Although the cost of living in Japan is expected to increase in 2020, wages are forecast to remain about the same. This means consumers are constantly on the lookout for better deals, while businesses are scrambling for ways to cut prices and still protect their bottom line.
With this in mind, it’s perhaps not surprising to come across businesses that attempt to get a little extra mileage out of any deal by requiring their customers to accept something in exchange for the cheaper offer.
In short, fair’s fair — depending on your point of view.