Why We Chose Kanesue for Our Grocery Needs

Over the past few weeks, Hiromi and I have made a small but significant shift in our daily life: we started doing our groceries at Kanesue instead of our usual Yoshizuya. What began as a casual trial quickly turned into a consistent habit. We were simply curious about the Kanesue supermarket chain, having heard that it offered competitive prices. And so, at the start of this month, we decided to shop there regularly for our food and beverages.

The first thing we noticed was the price. After just a few visits, it became clear that Kanesue was cheaper overall than our nearby Yoshizuya. While we haven’t compared our monthly grocery expenses in full yet, the day-to-day price difference at the checkout was unmistakable. That alone was enough to make us return.

At first glance, Kanesue doesn’t try to impress with interior design. It’s simple, even plain, compared to Yoshizuya’s more polished and department-store-like layout. The product selection isn’t as broad either. But here’s the thing: our basic staples are all there. Rice, vegetables, tofu, snacks, juices, and even some of our favorite drinks were not only available but noticeably cheaper.

What surprised us even more was that the food and beverage quality appeared to be just as good as what we were used to at Yoshizuya. The freshness of the vegetables, the variety of tofu, and the taste of the ready-made side dishes were excellent. So, for now, we get most of our everyday grocery needs from Kanesue, and shop elsewhere for more specialized items.

Naturally, this change sparked my curiosity. What’s the story behind Kanesue? Why does it feel so different from Yoshizuya, and how does it manage to be cheaper without compromising on quality?

Kanesue, headquartered in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, has been around for more than a century. Founded in 1902 and incorporated in 1951, it has quietly built a name for itself with an Every Day Low Price (EDLP) strategy. Unlike many other supermarkets in Japan, Kanesue doesn’t run flashy promotions or weekly flyers. Instead, it keeps things simple: cut unnecessary costs, streamline logistics, and pass the savings directly to the customer.

Yoshizuya, on the other hand, is a familiar name for many families in central Japan. Based in Nagoya and operating under the Y Store Group, it offers a more traditional full-service shopping experience. Yoshizuya stores are typically larger, and besides groceries, you can find clothing, home goods, and other daily necessities. They run frequent promotions and offer point cards, making them appealing for bulk or one-stop shoppers.

In contrast, Kanesue feels focused and purposeful. The product lineup is curated for efficiency—only the essentials, priced to move. Stores like “Felna,” its smaller-format sibling, are even more streamlined, and the “Shunrakuzan” brand offers organic and health-conscious options for those seeking natural foods.

It’s still early in our switch, but the move to Kanesue seems promising. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best value comes from places that don’t shout for your attention. Instead, they quietly deliver what matters most: quality food at fair prices.

As we continue tracking our grocery habits, we’ll see whether Kanesue truly saves us more over time. But one thing is clear: it has earned its place in our weekly routine.