Bagladies of Japan tremble at ban

[Taro Toporific]

OH, THE HORROR! "Japan aims to ban free plastic bag distribution by stores"
What would Japan be without its legions of bagladies?
<--Photo ripped off from Greggman.com

Japan aims to ban free plastic bag distribution by stores
TOKYO (AFP) - June 12--- Japan has announced a draft plan to stop retailers from giving out plastic bags for free amid efforts to improve the environment ...
..."If everything goes as scheduled, the bill to ban free distribution of plastic bags will be sent to the parliament in 2006 at the earliest," an environment ministry official said....more....

Large department stores in Japan have entire industries devoted to plastic bags or wrappings inside of wrappings. What will happen to the industry of getting the "wrap" on gift wrapping? What will become of engrained art "tsutsumi" & noshithat has filtered down through the ages to wrap purchases of natto at 7-11?

[GomiGirl]

Wouldn't a heap of bags also be saved if the clerks at the supermarket were trained to bag the groceries at the checkout - similar to what happens in other countries.

It takes the same amount of time and labour....

[Mulboyne]

But they play a key role in childcare...