Some might say that a konbini worker's life is devoid of any color or variety. To tell you the truth, I used to think so too. I've spent summers visiting this store and never understood why my auntie keeps working here. Back then I never imagined I'd be spending another minute in this place. And yet here I am again...
inKONBINI (also titled inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories.) is a cozy narrative simulation game developed by Nagai Industries. It is set to be released for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 on May 1, 2026.
In 1993, Makoto Hayakawa is a college student working at the local konbini store over the summer at the recommendation of her aunt Hina. As she stocks the shelves and tends to customers during her last week at the store, she looks through the nooks and crannies of the konbini, unearthing the various memories hidden within.
A demo of the game was released in 2025.
inKONBINI contains examples of the following tropes:
- The '90s: As stated in the demo, the game takes place in the summer of 1993.
- Anti-Frustration Features: From the demo:
- Makoto's diary contains information about the required tasks as well as details she has found within the store.
- Picking up items has Makoto automatically equip a basket.
- Time doesn't start moving and customers don't start coming in till Makoto flips the sign of the store.
- Developer's Foresight: In the demo, calling up the Matsuda's Treasures number elicits different reactions from Makoto depending on whether she has or has not opened the store and met Chief Matsuda.
- Simulation Game: As shown in the demo, Makoto is tasked with managing the konbini, including stocking its shelves, ensuring items are available, fixing store item displays, and helping customers with requests; the demo has her helping Chief with getting his favourite ramen as well as some special cat food for his cat Mimi.
- Strong Family Resemblance: Makoto strongly resembles her aunt Hina, to the point that although Chief has never met her before, he tells her that she looks familiar in the demo before she tells him that she is her niece.
