First it was socialist utopia Venezuela [4] and now Keynesian-economics favorite playground Japan is concerned about a troubling problem - fear of a toilet-paper shortage. As WSJ reports [5], the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is encouraging families to stockpile at least one month’s worth of toilet paper in the event of a major disaster, as they "fear there would be a serious shortage of toilet paper nationally." Ironic really, given Shinzo Abe's past 'problems' [6].
As WSJ reports, the government is using the day to advise families to stock up on toilet paper.
Using the motto, “If you prepare, no despair,” the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is encouraging families to stockpile at least one month’s worth of toilet paper in the event of a major disaster. The ministry is holding an exhibition at its headquarters and sponsoring panel discussions on the subject of toilet paper.
According to the ministry, “The biggest supply problem during the 1995 Hanshin Earthquake was not food or clothing, but toilet paper.”
...
If an earthquake strikes central Japan, the shortages could become even more severe. Forty percent of the nation’s toilet paper is produced in Shizuoka prefecture. “If an earthquake in the area affected Shizuoka, we fear there would be a serious shortage of toilet paper nationally,” says a METI news release.
Shizuoka-based Kasuga Paper Industry Co. has established a “Secure Supply System” for its toilet paper, allowing concerned families to preorder toilet paper for ready dispatch in case of disaster.
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As their currency rapidly becomes as worthless as the bathroom tissue, it's ironic really that this fear has arisen... given Shinzo Abe's past 'problems' [6].
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On a side-note, we suspect they will be needing a lot more TP if this incredible analog continues... from the last time Japan hiked taxes... (as we warned in April) [7]
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