A US convenience-store license that grew into Japan's largest chain — and later bought its own parent
QUICK FACTS
Est. 1973 — best known for convenience stores found on nearly every city block.
HISTORY
7-Eleven Japan was founded in 1973 when Japanese retailer Ito-Yokado signed a licensing agreement with the US-based Southland Corporation to bring the 7-Eleven convenience store format to Japan, opening its first store in Tokyo's Koto ward in 1974. The Japanese operation adapted the format aggressively for local tastes and habits, introducing fresh rice balls (onigiri), bento boxes, and frequent product turnover.
In a striking reversal, Ito-Yokado's holding company (now Seven & I Holdings) acquired a majority stake in the struggling US parent Southland Corporation in 1991 and took it fully private in 2005, meaning the Japanese licensee ended up owning the original American chain. 7-Eleven Japan pioneered convenience-store services now common across the industry, including in-store ATMs, utility bill payment, and package pickup.
PRODUCTS
Fresh rice balls and boxed meals restocked multiple times a day
In-store ATM network operated by Seven & I's own bank
TIMELINE
This page is compiled from publicly available company history and is provided for general reference only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the brand's official website.