What people fail to think about when they are panic buying [manga]

During the outset of the pandemic, like a lot of the world, Japan experienced a wave of panic buying. As consumers realized the severity of the outbreak, they aggressively hoarded sanitary products like masks and toilet paper. Stressful for all retailers, pharmacies were particularly hard hit.

Unfortunately, concerned shoppers ultimately failed to think about the consequences of their actions. Although they were encouraged by politicians and media personalities, their collective action put vulnerable populations at risk.

Some chronically ill people like manga artist KAKO (@isinnkodesu), were shocked by such inconsiderate behavior. KAKO has cancer and is dependent on certain products for her care. Recently, she wrote about her struggles during the period of panic buying offset by the coronavirus outbreak.

Reproduced with permission from KAKO (@isinnkodesu)

Reproduced with permission from KAKO (@isinnkodesu)

Reproduced with permission from KAKO (@isinnkodesu)

Reproduced with permission from KAKO (@isinnkodesu)

Clearly, she was forced to struggle through that period. Fortunately, pharmacies and grocery stores are seemingly back to regular inventories. Nevertheless, there was a particular period of a month or more when many products were unfortunately unavailable.

Readers reacted:

• “I want as many people as possible to understand this situation.”
• “Hoarding and reselling is unacceptable. I completely agree with this manga.”
• “PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS. There is no reason for panic buying.”
• “I hope people who hoard and resell are ashamed of themselves.”

You can find more manga by KAKO on her Twitter page or her blog.