Is it a knockoff? Japan's "weird FamilyMart" sparks discussions among Taiwanese and Japanese netizens

After the truth came to light, some netizens also posted photos of the "PORT STORE" version of LAWSON. (Image source / Facebook: 日台交流^?。ㄌㄍ澶热毡荆?┘/span>

In some ancient Japanese cities, to maintain neat urban appearances, there are "signage laws" requiring businesses to follow specific standards and color schemes when making signs. For example, in Kyoto, you can find 7-ELEVEN and McDonald's in black and white. However, one netizen spotted a strange "FamilyMart" in Japan—its corporate colors looked like FamilyMart’s, it sold FamilyMart products, but the sign read “PORT STORE.”

At first, many thought it was a counterfeit FamilyMart store, even joking that it might be run by people from mainland China. But after persistent investigations by both Taiwanese and Japanese netizens, it turned out this wasn't a fake but indeed an authentic FamilyMart.

According to Japanese netizens, a convenience store labeled “PORT STORE” means it is located in the port area of Minato Ward, Tokyo, and is operated as a collaboration between the Tokyo Bay Port Welfare Association and the convenience store chain, aiming to serve port workers.

In fact, the products sold at “PORT STORE” are no different from those in regular convenience stores. However, it is managed by the port’s welfare association, which was established to expand and manage welfare facilities such as port workers' cafeterias, shops, accommodations, and rest areas. Therefore, this convenience store is one of their managed outlets, and the sign reads “PORT STORE” to distinguish it from regular convenience stores.