7/11 introduces cashier-less store

The Japanese retail sector is encountering growing problems due to the shrinking labor pool and the rising cost of part time work. One possible solution is the introduction of cashierless-- and potentially one day unstaffed-- stores. 7/11 is piloting this idea for the first time in December in one of the their Tokyo stores. This small convenience store is inside an office building, and not open to the general public. It will use facial recognition software to allow costumers into the store. Once inside, customers can scan items, and money will be deducted from their paycheck. 1,000 of these stores already exist in China, and Amazon is experimenting with a similar model in the United States.

Generally, I think this is a logical move for retail stores and a good solution to some of the unique economic challenges that Japan is facing. However, I have some concerns about the potential for surveillance, privacy, and data collection in these types of stores. I also wonder whether will be accessible to Japan's older generation. That being said, I have been repeatedly impressed by Japan's ability to incorporate technology in efficient, useful, and humanistic ways.