A Vibrant Asian Community Thriving in Kan’onji, Kagawa
Kan’onji City, located in western Kagawa Prefecture, is home to many Vietnamese technical interns and international students working in agriculture and manufacturing, forming a vibrant Asian community. The Minami-cho area, in particular, has a unique atmosphere where various international cultures intertwine, with Cambodian eateries and Korean restaurants lining the streets.
This time, we’re introducing a hidden gem in Kan’onji: a deeply local supermarket passionately supported by local Vietnamese residents as their ‘kitchen away from home.’ It’s a bustling spot that draws crowds on weekends, all seeking authentic ingredients rarely found in regular Japanese supermarkets.
Vietnam Market (KHANG CHAU QUAN)
📍 Address: Miyake Corpo 103, 5-5-8 Minamimachi, Kan’onji City, Kagawa Prefecture, 768-0070 Japan
Quietly tucked away on the first floor of ‘Miyake Corpo,’ close to Kan’onji Station, is ‘Vietnam Market (KHANG CHAU QUAN).’ While its exterior looks like any local apartment building, stepping inside transports you to a bustling private shop in a Vietnamese alleyway. It’s a lively space where Vietnamese, not Japanese, is the predominant language.
Inside, shelves are packed with seasonings, retort foods, and snacks directly imported from Vietnam. What truly sets this store apart, holding a meat sales license, is its selection of fresh and processed meat, including offal and bone-in cuts essential for authentic Vietnamese recipes, and other niche parts affectionately called ‘mystery meat’ by regulars.
Depending on the season, they also sell crepes and soft-serve ice cream, making it a community hub where people can enjoy a sweet treat while chatting with friends from their homeland after shopping. It’s a truly precious spot where you can experience the everyday scenes of Southeast Asia right here in Japan.
Must-Buy! Unique Local Ingredients and Price Points You’ll Only Find Here
When you visit this supermarket, make sure to check out the authentic Asian ingredients that will elevate your daily home cooking. You’ll find a rich selection of essentials like ‘nuoc mam’ (fish sauce), sweet and spicy chili sauce, and rice paper, alongside instant pho that lets you easily recreate local breakfasts, and Vietnamese coffee known for its rich flavor.
The pricing is largely reasonable, aligning with the local living standards, making it a strong ally for long-term residents and international students. It’s budget-friendly even for bulk purchases, offering overwhelmingly better cost performance than sourcing ethnic ingredients from regular Japanese supermarkets.
Shopping Tips and How to Enjoy a Deep Cultural Experience
Since many products have packaging solely in Vietnamese, it’s not uncommon to be unsure what a particular seasoning is for. In such cases, we recommend using your smartphone’s translation app with its camera input function, or simply asking the friendly staff directly about usage. You might even learn some local home cooking tips or delicious recipes!
The area around the store is also home to a cluster of international restaurants, so after stocking up on ingredients here, an Asian gourmet tour, perhaps enjoying lunch at a nearby Cambodian eatery, is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in a deep shopping experience, feeling the ‘living energy’ of people who have settled and built their lives in the community, rather than the artificial exoticism of a tourist spot.
