The End of an Era for Iconic Fish-Shaped Soy Sauce Dispensers
For decades, the small fish-shaped soy sauce container has been a common sight in sushi outlets worldwide, but its days may now be numbered.
South Australia is set to become the first place in the world to ban these containers as part of a broader prohibition on single-use plastics, effective from 1 September.
According to a report by Japan’s Radio Kansai, the device, known as *shoyu-tai* (or soy-sauce snapper in Japanese), was created in 1954 by Teruo Watanabe, the founder of Osaka-based company Asahi Sogyo.
Before its invention, glass and ceramic containers were typically used, but the rise of inexpensive industrial plastics allowed for the production of a small, fish-shaped polyethylene pack, officially named the "Lunch Charm."
The design rapidly gained popularity across Japan and, later, globally, with billions reportedly manufactured over the past few decades.
Under South Australia’s new regulations, only pre-filled soy sauce containers under 30ml with a lid, cap, or stopper will be prohibited. While plastic sachets remain permitted, authorities encourage sushi shops to use bulk bottles or dispensers instead.
Dr. Susan Close, South Australia’s environment minister, stated that these plastic fish containers are used only briefly but often end up as litter. “Their small size makes them easy to drop, blow away, or wash into drains, leading to frequent presence in street and coastal debris,” she explained.
She added that such packaging could be replaced with bulk or refillable options, reducing the amount of single-use plastic waste.
The ban also covers other disposable plastic items, including cutlery and expanded polystyrene food packaging, like pre-packaged instant noodle bowls.
Dr. Nina Wootton, a marine ecologist at the University of Adelaide, highlighted the environmental risk these containers pose, as marine life may mistake them for food. “If intact, organisms that prey on small fish could ingest the plastic, and because of its thickness, it takes a long time to break down,” she said.
Cip Hamilton, a campaign manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, called the ban a positive step but stressed the need for further action. “Restrictions like these help reduce plastic pollution, but governments must address harmful plastics across entire supply chains,” Hamilton said. “Stronger laws to cut plastic production and consumption are necessary to protect marine ecosystems.”
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