An unexpected love story that started in Tokyo blossomed into a vision to share the everyday magic of Japan with everyone.
A Summer in Tokyo
It began as a summer internship abroad. We were two students placed within the same program by chance. For the next few months, Tokyo became our home, and every day offered something new to discover.
In our daily lives we frequented Japanese convenience stores – 'konbini' for short. Far from the gas station mini-marts common in the US, Japanese konbini are stocked with everything you could imagine: from freshly made onigiri and sandwiches to lifestyle essentials like stationery and skincare. These stores, open 24/7, blend quality, design, and convenience in a way that completely astonished us. Grabbing an onigiri and a drink on our way to work became a staple of our routine.
Our shared excitement for exploring every nook and cranny of Japan brought us closer, from spontaneous late-night ramen stops to sampling new treats from konbini shelves. Tokyo wasn't just the place we spent the summer; it became a part of us and an integral part of our story.
The Inspiration
When we returned to the US, we realized how much we missed the simple joy of the konbini. High-quality products were hard to find, and nothing ever quite felt the same. We went about our lives – finishing school, spending time with friends and family – but that summer stayed with us, and we shared our memories with anyone who’d listen.
Then came the idea for Ikimart. We envisioned an online store filled with the same high-quality Japanese products that we loved, designed to be as easy and enjoyable to browse as the konbini aisles. Together with the help of wonderful Japanese suppliers, this vision became a reality.
Our Mission
At Ikimart, we are committed to bringing you authentic Japanese snacks, groceries, and essentials that embody the heart of Japan’s konbini culture. Our selection is carefully curated to bring joy and convenience to your everyday life, capturing the warmth and vibrancy of Japan. Alongside our diverse collection, we offer articles that help you discover more about Japanese culture and our products.
We believe that these small connections to Japanese culture can spark joy in everyday moments – just as they did for us in Tokyo.
Join Us on Our Journey
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Japanese products or a curious newcomer, we’re here to share Japan’s konbini treasures with you, no passport necessary.
Join our growing community by following our socials and feel welcome to give us feedback so we can continue improving Ikimart to the best it can be.
Thank you for being part of our journey and letting us share our love for Japan with you. We hope opening our packages will bring a piece of Japan into your home.
With gratitude,
Maggie and Jacob