They have a more stable economy, likely due to a strong worth ethic and being strict with immigration... both out countries could learn something from this.Eh... it's not a whole lot different. We just go to the supermarket. We have 7-11 here which HAS started incorporating some Japanese items (onigiri for one) but it's still expensive and not well done... also too far to go (it's like a 5 minute drive from my house, rather than a 2 minute walk).
Japanese prices are so freaking good. We bought some (much better made) McDonalds and it was like half the price. I'm about to go buy a new lens for.my camera for significantly cheaper too.
Also they just have healthier food. They take health more seriously in general and not in the corporate way.