Store shelves stripped of toilet paper amid coronavirus fears

I told my wife 4 weeks ago that we better buy toilet paper. Ordered a few big boxes online and now we're all set. Saw this coming from miles away.

But, why? It's just the hive following yet another urban myth. People are stupid!

Weeeelll at least my Toto toilet has a wash, drier, heater, asks if your male or female, and is always around (since we are talking about a no paper situation.

As soon as the local DIY store opens this morning, I will be first in line...

I told my wife 4 weeks ago that we better buy toilet paper. Ordered a few big boxes online and now we're all set. Saw this coming from miles away.

So you admit to being part of the very problem reported on in the article. Nice one!

Probably best to have a coffee or two before posting ;-)

Welcome to panic-land.

Irrational responses to irrational fear.

First time in my life I see Costco out of toilet paper.

But yeah, even thou the global numbers of the infected are on a down thread, even thou unless you are over 70, you really shouldn't worry about this virus, even thou this is helping literally nobody and is creating unnecessary anxiety and societal problems, I'm sure people are just going to down vote this for not spreading more panic and misinformation.

Welcome to the age of infodemics...

But, why? It's just the hive following yet another urban myth. People are stupid

That’s pretty highschoolish yourself. The fear is rising especially with thousands more cases right next door in South Korea. It’s psychological. It gives the average person some personal power and control back. Perfectly understandable in times like these. Don’t be so quick either to judge them, this has the potential for a SHTF scenario, and you might be one of those people waiting hours in line on “Toilet Paper Day”. See what I did there?

Invalid CSRF

What is the connection of toilet paper with the virus??? Toilet papers are not shipped from China. They are all made in Japan. So why are people stocking tons of toilet paper??? I ponder that!!!

Damn..... glad I stocked up on cheap cotton towels from the local Fitness Center. Might have to do it the "old way". You know, all the old homes in the USA, one's built before 1950, used to have big two basin sinks in the basement or elsewhere.... they were mainly used to do the laundry washboard style, with cotton diapers included.

looks like some of you are angry that you can’t buy your toilet paper. Think ahead = win.

No more masks all over drugstores/shops, so they probably want to make self masks from toilet paper and rubber band. I saw some people make paper masks on TV.

No toilet paper here in Shinjuku. Where can I get some?

Panic buying/stocking is happening all over now from New York to UK , EU.

thepersoniamnowToday  07:27 am JST

Weeeelll at least my Toto toilet has a wash, drier, heater, asks if your male or female, and is always around (since we are talking about a no paper situation.

I guess the only thing for you to worry about is a power outage.

mariasjapanToday  08:15 am JST

What is the connection of toilet paper with the virus??? Toilet papers are not shipped from China. They are all made in Japan. So why are people stocking tons of toilet paper??? I ponder that!!!

I've pondered that myself and I think it's the fear that stores will close, transport will be down, a complete lockdown scenario may happen where people simply will not be going out. There is also a rin on paper towels and napkins which I understand may be connected to people "making their own masks" as found on the internet.

What is the connection of toilet paper with the virus??? Toilet papers are not shipped from China. They are all made in Japan. So why are people stocking tons of toilet paper??? I ponder that!!!

The toilet papers are made locally in Japan but the raw materials needed for the production are from China.

Irrational responses to irrational fear.

Its rather like a bank run on a solvent bank. They may be irrational, but once one has started, it's irrational not to join in. If you have none in the house, run out and get some.

This panic buying if toilet papers happened in Hong Kong earlier this month and this happened:

Hong Kong toilet roll heist underscores coronavirus panic-buying

February 17, 2020 9:11 am by Alice Woodhouse in Hong Kong

Fears over the coronavirus have prompted such shortages of everyday goods in Hong Kong that thieves have held up a supermarket in the city to steal a delivery of toilet paper.

Costco in Iruma already has a line outside right now according to twitter. So bad even the expressway exit is at a standstill.

Man, and I bet my favorite toilet paper oshiriceleb with the bunny rabbit on the packaging was the first to go. It is one of the few types in Japan that doesn't feel like sandpaper.

