August 12, 2026, 8:35 a.m. (JST)
[Japan] On August 4, 2026, Lawson and KDDI (both based in Tokyo, Japan) opened the “Happy Lawson Town Hino Takahata-dai” store at the UR Takahata-dai Housing Complex (Hino City, Tokyo), which is managed by the Urban Renaissance Agency (Kanagawa Prefecture).
A Hub for
Transforming Daily Life and Experiences Aiming to expand to 100 locations nationwide by 2030
“Happy Town Lawson” is a concept that aims to revitalize local communities by transforming Lawson stores into community hubs that foster real-life connections among people across generations.
It seeks to address local social issues and create towns where people—from seniors to children—can live conveniently while maintaining warm, casual connections. Furthermore, by partnering with KDDI and others to incorporate technology and entertainment elements into stores, and by collaborating with local governments and other companies, Lawson aims to promote town development in its own unique style.
Lawson aims to expand “Happy Town Lawson” across all 47 prefectures, with a goal of reaching 100 locations nationwide by 2030.
A Quol Pharmacy will also open
in September Featuring a Ponta Consultation Desk and AI signage
The Happy Lawson Town Hino-Takahatadai store operates 24 hours a day, with a total floor area of 338.18 m² (102.28 tsubo),with a sales floor area of 272.52 m² (82.28 tsubo), of which the pharmacy section occupies 43.8 m² (13.24 tsubo).
The store will source fresh produce such as vegetables, as well as meat and frozen fish, from the Commodity Iida Nagayama Store to stock its shelves. The product lineup includes 60 items of produce, 20 items of meat, and 7 items of frozen fish. Additionally, a Quall Pharmacy is scheduled to open on September 1.
Furthermore, the store has installed “Multi-eCube,” a multifunctional locker system provided by JR East Smart Logistics, and is the first convenience store to offer a service allowing customers to pick up items ordered via “Eki-Choku-Bin”—a dedicated e-commerce site operated by Keio Transport—from lockers inside the store.
Furthermore, the eat-in space can be used for community gatherings, workshops, and events. A key feature of this eat-in space is its raised seating area that accommodates eight people, bringing the total seating capacity to 26.Going forward, the store plans to host events such as health programs for seniors, smartphone classes, and hands-on activities for children. The eat-in area also features approximately 50 picture books from Asahi Kasei Real Estate Residence’s “BORIKI Picture Book Box” service.
The Ponta General Consultation Center has implemented KDDI’s “Next-Generation Remote Customer Service Platform.” Through this remote customer service system, residents can consult with specialists in various fields about a wide range of concerns without needing to make an appointment in advance. In addition to services covering telecommunications, utilities (electricity and gas), and financial services, the center offers a citizen consultation service in collaboration with the Hino City Hall.
The AI Supporter (AI signage) features an AI concierge that provides guidance on administrative and local information.
Inside the store, a trio of digital signage displays delivers administrative information to local residents. In the event of an emergency, it also instantly broadcasts disaster information to customers and employees. Additionally, the store reportedly provides free Wi-Fi via Starlink and uses a small mobile phone base station to ensure communication channels for both staff and disaster victims during emergencies.
Solar panels installed on the building’s rooftop generate electricity, with all power produced used to meet the store’s energy needs. Furthermore, to address restroom issues during water outages, the store keeps a stock of disposable disaster-response toilets that use coagulants.
Pilot Test
of Video Call Delivery Service Building Face-to-Face Relationships Through In-Store Staff Delivery
As a new initiative, the store is conducting a pilot test of a video call delivery service—where staff can assist residents with their shopping while having face-to-face conversations via tablet screens—for select residents living in the Takahata-dai housing complex until the end of November 2026. At the start of the service, six tablets were loaned out, and the store states it can provide up to 10 tablets.
In the pilot, residents can order items using dedicated tablets loaned to selected residents within the housing complex. Rather than having a delivery driver like Uber deliver the items, store staff deliver the ordered items on the same day. The initiative emphasizes building face-to-face relationships between staff and local residents, aiming for an approach that “returns to our roots.” Please note that payment is accepted in cash only.Delivery is free of charge. Delivery times can be scheduled as soon as 30 minutes from the order and up to 2 hours later.
Store staff will provide support via video call to help residents operate the digital devices. Residents can receive guidance from familiar store staff while staying at home, allowing them to shop with peace of mind. Additionally, through the dedicated tablets, residents can access specialized lifestyle consultations provided by the “Ponta General Consultation Center” at the main store from the comfort of their own homes.
Through this initiative, the company plans to explore the potential of a new lifestyle support model that combines community-rooted stores with technology for people for whom going out or shopping is a burden for various reasons, such as child-rearing, caregiving, or convalescence.
