Japan’s promiscuous packaging

Packaging in Japan invariably seems to work on a more the merrier mindset, with even a trip to the bakery leaving one on the lookout for a new local landfill, as each item comes with its own bag, which in turn often has an additional unused bag for storage should you save some for a second sitting, with all of the above conveniently contained in, yes, you’ve guessed it, another bag. A process that is almost as long-winded and unwelcoming as that opening sentence, although at least as far as bag usage goes, certain supermarkets are now encouraging customers to come with their own carrier.

A habit that, it has to be said, does appear to be catching on, although unfortunately Triumph International’s hugely innovative bra-cum-bag somehow failed to catch the public’s imagination. A contraption that was both environmentally friendly and fetching, which is no mean feat.

Still, there does appear to be a long way to go, as although bag consumption may well be becoming less carefree, packaging is still prodigious. And, while it may be deemed desirable for fancy, and far from cheap fruit,

individually cushioned and covered tomatoes does seem just a tad too much.