A battle is brewing on the business front.

Japan's domestic towel makers are urging the government to place import restrictions on foreign towels that they claim are erroding their marketbase. But the Japan Chain Stores Association says they must import towels to provide convenience to consumers.

I've used Japanese-made towels. They're not especially remarkable. Bath towels are tiny and scratchy; kitchen towels are thin. But cleaning rags are excellent--fat and stitched together for extra strength. Maybe the towel association is concerned about scrawnier Tawainese towels being imported and sold for cheap.

Hear my plea, Japanese lawmakers--please don't stop importing plush, American, terry bath sheets. I'm a luxury junkie when it comes to drying off.