FYI:

https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/02/toilet-paper-panic-buying-in-japan-because-of-coronavirus/

This toilet paper panic is not a first for Japan. After the March 11, 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, hoarding caused shortages. But even before that, back in 1973, there were even toilet paper riots in Japan. Here’s Matt Alt, author of Pure Invention, explaining how that went down:

Very interesting.

Costco in Iruma already has a line outside right now according to twitter. So bad even the expressway exit is at a standstill.

and setting up their Yahoo Auction accounts while they wait.

invalid CSRF

dont need to get in line for toliet paper, this is last thing you need to in this panic driven times,

what do you think they used 50 years ago man, do you think they had puffy buffy, charmins back then, heck no, you grab anything that resembles , papers, news paper comes to mind.

masks and hand sanitizers understandable,but toliet paper in Japan,

land of the bidets, for 1 years of toliet paper cost, you can switch to bidet, save some trees and save money in long run.

Also there are more important things buy than toliet paper in this Chinese made crisis.

My sister in law has a small baby and apparently (not all) but most of the diapers and wipes at her local stores are gone as well. I don't understand this at all. Like I can make some sense of masks and tissues running out, but why diapers and toilet paper?

Was at a Costco last night. laughed at the lines of people grabbing toilet paper, as fast as the staff could get a new pallet load out. The kirkland 30 roll packs. People were grabbing 2,3,4 packs! One lady had nothing but TP in her cart. Also in low stock was rice (more understandable to stock up) I just got my usual stuff.

Explains what I saw in the store yesterday. “Why so much toilet paper?” I thought.

Like I can make some sense of masks and tissues running out, but why diapers and toilet paper?

This is because if you have a baby then you need disposable diapers. In the old days people used washable ones but now it is just too inconvenient. And toilet paper. Well, everyone alive needs to do number 2 everyday, right? Of course you can use other things but it is just too, well, inconvenient.

Also in low stock was rice (more understandable to stock up) I just got my usual stuff.

And remember, when rice runs out, so does sake. When sake runs out, people will switch to buying beer. When beer runs out, do you have any purpose to live besides our families? lol

When beer runs out, do you have any purpose to live besides our families? 

What? Beers runs out? That is a world not worth living in!

For people who has urgent needs: go to costco. They had plenty of them. I wonder why so paniced?

Damn, just got back from the grocery store and cup ramen was mostly gone.

It's not funny, but imagine if this is all over in a month... people will be sitting at home with hundreds of rolls of toilet paper, eating ramen, watching NHK...

The toilet papers are made locally in Japan but the raw materials needed for the production are from China.

Apparently only a small portion is imported from China. I apologise for writing misinformation.

Let's see, got the bunker, supplies, cameras, emergency kits, water kits, solar power, filtered breathable air system, temp control, darn forgot the toilet paper.

@yoshisan88

"The toilet papers are made locally in Japan but the raw materials needed for the production are from China."

Go look at your toilet paper its name in Japan mate, and the raw material... its recycled newspapers etc. Just a heads up.

All sold out near me so

the best option is the left hand-works for millions of people everyday....

The toilet papers are made locally in Japan but the raw materials needed for the production are from China."

Go look at your toilet paper its name in Japan mate, and the raw material... its recycled newspapers etc. Just a heads up.

I did write misinformation and I have apologize for that on another post. By the way the toilet papers I have at home does not have a Japanese name and are made in Australia.

I told my wife 4 weeks ago that we better buy toilet paper.

was at Costco last night and couldn't even get a cart, went inside and saw a huge lineup of people waiting to checkout and they all had toilet paper in their carts, it was actually amusing, especially when I said out loud right next to the empty shelves, I dont need toilet paper I have 120 rolls at home which I bought at discount price months ago, should have seen the shock on other people faces LOL.

that's the beauty of having a large home, plenty of space to stock up things when prices are cheap, also have 2 freezers with plenty of frozen foods stored, no need to panic buy.

Anyway I wonder how humankind managed to survive all those centuries without toilet paper.....this is getting ridiculous.

We, humans, are getting too soft. Maybe it is time for us to harden up. Let's start by not using toilet papers!

