Japanese Companies Go Black-and-White on Naphtha Supply Shortages

Jun 01, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - A black-and-white version of Calbee's popular Kappa Ebisen snack has appeared on supermarket shelves in Tokyo as concerns over the supply of printing materials linked to Middle East tensions ripple through Japan's food industry, while more than 1,000 food products are set to become more expensive in June.

The newly released black-and-white Kappa Ebisen packaging reflects growing concerns about the supply of printing inks and other materials derived from naphtha, a petroleum product whose availability has come under pressure due to instability in the Middle East.

Regarding a roughly 23% decline in domestic naphtha production in April compared with the same month a year earlier, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said on May 31st that the drop was largely due to a concentration of scheduled maintenance work at production facilities.

"The decline was caused by periodic maintenance being concentrated in that month," Akazawa said. "We expect production levels to return to 100% after April."

He added that the situation does not warrant public concern, saying there is no indication of a supply crisis that should alarm consumers.

According to Teikoku Databank, 1,078 food and beverage products will see price increases beginning this month, representing a sharp rise from May.

Meanwhile, Pan Pacific International Holdings, the operator of discount chain Don Quijote, announced that a new line of private-label products will feature black-and-white packaging.

The products will be introduced this month at approximately 670 stores nationwide, including Don Quijote outlets. The company said the simplified packaging reduces printing costs and, together with logistics improvements, helps keep prices low.

Focusing on daily necessities, the lineup will initially include 26 products, such as 500-milliliter bottles of water priced at 40 yen and packs of five tissue boxes priced at 196 yen.

The company also said the packaging strategy will help mitigate the impact of rising raw material costs and potential ink shortages stemming from worsening conditions in the Middle East.

As packaging materials become more expensive, retailers across Japan are accelerating efforts to adapt to supply chain disruptions and rising costs linked to geopolitical tensions.

Source: TBS

Typhoons No. 7 and No. 8 Threaten Okinawa and Pacific Coast of Japan

Very strong Typhoon No. 7, Mekkhala, was moving north south of Okinawa as of 3 a.m. on June 24, raising the risk of stormy weather in Okinawa later this week and possible impacts across western and eastern Japan, while Typhoon No. 8, Higos, was moving west near the Mariana Islands and could approach eastern Japan before Mekkhala. Typhoon No. 7 was located east of the Philippines at 9 p.m. on June 23 and was moving slowly north.

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

The sale of religious corporations that operate temples and shrines across Japan is drawing growing scrutiny from authorities, who fear the transactions could be used for tax evasion and money laundering, as brokers openly advertise properties and corporate status for tens or even hundreds of millions of yen.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Nine Japanese nationals were among 17 people detained in Laos on suspicion of involvement in a special fraud operation, while Japanese authorities have sought cooperation from Cambodian police over dozens of Japanese citizens believed to have gone missing after traveling to Cambodia.

Japan Moves to Ease Thinner Shortage as Naphtha Shock Hits Builders

Japan will begin a new system on June 23 to sell paint and thinner directly from manufacturers to construction firms and other businesses, aiming to ease supply bottlenecks and curb price increases as worsening conditions in the Middle East make such materials harder to obtain.

Three Bear Cubs Seen Climbing Tree Putting Town on Alert

Three bear cubs were spotted climbing a tree in Hirogawa, Wakayama Prefecture, on the morning of June 22, prompting the town to put up warning signs and call on residents to stay alert, although no injuries or damage have been reported.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Oil Crisis NEWS

Japan Moves to Ease Thinner Shortage as Naphtha Shock Hits Builders

Recycling Technology Takes On Naphtha Shortage

Japan's reliance on Middle Eastern crude oil has left manufacturers exposed to rising costs for plastic containers, ink and other products that use naphtha, but JEPLAN President Masaki Takao is pushing a recycling technology that could reduce the need for petroleum-derived raw materials by turning used plastic back into material close to new.

Middle East Tensions Hit Local Rice Balls

A rice ball chain based in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, is feeling the effects of turmoil in the Middle East through higher costs and supply shortages for packaging film and other materials essential to selling onigiri.

IEA Sees Oil Oversupply in 2027 if Iran War Ends

The global oil market could face a major supply surplus in 2027 if the United States and Iran maintain an agreement aimed at ending hostilities, the International Energy Agency said in its monthly report released on June 17.

Calbee's Black-and-White Potato Chips Reach Store Shelves

Calbee's potato chips in black-and-white packaging appeared on convenience store shelves in Tokyo on June 17, reflecting the company's response to concerns over the stability of printing ink supplies derived from naphtha as tensions in the Middle East disrupted procurement.

May Trade Deficit Returns as Crude Oil Import Costs Hit Record High

Japan's trade balance fell into the red for the first time in four months in May, as soaring crude oil procurement costs linked to tensions in the Middle East pushed import prices to record levels despite a sharp decline in import volumes.

Japanese-Linked Vessel Damaged While Anchored in Persian Gulf, Crew Unharmed

A Japanese-linked vessel anchored in the Persian Gulf sustained damage to part of its hull, but remained capable of sailing under its own power and no crew members were injured, Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Kaneko said.

Sapporo Allows Non-Designated Garbage Bags as Plastic Shortage Drives Surge in Sales

Sapporo began accepting household garbage in non-designated bags on June 15 as plastic product shortages linked to tensions in the Middle East continue to affect supplies, with home improvement stores reporting a sharp increase in demand for transparent and semi-transparent bags.

< 2 3 4 5 >