Bureaucrats don't want Japan to get caught with its pants down the next time toilet paper supplies run short after a natural disaster.
That's why the government is rolling out its latest public-awareness campaign, titled "Let's Stockpile Toilet Paper," which involves an exhibition on the topic at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, a summit of industry leaders and the sale of specially packaged "emergency use" toilet tissue.
The campaign, conducted in cooperation with the Japan Household Paper Industry Association, is part of METI's "toilet paper supply continuity plan," which was devised in response to shortages after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, as well as to the outright hoarding that occurred during the oil shock of the 1970s.