu), or summer festival uchiwa fans and fireworks. All for ¥100 each, it becomes easy to get into the festive spirit.

Home decor staples are available year-round too: framed art prints, throw pillow covers, fake plants, scented candles, you name it. These items let people refresh their living space on a tight budget. Seria is particularly known for its "girly" and minimalist decor items, while Daiso covers everything from traditional to quirky.

Beauty and Cosmetics

Surprisingly, you can even find makeup, skincare, and hair accessories at 100 yen shops. Face masks, nail polish, lip balm, and cheap cosmetics are often on display. However, approach with caution – while there are some decent beauty steals (like cotton pads, hair ties, travel bottles), the skincare and makeup formulas might not be the best for sensitive skin. They could contain harsher chemicals or have weaker pigmentation. If you do try a ¥100 cosmetic item, check the ingredients and maybe do a patch test first. The selection is fun to browse (especially trendy nail stickers or false eyelashes), just keep expectations realistic given the price.

Food and Drinks

Most 100 yen shops have a snacks and food aisle. You can get popular Japanese snacks, candies, instant ramen, and sometimes baking ingredients or spices for ¥100. Drinks like soda, tea, or bottled water are sold too – usually cheaper than vending machines, though not always as cheap as supermarket deals.

One thing to note: package sizes are often smaller. A famous brand of cookies might be in a mini pack at the 100 yen store, whereas a supermarket sells a larger bag for a better unit price. For example, a snack that costs ¥100 at Daiso might contain fewer grams than the ¥150 version at a grocery store. So while it's great for variety and single servings, bulk buyers should compare prices. Also, 100 yen shops are handy for picking up travel snacks or unique candies without going to a bigger shop.

And that's just scratching the surface – there are also toys, pet supplies, electronics accessories (like phone cables, earphones), automotive goodies, gardening tools, clothes and socks, etc. It's honestly hard to think of a category not represented in a large 100 yen shop.

The key is that these items are usually basic versions of what you'd find elsewhere. The shops excel at providing functional, no-frills affordable products. For instance, you can buy a pair of reading glasses for ¥100, but they'll be simple plastic ones, not designer frames. Or a smartphone case for ¥100 that does the job, though it may not be as durable as a $30 case.

The incredible variety is why you'll see everyone from budget-conscious parents to tourists to hobbyists wandering the aisles. Many expats in Japan love 100 yen shops because they can outfit an apartment or grab camping gear cheaply during their stay. For tourists, it's an affordable place to pick up souvenirs (chopsticks, origami sets, Japanese-patterned towels) without blowing the travel budget.

In short, 100 yen stores are the ultimate general store – they offer a little bit of everything, unified by that sweet 100 yen price tag.

Best Practices for Smart 100 Yen Shopping

While 100 yen shops are wonderfully cheap and convenient, savvy shoppers know a few tricks to avoid common pitfalls. Here are the top three mistakes people make at 100 yen stores – and how to avoid them:

Mistake 1: Impulse-buying too many items because "it's only ¥100."

It's easy to go overboard when everything seems so affordable. You might fill your basket with cute trinkets and duplicates of things you don't actually need. The risk is you end up spending far more than planned, and cluttering your home with unused items.

How to avoid:
Shop with a list and a budget. Before you enter, jot down the items you actually need. It's fine to browse for fun (that's part of the shopping experience), but keep a mental tally of how many items you've grabbed. A good rule is to double-check your basket before checkout and put back anything that you realize was an impulse. Also, remember that 100 yen plus tax adds up – 10 items will be ¥1,100, not ¥1,000. By setting an upper spending limit (say, "I'll spend no more than ¥1,500 today"), you can enjoy finding goodies without regret later.

Mistake 2: Assuming everything is a great deal (and not checking quantity or quality).

Not all 100 yen items are created equal – some offer incredible value, but others can actually be more expensive per unit than regular stores. For example, big-name snack brands sold at 100 yen shops often come in smaller packs than the supermarket version. A bottle of green tea might be ¥100, but a supermarket sells the same size on sale for ¥90. Similarly, a ¥100 roll of plastic wrap might have fewer meters of film, making its price per meter higher than a bulk roll from the grocery store. Quality can also be an issue: a cheap screwdriver that bends on first use isn't worth even ¥100.

