The Convenience Store by the Sea - Sonoko Machida

Nestled in the charming seaside town of Mojiko, Kitakyushu, Tenderness is no ordinary 24/7 convenience store. At first glance, it seems typical—but its cozy glow and quirky regulars quickly win you over. The ever-smiling manager, adored by his own fan club, leads a team that greets customers by name. The shelves overflow with comfort food: piping hot coffee, silky egg sandwiches, parfaits, soba, and crispy chicken. More than a place to grab a snack, Tenderness feels like a quiet refuge where something—or someone—you didn’t know you needed might just be waiting for you. A little warmth, always open.