Seven-Eleven Installs Self-Service Shipping Machines

Seven-Eleven Japan and transportation company Yamato Transport announced on August 26 they will introduce self-service shipping machines. These machines will enable customers to send parcels without queuing at a counter manned by staff. To use the service, customers simply scan a barcode, affix a printed label to the parcel and slide the package into a collection box.

The service covers Yamato Transport parcels that can fit inside the box, including those sent through online platforms like flea markets. Previously, customers had to wait at the checkout counter to complete shipping through store employees. The new machines are expected to reduce wait times at checkout while lightening the workload for convenience store staff.

Seven-Eleven Japan's marketing division head Kohei Takegahara called the system a significant improvement in convenience, adding it could attract customers who have not visited the store before. A video showed the aftermath of a deadly explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto, revealing significant damage. In Tottori Prefecture, authorities are investigating about 39 kilograms of sliced bread illegally dumped around Mount Daisen and other areas.

Osaka City has received a donation of 400 million yen from an 85-year-old couple, who requested the money be used to create a giant Myaku-Myaku statue. Lawson plans to lower the price of its main onigiri rice balls by 10 yen from September 29 as rice prices fall. The Nikkei 225 stock index rose on August 26, closing at 66,262.16, up 0.62%, as investors bought semiconductor and financial shares despite uncertainty over AI valuations and the yen.