How to avoid:
Stay alert and compare. Check the label for net weight, length, or quantity. If you recognize a brand, recall what the normal pack size is. Don't assume every item is the cheapest option available – sometimes 100 yen is just a convenience price. For quality, use common sense: extremely lightweight or flimsy-looking items may not last. User reviews and blogs often highlight which 100 yen products are great and which to skip. If an item's performance is critical (e.g. a phone charger cable or a kitchen knife), consider spending a bit more at a regular store unless you've heard good things about the 100 yen version.

Mistake 3: Buying certain products that are known to be poor in 100 yen versions.

Building on the above, there are a few categories where ¥100 products frequently disappoint or pose risks. Classic examples include cheap ballpoint pens (many 5-pack for ¥100 pens dry out fast or have scratchy ink flow), zip-top bags and plastic wrap (often thinner and less adhesive, making them prone to tearing), and cutlery/knives (100 yen knives typically dull quickly or have poor balance). Cosmetics and skincare are another "be careful" area – a ¥100 lipstick or lotion might irritate your skin due to unknown additives. Electrical items (like extension cords or batteries) sometimes have lower safety standards as well.

How to avoid:
Know the red-flag categories and approach them with caution. For pens and office supplies, maybe invest in one good pen for important writing and use the 100 yen ones for casual notes. For food wrap and kitchen tools that handle heat or sharpness, sticking to known brands can be safer (or test a 100 yen version gently before relying on it heavily). With cosmetics, read ingredient labels and do a patch test if you decide to try – or stick to buying things like hair ties and mirrors at the 100 yen shop, but get your facial creams from a pharmacy. Essentially, if a product's failure could cause harm or big inconvenience (a knife slipping, a charger shorting out, a skincare allergy), consider whether saving a few hundred yen is worth it. Often, 100 yen shops are best for non-critical items and experimentation, while for long-term durability or safety, you might opt for higher-grade products elsewhere.

By following these best practices, you'll maximize the benefits of 100 yen shops (huge savings and fun finds) while minimizing any downsides. The goal is to be a smart shopper – enjoy the thrill of cheap goodies, but shop with eyes open about what you're getting. That way, you truly get the value these wonderful stores promise without unwelcome surprises.

(For a quick recap, consider this mini checklist of "Risk & Reward" when shopping 100 yen: if it's something you'll use briefly or don't mind replacing, 100 yen is likely a smart choice; if it's something you rely on heavily or goes on/in your body, evaluate the 100 yen version carefully.)

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Checklist: How to Make the Most of a 100 Yen Shop Visit

If you're planning a shopping trip to a 100 yen store, here's a step-by-step checklist to ensure you come out with great bargains and no regrets:

Plan and Prioritize

Before you go, list the items you actually need or are looking for (e.g. "storage boxes for closet, some cute gift bags, and a new coffee mug"). Having a list will focus your shopping, so you don't forget important items amid the sea of goodies. Also set a rough budget (e.g. "around ¥1,000 to spend") to keep yourself in check.

Choose the Right Store (if available)

If you have multiple 100 yen shop chains nearby, pick the one that best suits your needs. For example, go to a large Daiso for the widest selection or niche items, visit Seria if you want more decorative and design-oriented goods, or Can★Do if you're hoping to find something trendy or character-branded. When in doubt, a big Daiso branch is a safe bet for one-stop shopping.

Grab a basket – and shop systematically

Once in the store, take a shopping basket (you'll likely need it!). Browse aisle by aisle so you don't miss sections. Most 100 yen shops are organized by category (kitchen, stationery, cleaning, etc.). It can help to start at one end of the store and work your way through each section, referring to your list as you go. Allow yourself to explore a bit – you might discover solutions or cool items you didn't know existed – but also be mindful not to get stuck too long in one aisle marveling at all the choices!

Compare and inspect items

When you find something on your list (say, a storage box), check if there are multiple variations. 100 yen shops often have several sizes or styles for the same type of item. Make sure the one you pick fits your needs (dimensions, capacity). For any item, give it a quick quality once-over: Does it feel sturdy enough? Does it have any obvious defects or flimsy parts? It's ¥100, so you're not expecting perfection, but a quick inspection can save you from buying something that breaks immediately. If it's a packaged product (like snacks or cleaning fluid), read the label for the quantity/volume to judge if it's good value.

