Best 5 Reusable Shopping Bags in Japan: The World's Lightest Bag, Popular Character Bags, and More!
The demand for reusable shopping bags has increased in Japan due to a new law that went into effect in July requiring retailers to charge for plastic bags. Reusable shopping bags are used frequently, so you don't want to compromise when choosing them. This article introduces our top picks for reusable shopping bags, chosen for their functionality and design.
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Save on Shopping Bags by Using d POINT!
d POINT is a point program with no sign-up or annual fees operated by Japan’s largest telecommunications company, NTT DOCOMO, INC. You can earn points just by showing your d POINT CARD when making purchases at d POINT Member Stores such as leading convenience store chains, McDonald\'s, cafes, and supermarkets.
Some of the shopping bags introduced here can be purchased at Tokyu Hands, which is a d POINT Member Store. Accumulated points can be used for purchases at 1 JPY per point. There will be information on how to register at the end of the article, so be sure to check it out!
1. NANOBAG
The NANOBAG (from 1,850 JPY (excl. tax)) combines lightness and strength. It is just 0.05 mm thick and at 22 g, is the weight of a AAA battery. Heralded as the world\'s lightest reusable shopping bag, it is not just light but can carry up to 30 kg!
The NANOBAG comes in 14 different colors. I purchased several so that I can carry different ones depending on my mood and to match my clothes! This reusable shopping bag is recommended for those who are after both style and function. It is available at Tokyu Hands stores across Japan.
Tokyu Hands is a national retail chain that sells all kinds of products, from daily necessities to interior decor, travel goods, outdoor gear, and souvenirs for tourists visiting Japan. You\'ll find many fun, interesting, and well-designed items waiting for your perusal, so be sure to stop by and view the products for yourself!
2. Shupatto Compact Bag (M, "Wa" Design)
Reusable shopping bags are convenient, but some may find it a pain to fold them up after using them. The Shupatto Compact Bag (1,980 JPY (excl. tax)) is just the bag for people like that! This handy bag can be folded up instantly. See the video for a demo on folding it.
It is available in a variety of colors and designs, among which the Japanese-style "wa" versions are highly recommended. They make perfect souvenirs thanks to their beautiful patterns of Japanese motifs such as cherry blossoms, temari (traditional embroidered balls), and folding fans. The Shupatto Compact Bag is available at Tokyu Hands stores around Japan.
3. KIND BAG
The KIND BAG Mini (1,200 JPY (excl. tax)) is a reusable shopping bag made entirely from used plastic bottles. They were created in consideration of the world\'s plastic pollution problem. These bags measure 43 cm (H) x 14 cm (W) which is a handy size when stopping by at a convenience store or making unplanned purchases. They may be small, but they\'re sturdy and able to carry up to about 10 kg.
The compact size is so convenient, I use it not just as a reusable shopping bag, but also as a backup bag. It comes in 12 different patterns and is available at Tokyu Hands (Shibuya Branch), LOFT, Smith, and other retailers.
4. Katanose Eco Bag
The Katanose Eco Bag (2,800 JPY (excl. tax)) is a reusable shopping bag with a popular Studio Ghibli character perched on the shoulder. As a Ghibli fan, I\'m speechless by how cute it is! It is also a functional bag with a flat bottom that is 10 cm deep. It is available in two designs: one recreating the scene in Spirited Away when Boh Mouse and Yu-Bird sit on Chihiro\'s shoulder, and another representing the scene in Castle in the Sky where the fox squirrel rides on the shoulder of a robot. It is available at Studio Ghibli\'s official merchandise shop Donguri Republic, located all across the country.
5. Shopping Cool Bag/REV-012
The Shopping Cool Bag/REV-012 (1,078 JPY (incl. tax)) is a product from Thermos, famous for the production and sale of highly effective insulated stainless steel flasks. It is an insulated reusable shopping bag that will keep items cold. It has a large capacity with a deep bottom that fits about 12 500 ml plastic bottles.
The bag is available in dark grey, navy, and red. The classy color selection and simple design makes this a bag suited for both men and women of all ages. It is available at Thermos stores around the country.
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Was there a reusable shopping bag that caught your attention? There are many functional and cute bags on the market, so be sure to check them out!
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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