Do you want to go on a shopping spree somewhere when you visit Japan? It might be a good idea to go to upscale places like Ginza, Omotesando, Shinjuku, etc. Yeah, sounds like a plan, too! But sometimes, you might want to look for something unique about Japanese culture? Then, I’ll tell you a perfect place for you. That place is Donki (ドンキ ), Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ) is its official name, and it’s one of the biggest discount stores in Japan. These days, their evolution is unstoppable. I’m going to share very unique items that you may like today. Let’s get started! Oh, before that, I wrote basic information about Donki in my past articles. If you get a chance, please take a look at below.
What is Donki?
10 Must-Buy Items at Donki
1. What is “偏愛 (hen ai)”?
“偏愛 (hen ai)” means “preference” in Japanese. Donki launched this “偏愛” series of dishes. The motto is “Instead of trying to get a 75% approval score from everyone, we’re trying to get one person’s 120%.” Usually businesses tend to develop their product to meet consumer demand as much as possible. However, it’s impossible to fulfill every consumer’s demand, so they try to meet the demands for 75% in the market. That’s a good marketing strategy, I’d say, but you can’t get big wins because you do things as others do. Sometimes you need to be a pioneer to get big benefits in business. That’s what they do. I’m sharing some dishes here.
きくらげ中華丼 (kikurage chuka don)
アメリカンドックのここだけ弁当 (chicken rice with only the crispy batter of corn dogs)
皮だけのフライドチキン (fried chicken skin without chicken meat)
I just introduced some dishes from the series of “偏愛 (hen ai).” If you get a chance, you must try them.
2. Craft Beer of Donki
Craft beers have been booming for years in Japan. Everything from big companies to small breweries are selling their beers now. There are hit or miss. I’m a beer guy who especially loves IPA. I didn’t expect the Donki beers to be any good, but that was a big mistake… These beers can compete with the very best: from Pale Ale, to IPA, and Weizen, to Stout. On top of that, they are affordable. Now I keep these in the fridge as part of my regular inventory. I have to tip my hat to them. If you’re a beer lover, you must try it.
3. Snacks
How was that? Donki renewed this private brand “ド情熱価格” a few years ago. I remember there was one of the run of the mill type of brands that sold at just cheap prices by doing bulk orders. I wasn’t excited about their products. Now they’re bending over backwards to add surprises in their products by listening to every single customer’s voice. That’s what made Donki different from other competitors. Apparently, one of the big advertising companies was involved in renewing this brand, and it was a really awesome job. Donki always looks for surprising products and affordable prices instead of low quality and prices. Oh, just so you know, I don’t get a penny from them. I highly recommend exploring Donki whenever you visit Japan. The unique, appealing packaging might help you study some words for Japanese daily conversation. Thank you for taking time to read my article to the end. See you in my next article!
I worked at a trading company for many years. I live in Tokyo with my wife. Love skiing, traveling, IPAs, wine , X-treme sports, fashion, and learning English and Chinese.
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