Be cautious with "iffy" categories

Remember the Best Practices tips – for example, if you're eyeing a kitchen knife or a cosmetic item, double-check those decisions. It's perfectly fine to buy them (many people do!), just recall the advice: maybe avoid the absolute cheapest-looking knife, or read the ingredients on that skincare item and ensure you're comfortable with them. For electronics like charging cables, check the length and connector type, and consider buying just one to test at home before getting multiples.

Keep track of how many items you've picked up

It's easy to lose count of how full your basket is getting. Remember, 10 items ≈ ¥1,100 (with tax), 20 items ≈ ¥2,200, etc. If you're on a strict budget, periodically count the items in your basket. Some people even carry a small tally counter or use their phone's calculator to add ¥110 each time they toss something in. This prevents the shock of a higher-than-expected total at checkout.

Finalize your selections before checkout

Find a quiet corner of the store and quickly review what's in your basket. Remove anything that you realize you don't truly need or that is very similar to another item you're already buying. This is your chance to put back those impulse grabs. It helps to ask yourself: "Do I have a specific plan for this item? Will I actually use it, or did it just look amusing?" If you can't answer, maybe it can go back on the shelf for now.

Checkout and payment

Go to the register (cashier). In Japan, many 100 yen shops now accept electronic payments (IC cards, credit cards, QR pay) in addition to cash, but it can vary. Be prepared with cash just in case, as some smaller franchises might be cash-only. The clerk will ring up your items – watch the screen if you're curious, it will typically show "¥100" repeatedly and then add tax at the end. If you brought your own shopping bag (good for sustainability!), let them know; otherwise, you might need to purchase a bag for a small fee since Japan's plastic bag charge law. Pay the total, say "ありがとうございます" (Thank you), and collect your goods.

Test and use your items soon

After you get home, try out the products relatively quickly, especially if they're electronics or tools. Make sure that pack of pens actually writes, or that USB cable charges your phone properly. If something is defective out of the box, 100 yen shops usually allow exchanges or refunds for faulty goods (keep your receipt and bring the item back promptly, within a few days). Daiso and others have policies to handle this – they won't leave you stuck with a totally non-functional product. Using items soon also lets you gauge quality; if that pan you bought chips after one use, you'll know not to rely on it for heavy cooking. In most cases, though, you'll be pleasantly surprised how useful the ¥100 item is, and you can incorporate it into your daily routine.

Note your favorites (and duds) for next time

Over multiple 100 yen shop visits, you'll develop a sense of which items are fantastic deals (e.g. you might discover the ¥100 microfibre towels are amazing and want more) and which were not worth it (e.g. those super-cheap batteries that died fast). Keep mental or written notes. This way, each trip gets more efficient and rewarding. You'll build your own personal list of "100 yen shop must-buys" and steer clear of known disappointments. Part of the fun is this learning process – soon, you might even find yourself giving others advice on what to get at Daiso or Seria!

Following this checklist will help ensure your 100 yen store excursion is successful and fun. You'll walk out with useful goodies, money still in your wallet, and maybe a new favorite shop to frequent.

Happy 100 yen shopping!

FAQ: Common Questions About 100 Yen Shops

Q1: Are all items really ¥100 in these stores?

A: Almost – by definition, 100 yen shops price most goods at ¥100, but note this is before the consumption tax (so you pay ¥110 per item at checkout). A few chains now stock premium sections above ¥100; for example, Daiso has some ¥200 or 300 yen items for better quality products. However, places like Seria keep everything at a flat ¥100 (tax extra) with no exceptions. So, generally yes, the vast majority of items cost just one 100 yen coin, making it very easy to calculate your spending.

Q2: Which 100 yen shop is the best?

A: It depends on what you're looking for. Daiso is the biggest and has the widest selection overall – it's a great one-stop shop and often the go-to choice for most people. Seria is often considered "best" for attractive design and home goods (many fans love its aesthetic and uniform pricing). Can★Do might be the favorite if you enjoy trendy or character-themed items. In surveys, Daiso usually comes out on top as the most popular chain by a large margin, but Seria has a devoted following as well. You really can't go wrong with any of the big three – if you have time, visit each and see which one's products appeal to you most!

