Tax hike to heat up race among eateries to keep customers english.kyodonews.net

Ootoya Holdings Co., an operator of a Japanese-style meal restaurant chain, has decided to strengthen the lineup of its takeout lunchboxes and deli food.
"We are taking steps in response to the reduced tax rate (for take-away food).
The lifestyles of our customers have also changed and there is growing demand for takeouts," Ootoya President Masaya Yamamoto said.
The coffee chain expects the new tax rule to turn more consumers to take-away services, said Hisae Morii, chief marketing officer at Starbucks Coffee Japan.
Related coverage:Japan's consumption tax raised to 10% amid swelling welfare costsTax hike adds to woes for low-income households in Japan