8 Among companies that have been taking steps to address the issue of food waste is major
restaurant chain operator Skylark Holdings Co., which offers customers a container in which
to take home leftover food, although the concept of a doggy bag has yet to take root in Japan.
Other initiatives include one launched by Prince Hotels Inc., which has introduced plates with
nine partitions at a buffet-style restaurant it operates in the resort town of Karuizawa, Nagano
Prefecture, as a way to discourage diners from helping themselves to more than they can eat.
But restaurant operators remain wary that serving smaller portions could upset their customers.
"It's up to the customer whether or not he finishes his meal," a restaurant official said.
