I thought the rice shortage was due to low yield and stockpile being low? https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/1...racked%20grain I saw similar stories at the end of July so perhaps residents were already buying a bit of extra rice until this year's crop comes in and adding another bag or two in case of emergency/typhoons?

Also, yes, the news stories sometimes stated stock is low due to low yield and the tourists are eating more rice. It is probably true tourists in 2023 are eating more rice compared to 2020-2022, but tourism numbers haven't increased that significantly over 2019 when comparing by month https://statistics.jnto.go.jp/en/gra...rs--transition and likely less than 2019 for the 2023's rice supply months. I categorize that conclusion to be a bit more hand waving unless some further details are presented like all the visitors only eat at untimed unlimited onigiri buffets or something like that.

There might be a bit of 3/11 memories. I was watching NHK's "3/11 — The Tsunami: The First 3 Days" and my smart watch heart rate record definitely correlates (CA earthquake memories). The shaking is one thing but recalling the the disruption and aftershocks is another. Imagine how parents/caretakers might have felt walking home from work for what is normally a 45 minute train commute while power and much communication was down. I understand why some would want to stock up a bit on feminine goods, check battery levels, and replace expired emergency supplies as those are some actions within our control while the earthquake isn't. Also a bit of experience on how being out of certain creature comforts is annoying when staying at home for extended periods with intermittent or no power. Some people probably stocked up on Strong Zero. The milder tremors and power outages (wildfire precaution, larger storms, and power company not maintaining/upgrading things well) usually remind me to check on one part or another of my disaster preparedness gear & procedures.