Japanese convenience store chain Lawson has equipped 65% of its stores nationwide, approximately 9,600 outlets, with in-house kitchens to prepare and sell rice balls during emergencies when pre-cooked food deliveries are disrupted.
A nationwide rollout is planned by March 2026. The kitchens will produce onigiri during disasters to ensure food availability even when supply logistics fail. Lawson chose rice balls for being warm, easy to eat and comforting during crisis situations.
The emergency onigiri will weigh 180 grams, nearly twice the size of standard rice balls, to provide a more substantial meal during extended emergencies. It’s a necessary level of disaster planning for Japan, where earthquakes regularly disrupt supply chains.
24/03/2026
Japan
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