All retailers in Japan will begin charging for plastic bags from July 1st - 7月1日からレジ袋が有料になります

Starting from July 1st, it is necessary for us to pay a small fee for plastic bags at all retailers in Japan.

These days, as you know, the plastic-related matters such as global warming, water pollution, and so on have a big impact to our society. This policy can help cut down our consumption of petroleum and make us think about whether or not plastic bags we use casually are necessary. It means the government wants us to reconsider our lifestyle.

About this policy

From July 1st, in Japan, all stores using plastic bags such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and individual shops have to charge for plastic bags.

We have to pay fees for all plastic bags with handle. The retailers can set fees: 1 yen or more, and it depends on each retailers. In addition, if price is less than 1 yen, it is not admitted as fees.

Incidentally, the retailers don't have to charge for some kind of plastic bags: reusable one (over 50mm-thick), one breaked down by microbe in the sea, and one made from plant-based materials. The same applies to paper bags and one without hundle.

If you agree with it

We recommend that you bring your own shppping bag when you go shopping, if you agree with this policy. It means you can participate in environmental preservation, and also you can save the money.

In addition, please tell the casher that you don't need plastic bag: "Fukuro wa irimasen." (it means I don't need plastic bag)