For any visitor to Japan, it becomes immediately clear how central the convenience store (or 'konbini') is to everyday life. Different to our understanding of the convenience store in the US, Japan's three huge chains - 7 Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson - are the beating heart of the nation.

Locals will pop into the konbini multiple times a day for household items, umbrellas (during those summer storms), manga and, of course, food -- in all its forms. From instant snacks, onigiri, lunch bento, steaming oden, the fluffiest cheesecake slices and pot noodles.

This book celebrates the sometimes odd, always delicious offerings through recipes and stories, as well as delving into the history of this peculiarly Japanese cultural icon.