How much are people planning on using the toilet in the next month or so? Buying like 36 roll pack should be plenty

Yesterday, I went to kaldi and bought some Lay's Sour cream and onion chips, some brownie mix and a Hawaiian Punch soda. Am I ready for the apocalypse?

No!

You are soon to be ready for an extended bathroom visit....

There are still tissues available. I'd use tissues before towel.

I took a 10k + hit on the stock market this week but my wife is happy that we've got toilet paper!

These people don't have a bidet? Ci used that and 2 squares on toilet paper. Calm down people.

Bidets (toilet sprayers for the rear) will always work and never run out as long as there is water. No tp needed.

Although curious if bidets can help spread germs if rear juice splashes back on the bidet.

Although curious if bidets can help spread germs if rear juice splashes back on the bidet.

Yes my wife saw something about that on the news once and told me never to use bidets in public toilets.

Panic-buying happens everywhere. In the US store shelves would be stripped of ammunition, bottled water and cans at the first suggestion a hurricane might make landfall.

I’d rather have a clean crack than be mistaken for a looter and shot dead.

My local shop is also out. Thankfully, I have quite a few maple trees in the back yard.

Yet, not any food item is out of stock....

with all the washlets around, this is a bit ridiculous

BeerDeliveryGuy,

Your post had me in stitches.

Definitely the post of the week so far.

Yes my wife saw something about that on the news once and told me never to use bidets in public toilets.

A little faecal transplant never did anyone any harm.

Yes my wife saw something about that on the news once and told me never to use bidets in public toilets.

Most of the newer models have a “nozzle cleaning” function. Some are automatic, some have a “ノズルクリーン" button.

Time to start cutting up the newspapers :) ?

Just don't flush them.... or anything else that isn't TP.

Relax. You can still use that bottom spray function on your toilet that you had forgotten about. Much more hygienic too.

Thank god I got a dozen bog rolls last week. I was following the news from Hong Kong, and thought....what if....and sure enough. Besides, for me, bog roll doubles as tissue paper. Also, to save water (and now bog roll), I try to wait until I get to the gym or the office before using the bog. However, as someone who consumes plenty of fruit, veg and high-fibre food, doing number two first thing in the morning is part of my usual schedule and it's not a good idea to wait.

I noticed ramen was sold out, but that doesn't bother me because it's just junk food. I usually get pho. Same with Japanese rice - no interest. I have gone for cans of beans and couscous, German rye bread. I have completely different tastes to the ordinary Japanese.

I also have one of those small mobile bidets. Bargain, about 1500 yen each. Got several for friends a few years back. That'll save on tissue.

Even if I did want to buy toilet paper, I wouldn’t have had the patience to stand in line where a dozen people each with a bag of toilet paper were in line. Thank you Washlet.

I have more than enough for now. And for those people blaming those who bought ahead of time and stockpiled, that is NOT part of panic-buying. If what the ministers say about there "being enough" is true, buying well before hand should have had zero effect on stores having a shortage now.

If you are a member of a co-op, they have a guaranteed supply of tp and masks. They limit the number per customer, but it’s a solid source. No lineups, no panicking. Direct from the manufacturers.

I watched the news last night about peoples are panicking and buying toilet paper roll in Italy and also panic buyers in Hong Kong have descended on supermarkets to snap up toilet paper after false online claims of shortages. Business is good for some peoples.

Who spread the rumors?

we don't blame people buying in advance locally, how much can you buy 5, 10 packs in advance but we blame those who buy 10,000 pack and ship it to China or Hong Kong. that's what happen with the masks in Japan.

Ok. Let’s stick to toilet paper , I really don’t want know your private hygiene techniques

Shows again there's no link between literacy and common sense.

I thought Japan being a high bidet use country would use less toilet paper.

Guess I was wrong.

I'm just going to use water and soap if mine runs out, not going to die from it.

After mask now toilet paper, next is potato chips.. better buy today.. It will run out soon.. Most of the potato chips are from abroad.

I have a separate pantry room to stick my toilet paper in, but I wonder about some people living in tiny apartments and buying all of this toilet paper. Where do they put it?

Glad I am in the US. Plenty of paper here.

So, what's the Government doing about it ?

