Tokyo International News Agency

Kagome Co., Ltd. announced on May 14 that it will begin updating the outer packaging design of its flagship product, "Kagome Tomato Ketchup," starting in late May. This decision stems from difficulties in procuring printing ink—particularly the white base ink—as the supply of naphtha becomes increasingly unstable due to heightening tensions in the Middle East. The redesign affects three product sizes: 500g, 300g, and 180g. While the current packaging features numerous printed tomato illustrations, the new version significantly reduces the printed area, making the outer bag largely transparent. The company clarified that there are no changes to the quality of the squeeze tube or its contents, emphasizing a transition to a simple design with high visibility. This movement toward packaging simplification is gaining momentum across the Japanese food industry. A similar shift by snack giant Calbee, which recently released potato chips in minimalist black-and-white packaging, drew ...

It was revealed on the 13th that certain products of "Millet Biscuit," a snack widely beloved across Japan as the "soul food" of Kochi Prefecture, have been forced into a production halt due to a severe naphtha shortage. The primary cause is the difficulty in procuring packaging materials, a development that has left fans in dismay. According to information from the manufacturer, Nomura Senmame Kakoten (Kochi City), the current suspension of production and orders targets high-volume and portion-controlled products that require significant packaging material, such as the "Millet Super Big Pack" and the "4-Pack Linked Millet Biscuits." The situation is expected to worsen, with production of additional small-sized packs scheduled to stop on June 1st. In a strange turn of events, while the biscuits themselves can still be manufactured, the plastic bags to hold them simply cannot be secured. Following the news, social media was flooded with mourning c...

Japanese eyewear giant JINS has sparked widespread concern on social media following the suspension of sales for its 1.76 refractive index "ultra-thin lenses." On May 13, numerous customers reported that orders had been halted both on the official website and at physical stores. For users with high myopia (severe nearsightedness), the news has triggered significant anxiety, with many expressing concerns about the impact on their daily lives and questioning when sales will resume. The suspension is believed to be caused by equipment failures at lens manufacturers and shortages of raw materials. Online discussions have highlighted potential disruptions in the naphtha supply chain, with reports suggesting that other eyewear retailers are also beginning to implement similar order restrictions. This indicates a likely industry-wide shortage of high-index lenses. Some customers have also voiced frustration over JINS's communication, pointing out that announcement pages were dif...

The "naphtha crisis," sparked by heightening tensions in the Middle East, is casting a long shadow over Japanese households. Supply instability of naphtha—a key raw material for plastic—has disrupted the production of food containers. This situation has escalated to the point where major manufacturers are considering suspending sales of popular desserts like custard pudding (purin). According to a survey by the Nikkei, 44% of food companies reported that the naphtha shortage is already affecting their operations. An additional 31% expect impacts within the next three months, highlighting a rapidly growing sense of urgency across the industry. The shortage is particularly acute for plastic containers used for desserts. Since early May, some companies have begun weighing nationwide sales suspensions for pudding, signaling a breakdown in the supply chain infrastructure—such as logistics and packaging—that consumers have long taken for granted. On social media, consumers are voic...

Yamayoshi Seika, the manufacturer of popular snack foods like "Wasabeef," has announced a temporary halt to its factory operations, sending shockwaves among consumers. This unprecedented situation is attributed to difficulties in procuring heavy oil, which is essential for the manufacturing process, due to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. On March 17, the company explained that as the Strait of Hormuz blockade prolonged, it became increasingly challenging to secure the heavy oil used as an energy source for its factories. Consequently, the company announced that there might be delays in supply or suspension of shipments for some of its products. In response to this news, numerous voices of surprise and sadness flooded social media, with comments such as "Finally, what we feared has come to pass," "I can't believe even Wasabeef is affected," and "It's too sad that heavy oil can't be procured." Concerned about the ...