While some chain stores and local governments in Japan are actively trying to reduce their use of plastic shopping bags, others have not yet taken any action, and the gap between them has grown. In July 2012, Seiyu, a major Japanese supermarket chain, started charging its customers for plastic bags in all its stores, and in February 2013, Ito-Yokado, another major supermarket chain, followed suit. These companies are applauded for making the first step to reduce their plastic use, but some say the price they charge is too low, at two yen per bag (about 2.2 US cents). Also, cooperative initiatives involving consumers and local governments have yet to be seen. In this context, it is difficult to predict the results of these initiatives.