Unmanned stores are rapidly emerging across Japan, with automation expanding from convenience stores to ramen shops and cafés. Driven by labour shortages and technological advancements, this retail revolution is quietly reshaping the consumer experience in Japan.

TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – In the bustling district of Shinjuku, Tokyo, one may now encounter a convenience store without cashiers or store clerks. Shoppers scan their phones to enter, pick up items, and complete their purchases via mobile payment, while ceiling-mounted cameras and shelf sensors track the transaction. This is not a scene from science fiction but a growing reality in Japan’s unmanned retail landscape.

Japan faces a severe labour shortage, exacerbated by a declining birthrate and an ageing population. According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the working-age population (ages 15 to 64) has decreased for 12 consecutive years. In response, businesses invest in automation and unmanned technologies.

Major convenience store chains like FamilyMart and Lawson have been piloting unmanned models. Selected locations have introduced self-checkout machines, automated entry systems, and AI-powered surveillance to reduce staff needs and enhance operational efficiency. For example, Lawson launched a “walk-through payment” store at Nakamozu Station in Osaka, allowing customers to enter, shop, and leave without scanning or waiting in line, showcasing a practical application of automation in transit hubs.

Beyond checkout, some Japanese stores have deployed AI-driven restocking robots and remote monitoring systems. These solutions can handle over a thousand restocking tasks per day—comparable to the productivity of a part-time worker. This hybrid physical automation and remote operation model pushes unmanned stores beyond simple self-service, enabling near-full autonomy while supporting underserved rural areas and special populations with flexible solutions.

Japan is not alone in this trend. According to The Business Research Company, the global unmanned stores market reached USD 12 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%, surpassing USD 25 billion by 2032. This global movement is fueled by advances in retail automation, reduced costs of AI and sensors, and heightened consumer demand for convenience and immediacy. In North America and Asia mainly, unmanned stores have emerged as a significant innovation in retail. Examples include Amazon Go, Alibaba’s Tao Café, and unmanned convenience store branches in South Korea.

In addition to improving efficiency, unmanned stores have met the post-pandemic demand for contactless service. An increasing number of consumers now prefer shopping without human interaction, accelerating the expansion of unmanned retail models.

Nevertheless, rapid development brings challenges. Some shoppers express concerns about data privacy and security, while elderly customers report difficulties using complex interfaces. Moving forward, experts suggest that unmanned store design should incorporate voice navigation, simplified interfaces, and multilingual prompts—ensuring that technology improves efficiency and enhances user inclusivity and accessibility.