In the first local government tax of its kind in Japan, Tokyo's Suginami Ward is pushing a plan to impose a 5 yen levy on each plastic bag handed out at shops and supermarkets.
The plan, initiated by Mayor Hiroshi Yamada in an effort to reduce household garbage, is now the subject of nationwide attention. Municipalities across the country -- whether driven by growing public awareness of environmental problems or a thirst for a new source of income -- are showing keen interest.
A bill to levy the new plastic bag tax has already been submitted to the ward assembly and local consumers are generally supportive.