We're all supposed to wear face masks on trains... but can't buy them - why ?

We're all supposed to maintain basic hygiene, but without a Washer toilet, you need to use Toilet paper - but where to buy nowadays - everywhere is out of stock ... is this some sort of sick joke ?

Tissue paper, & Kitchen paper, too.. all sold out.

Some people will be in a dire situation - and having to resort to olden day methods.

The Japan Tissue Industry Association says there is no shortage of supplies. Then why are store shelves still empty?

Bidets spreading diseases? Not unless you are using them as drinking fountains.

A lot has changed since the 1970s oil shock and that toilet paper crisis. 1) most of Japan has flush toilets- those pump trucks really stank.ts. 2) washlets are much cheaper and are almost ubiquitous. 3) TP is much softer and not as slick or sand paperish. 4) if you have to use newsprint or cut up magazines, today's ink won't come off on your fanny as easily. Still can't flush newsprint or catalog paper, though. We are much better off now than in the 1970s.

Even the tampons are gone!!!!!

wtfjapan:

that's the beauty of having a large home, plenty of space to stock up things when prices are cheap, also have 2 freezers with plenty of frozen foods stored, no need to panic buy.

And suddenly, the electricity is cut off.

The Japanese government was also trying to wipe away worries.

Was that intentional?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsY_QuyU-Ew

oh really, you must live in small town. there are panic buying in U.S also, it started at Costco Hawaii and spread all over the U.S now.

My friends at San Francisco just text me that their Costco is out of water bottles, toilet papers, Kleenex and paper towels. Also many other items such as can food, and cleaning products such as lysol wipes, lysol spray, bleach,and related items.

As long as there's water, there'll be clean butts in my household! This trumps all!

The panic shoppers really piss me off. Makes it really inconvenient for people who have no toilet paper at all.

looks like it's back to socks for me.

LOL!

‘People were grabbing 2,3,4 packs! One lady had nothing but TP in her cart. ‘

Costco Kobe had limits of one pack per customer on Friday, did other locations not put limits on it? A lot of it’s on Amazon Japan for up to ¥40,000 a pack.

Two Twitter rumors started the panic, one that said that the paper used in both masks and toilet paper was the same, and that when mask factories upped production, it would mean less TP available. The other was that most of the TP in Japan comes fromChina, and soon there wouldn’t be any more imports. 30:seconds on Google would dispel either one, but people went straight to panic mode.

Two Twitter rumors started the panic....

Yep, and then idiots in Twitter started to then claim rice and other necessities were running out.

I live near a supermarket and had to do shopping. Checked, and of course, lots of rice. Twitter is toxic!

Too much of panic buying in the city triggered by fake news and paranoia. The same was seen in 2011. Why not use Toto or other similar toilet seats. If the seat has got a dryer then tissue is not even required, without dryer minimal tissue will be required.

"wipe away ". Was that Japanese humour? Anyway amusing

We just loaded up with 80 rolls of TP and a bunch of can fish and meats!

@zichi, does the box contain 96 rolls, or 96 toilet paper rolls (ie the rolls surrounded by toilet paper sheets) ?

I hope the latter and that you haven't simply bought the rolls themselves ...

Anyway, just checked the Amazon site, and it's as you'd expect RipOff central.

As an example, the anonymous Seller 日本製紙クレシア ... asks 1000 yen for a box of tissues that normally cost 200 yen - I guess that's not such a bad rip-off.. but certainly extortionate.

Now I have heard, that Amazon is clearing away such opportunistic sellers, though I don't believe it from tonight's perusal through their site... Amazon makes more money from higher value items, so I would imagine it is against their interest to remove these extortionists.

@zichi - take a look at the comments for the above seller, the returns policy seems to be pretty cr@p for some of late. I truly hope you have better luck than them and receive the good you purchased as you expected.

After Amazon went after some of these rip-off agents, for selling at a high price, they simply dropped the price but bumped up the Shipping costs... so steer clear of those sellers and blacklist them if you can. Hopefully such sellers can be identified and cautioned by the Police against inciting instability within the Community or something similar.

