Don Quijote: Japan's discount haven thrives amid tourist boom

South China Morning Post

25-05-2025

Business is thriving at Don Quijote, a Japanese discount chain that offers a wide range of products, from nostril-hair wax to party costumes.
Its popularity among tourists and rising inflation in Japan have contributed to its success.
At a large Don Quijote store in Tokyo's Shibuya district, hundreds of tourists can be seen rushing to fill their baskets with snacks and souvenirs from its heaving narrow aisles.
The chaotic cut-price shops nicknamed 'Donki' were founded in the 1980s by Takao Yasuda. Yasuda named the stores after his inspiration, the main character from the classic Spanish novel Don Quixote.
Don Quijote's penguin mascot Donpen wears a Santa hat. Along with the Don Don Donki jingle, Donpen creates quite a lively atmosphere in the stores.