Japanese convenience stores, a staple of daily life, are undergoing a transition to become more like game arcades, and this phenomenon has spurred legal debates. Known as "Game Center Conversion" or "Gēsen-ka" in Japanese, the revamped stores feature classic arcade games, creating a nostalgic and entertainment-focused environment. This shift is primarily introduced to invigorate the economy and to counter the falling foot traffic due to the prominence of online shopping and effects of the pandemic. However, it raises legal concerns related to gambling and other public morals.

Convenience stores hold a unique place in Japanese society and are an essential element of the urban landscape. The recent move towards incorporating game arcades could connect with older customers through nostalgia and engage younger customers who might not usually visit. However, Japan has strict laws around gambling, which could be interpreted as applying to such arcades, depending on the prize structure. This raises legal and societal debates around what can be done within such spaces.

In the US or EU, convenience stores having arcade machines would not be a significant legal concern. Gambling laws generally relate more specifically to games with larger financial stakes rather than small arcade games. The shift may, however, align with global trends of creating immersive and entertainment-focused retail spaces.