Over the weekend I took my life into my own hands and visited the local Costco that the company was kind enough to open near the J-List offices, braving the crowds to buy Starbucks coffee, A&W root beer and cheese that actually has some flavor to it, instead of the bland varieties sold in Japanese supermarkets. Since Costco stores in Japan have the same layouts as in the U.S., right down to the signs advertising “USDA Choice Beef,” it can be a disorienting place to visit, making me almost want to pay for my purchases in dollars instead of yen. I’m not quite sure why but something about going to Costco makes Japanese people bring out their most interesting Engrish T-shirts, and as I shopped I had fun observing shirts that said A VALIANT BATTLE or MICKEY MOUSE, THE LONG-LASTING FRIEND or GET BACK TO YOUR ROOTS. It was quite entertaining to see.
Japanese Costco stores are exactly the same as those found in the U.S.
