There’s a convenience store near our rental here in Japan with a recycling bin near the entrance (see picture). Every time I’m walking out, I chuckle to myself.
I like to imagine it’s not a grammatical error; rather it’s just how hungry and thirsty the Japanese get around here some days.
And because they are so respectful and polite, they don’t say, “Hey, stop taking a bite out of our aluminum siding, dammit!”
It’s simply, “Please refrain….”
There’s empathy in it.
It seems to suggest, “Dear customers–we get it–sometimes we’re also so hungry and thirsty we could eat a house and drink the ocean. But, to keep this little store operational, could you please refrain? I hear the 7-Eleven down the street is tasty.”
Love,
Aaron