Just got back from business in Nagoya. I've been in Tokyo for almost a week and here is what I am seeing. Maybe 2/3rds of people are wearing masks. Most people are still going about their daily lives, but it does look like there is a slow down somewhat. Barely noticeable. Interestingly I'm not hearing or seeing people coughing or showing signs of sickness.
A few days ago someone on SNS, I think Twitter, started a run on toilet paper and tissue. For 3 days it has become nearly impossible to get either. Not good when you add in the fact that Japan has closed schools for all of March meaning kids are home and using the toilet. I tried to find toilet paper in Nagoya yesterday and it was sold out everywhere there too.
Japan has assured the public there is enough stock, Japanese companies produce 90% of Japan's toilet paper in the country. Unfortunately as soon as the shelves are stocked, it is sold out.
Japan being an island country it relies on imports. As we are seeing in the California with hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol, what happens when things Japan doesn't make in country start to run out??
I'll be updating the situation here as the week rolls on. Godspeed everyone.