Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, fears that toilet-paper supplies could be disrupted have led to panic buying in parts of Japan. The government and industry have denied any shortage and urged consumers to buy reasonably.
According to Japanese media on March 20, social media recently circulated claims that the Middle East situation would affect Japan’s toilet-paper supply. Some posts urged people to stock up before price hikes or shortages and showed photos of hoarded supplies; others complained that supermarket shelves were empty.
In response, the Japan Household Paper Manufacturers’ Association issued a statement asking consumers not to believe the rumors. The statement said about 97% of Japan’s toilet paper is produced domestically, with raw materials mainly coming from domestically recycled waste paper and pulp, meaning the country is hardly dependent on the Middle East. As a result, tensions in that region will not affect domestic production or supply. Relevant companies are producing according to supply and demand and have capacity to increase output. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has also urged the public to assess information calmly and purchase toilet paper rationally.
Japan has experienced similar panic-buying episodes before. In August 2024, a weather agency warning about an increased likelihood of a major earthquake in a trough off eastern Japan triggered widespread hoarding of rice and toilet paper.
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