And suddenly, the electricity is cut off.

and I have a 4000W generator also, guess what I also have also, a bore , it one of the reasons I bought the house Im in, all my washing baths toilets are using bore water, we have city water for drinking cooking etc. the beauty of living in a semi rural area. and in a time of emergency we can drink the bore water if need be .

so unless the electricity is cut and the gas stations run our of fuel Ill be fine, if that happens then were all pretty much screwed. No I wouldn't call myself a prepper but my family will survive far longer in an emergency than people in the city

From Amazon I ordered 96 rolls of toilet paper @¥41 each. 42 boxes of tissues @ ¥52 each

if you shop around and keep an eye out for the bargains you can get boxes of tissues for 40yen and less

and toilet rolls for 30yen less, which is why I have plenty in stock and never need to panic buy

Yesterday my wife waited for 2 hours for toilet roll but it didn't arrive at the store.

sorry dude I feel for you, but my family in the city are already begging me for toilet paper, as unpleasant as it sound , there are still over a billion people in this world that use their hand to do the same job. If to comes to it Ill have to do it myself, but not yet ... not yet thankfully

another trick is to shred newspaper into long strips, paper shredder is best, not ideal but it beats using your hand

another trick for alcohol wipes (also sold out) is to buy the baby wipes they are cheaper, and add cleaning alcohol to them. I also have a 20 liter drum of cleaning alcohol which you can buy online, although theyre sold out now also, bought mine 6 months ago. we keep these wipes in our toilets front door , car etc. After youve been out shopping touching things other people have touched, touching money etc easy just to wipe your hands after your done, best is to wash your hands but there isnt always soap and water available when you out.

look Im not telling people to be preppers as that is getting too paranoid. but just keeping a few weeks of bottled water, canned foods, frozen foods, first aid kits etc is always a smart move for any family, especially if you live in the cities as they are the areas thatll sell out first

Putting newspaper down modern toilets will usually block them up.

yes it does if you flush too much too fast, which is why its best to finely shred it, worse case you have to place it in a plastic bag after wiping, id much rather do this than wiping with my hand.

How long before the people handing out paper tissues get mugged?

*You need toilet paper? There's a nice gentlemen in the Gunma area who has some stock. 10,000 JPY for a 8 rolls. Anybody need water? Rice? 5kg bag for 20,000 JPY.

This is the law of supply and demand.

*Relax, in your minds you don't want to believe this is real.

i mentioned use news papers as second option,but never said to flush down to toilet, no,no,no

you need to take care of it some other way, i won't go into details because there are too much details here already, something, i don't want to know, but man, too much details here, too much,

i had nice breakfast so i don't want to think about it.

There is plenty of toilet tissue in Japan, but the problem is getting it to the store shelves as according to the MFG's not enough delivery drivers. Anyone need a job?

I think, Governments should start learning from these types of events, and make it mandatory to enforce legitimate restrictions upon sale of core items to individuals in order to avoid profiteering. The Governments should be the ones to hoard, and distribute in times of need - are they being checked upon ?

Furthermore, the likes of Amazon, Rakuten, etc. should be on the lookout for predatory profiteering ...

Interestingly I was asked today by a local Policeman, why I didn't wear a Facemask.... I answered by asking where I could buy one ?.... A sucking of air & Silence followed.....

I heard that the Government is going to start distributing facemasks to residents via Japan Post, circumventing the hoarders who turn up at local stores and clear the shelves - if that's true, then it's proactive step... though seeing will be believing.... and I hope they do the same for Toilet paper too!

Take Care Folks!

@zichi - I think, we all feel for you, the timing of your predicament was incredibly unfortunate.

Considered trying Warm water in a plastic bowl with a set of soft towels - it may help ?

In times of strife, we all adapt as best we can - I am sure you will eventually find a solution, and then be an authority upon the matter for the rest of us - should we unfortunately, be placed into the same situation as yourself. You at least, are brave enough to share your experiences publically, which I am sure, many others - myself included would not. Good on you!

Maybe your Wife could appeal to the local Ward office for assistance ? That may draw some much needed attention to your needs, after all, you are/were a Tax Payer!

All the best & take care.

A zokin can be used and washed and used again just like a cloth diaper. It isn't the end of the world.