In the past when you bought a pot of noodles in a Japanese convenience store, you nicely had the perk of getting free wooden disposable chopsticks at the counter. 25.9 billion were used in Japan alone last year. However, China, the largest supplier of these has just increased it’s prices by 30%, they say due to larger labour and wood costs. This has prompted the Japanese to take some action. Now plastic chopsticks have been introduced which can be washed and reused, but sadly at a small fee to the customer. Despite this fee, there has been no complaints of hygeine issues. There is also stricter control over how many pairs are given away with every bento box sold. So value your chopsticks, and no more sticking them up your nose for fun!

Via Daily Yomiuri.

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