Like many other customers at the OK Jumbo Sagan supermarket, Kumiko Fujimoto saves at least 6 yen by taking her own bag to the Tokyo store.
Ever since the 3 percent consumption tax was introduced in 1989, OK Inc., which operates the outlet in Ota Ward and 39 other locations in the Kanto region, has charged its customers 6 yen for each plastic shopping bag to help keep prices low.
"Once you get into the habit . . . you find that it's no trouble having your own bag with you," the 48-year-old housewife said after a day's shopping. "I've started bringing my bags to other shops. It's good for the environment."