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.
Ironically, Japan has almost no trash bins. You’ll find them next to vending machines - you’re expected to consume there and throw away packaging immediately, or take the rubbish with you.
So pick a lane. 100 bins per square kilometer, or none.
Anywhere in between evidently sucks.