Individualisation sociale et konbini dans le Japon contemporain. La « consommation en réseau » à l’ère informationnelle

Abstract

This paper analyses the relationship between convenience stores (konbini) and individualisation in contemporary Japanese society. As a retail form, konbini provide convenience in the form of a time and space which not only their goods, but also their organization type and information technologies make possible. They thus give birth to a new style of consumption, networked consumption. Social life that has “individuals” as its main unit will expand by relying on the “consumption networks” formed by konbini. We point out that the circulation of individuals and networks produced by these modern Japanese convenience stores defines the outer edges and interior of the society called Japanese, by referring to the two “outsides” of America and Asia.

Keywords

• Convenience Store
• Konbini
• Network
• Individualisation
• Consumption
• Computerisation