The device known as shoyu-tai (or soy-sauce snapper in Japanese) was invented in 1954 by Teruo Watanabe, the founder of Osaka-based company Asahi Sogyo, according to a report from Japan’s Radio Kansai.
It was then common for glass and ceramic containers to be used but the advent of cheap industrial plastics allowed the creation of a small polyethylene container in the shape of a fish, officially named the “Lunch Charm”.
The invention quickly spread around Japan and eventually worldwide, and it is estimated that billions have been produced.
I’ve been in Japan for 15 years but Idon’t think I’ve seen these here in a long while. Maybe it’s a regional thing?
It’s sold in every sushi box in France. I guess it’s a way to pretend it’s a Japanese thing.
Interesting! I know we used to have them in Japan, but they must have phased them out over time because I didn’t notice they were gone until I saw this article lol. I mostly see clear packets that you tear, similar to ketchup packets.