Every evening, one of Japan’s happiest little traditions begins. 7 p.m. The basement food halls — Isetan, Mitsukoshi. Then the stickers appear. 20% off. 30% off. Half price. That beautiful chef-made bento — wagyu beef, fluffy rolled omelet, seasonal vegetables arranged like a painting — suddenly costs half as much. And that’s when the smiles start. Parents stop by on the way home with their children. Grandmothers arrive knowing exactly which counter will mark down first. Office workers browse the displays, wondering what treasure they’ll take home for dinner. Families point excitedly at their favorites. Children peek through the glass. Even visitors from overseas can’t believe the quality. The food was made fresh that morning by chefs who spent years mastering their craft. And now, for a little while, everyone gets to enjoy something special. It doesn’t feel like bargain hunting. It feels like the whole room just got warmer at once.