The device known as shoyu-tai (or soy-sauce snapper in Japanese) was invented in 1954 by Teruo Watanabe, the founder of Osaka-based company Asahi Sogyo, according to a report from Japan’s Radio Kansai.

It was then common for glass and ceramic containers to be used but the advent of cheap industrial plastics allowed the creation of a small polyethylene container in the shape of a fish, officially named the “Lunch Charm”.

The invention quickly spread around Japan and eventually worldwide, and it is estimated that billions have been produced.

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[–] 4 points 1 year ago

Ironically, Japan has almost no trash bins. You'll find them next to vending machines - you're expected to consume there and throw away packaging immediately, or take the rubbish with you.

So pick a lane. 100 bins per square kilometer, or none.

Anywhere in between evidently sucks.

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