Q3: Do 100 yen shops exist outside of Japan?

A: Yes, primarily through Daiso's international expansion. Daiso has opened over 1,000 overseas stores across Asia, North America, and other regions, often branded just as "Daiso" but essentially carrying similar items (sometimes at local equivalent pricing like $1.50 in the US due to currency differences). Other Japanese chains have a smaller overseas presence: for instance, Seria and Can★Do are mostly domestic, but you might find some Japanese 100 yen products sold in Asian supermarkets abroad. Additionally, many countries have their own version of dollar stores or fixed-price shops – these are analogous in concept, though Japan's famous 100 yen shops are known for their quality and huge variety. If you're not in Japan, seeking out a Daiso in your country is a great way to experience a bit of Japanese 100 yen culture.

Q4: Can I shop at 100 yen stores online?

A: To an extent, yes. Daiso and Can★Do each have online shops. Daiso's online store allows you to buy many of their products from your computer or phone, which is handy if you don't live near a branch or need bulk quantities. CanDo also offers online ordering (including even a feature for single items or large orders). Seria stores, on the other hand, do not have a conventional online store – they focus on in-person shopping. Seria only offers a bulk order service if you need 300+ units of an item for events, etc., but that's not practical for typical customers. There are some third-party online retailers that sell Seria items, but selection can be limited. So, in summary: you can definitely buy Daiso products online via their official site (and sometimes through Amazon in certain countries), and Can★Do has options too, but Seria is a physical visit experience for now.

Q5: What are some of the best products to buy at 100 yen shops?

A: There are so many great buys! A few perennial favorites include: storage organizers (various boxes, trays, hooks to tidy up your home), kitchen gadgets (like silicone spatulas, sink strainers, and clever items such as a container whose lid stands upright while you fill it), stationery (notebooks, decorative tapes, sticky notes – Japan's 100 yen stationery is top-notch for the price), and craft/DIY supplies (yarn, paints, fabrics for hobbyists). Also, don't overlook the seasonal/party goods – for example, you can get all your Christmas tree ornaments or Halloween party favors for a few hundred yen total, which is a steal. Many people also swear by 100 yen cleaning products (microfiber cloths, magic eraser sponges) and beauty products (like facemasks, hair clips, travel bottles). The key is that the "best" items are those that deliver outsized value relative to their cost. It can be subjective, but the items above are widely considered winners where you hardly notice you only paid ¥100.

Q6: Are 100 yen products good quality?

A: Surprisingly often, yes – but with caveats. For many daily necessities (think plastic dishes, notepads, simple tools), the quality is perfectly adequate and you'd have trouble distinguishing them from more expensive versions. Japan's top 100 yen chains do have internal quality checks and often source from manufacturers who also supply bigger retailers. That said, you generally get what you pay for in terms of durability. A ¥100 screwdriver might work in a pinch but might not withstand heavy use (the metal could be softer). Some items, like the cheapest ballpoint pens or certain makeup, can be hit-or-miss in performance. In general, 100 yen goods are great for lightweight or infrequent use, decoration, or trial purposes. If you need something to last years or take a beating (like a professional-grade kitchen knife or a heavy-duty umbrella), you'd likely want to invest more than 100 yen. But for most small household items, the quality is decent and sometimes astonishingly good for the price – that's why these stores have loyal fans. When quality issues do arise, they're usually minor annoyances rather than serious defects. And at the end of the day, since everything is so cheap, many customers don't mind replacing a worn-out item with a fresh ¥100 one when needed.

Conclusion

Japan's 100-yen shops in Japan prove that you can get great things for just a handful of coins. In 2025, they remain a beloved resource for students, families, and even businesses to save money and find clever solutions for daily necessities. By understanding each major chain's strengths and shopping smart with the tips above, you can stretch your budget, discover fun affordable products, and enjoy the thrill of bargain hunting – all while making your life a little easier, ¥100 at a time.

Tokyo's 100 Yen Shop Guide: Daiso, Seria & More Stores in Japan