[bitwize]

It's also unnecessary -- many Japanese establishments include a service fee in the bill.

Conventions appear to be changing in some countries: I've seen restaurants and stands in Australia, well-known as a country where tipping is not done, put out tip cups with signs encouraging patrons to tip.

[shawnps]

I haven't seen that (in my 2+ years living here). Recently though I've noticed a lot of stores showing 2 prices, one with tax and one without, but when I first moved here almost every store I went to only showed the price with tax included. I think the recent change is due to the sales tax increase.