It seems the reality of the coronavirus epidemic has finally arrived in Japan. And it did not come as a surprise, as we are all asked to stay indoors this weekend, people have started their panic shopping in Tokyo.
With shops already clearing out on Thursday, leaving only drinks, condiments, and a few other things behind, it was to be expected that Friday would be even worse.
Tokyo Panic shopping part 2!#coronavirus #COVID19 #tokyo #panicshopping #Japan pic.twitter.com/D3VWMPAeAg
— obsessedwithjapan (@obsessedwithjap) March 27, 2020
And as stores opened around Tokyo people were already queuing to get in. By 10.30 am and only half an hour after opening, queues inside for the checkouts were so massive, staff were put in place with signs, as to avoid confusion.
With high commodities again being rice, but also eggs, nato and milk swiftly disappearing oh the shelves. Staff seemed to work at super speed restocking, though I wondered if they would’ve able to keep this up all day…
And again, we have seen those images from every country, which makes japan no exception.
One thing to keep in mind though is, culturally, Japan’s society has a habit of eating fresh. Also, most of the population, especially in Tokyo are living in small apartments, with very little storage facilities. So generally, many Japanese will only just buy what they need for a day. This makes the prospect of not being able to get things as you go pretty daunting. Which explains the panic shopping we have seen since the announcement was made.
And with this week being the first real ask to stay indoors, it may or may not help curb the virus…
Let’s hope the measurement we take now will make a difference, or else we are going to be heading straight for what is happening in New York, Spain, and Italy. So let’s stay indoors and stay safe!
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