[pibaker]

> The Takaichi administration attempted to pressure Calbee into reversing this decision.

Do you have a citation for this? This sounds insane. I can't even think of any good faith motivation for doing this, other than to cover up the shortage and to keep the public pacified.

[flakiness]

> https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV5N32MVV5NUTFK005M.html

The title reads "PM's Office calls Calbee's response a "stunt"; Emphasizes naphtha sufficiency, including intermediate products".

Asahi Shinbun is one of the established newspapers.

Also at the end (translated by google):

> "The government interviewed Calbee about the situation on the 12th. According to a government official, they explained to Calbee that there is a sufficient amount available in terms of total volume. Sources close to the Prime Minister expressed concern over the ripple effects, stating, "Calbee's reaction is an overreaction. Their announcement will cause other companies to become anxious as well." However, Calbee maintains its stance, with a public relations representative stating, "This is a measure to ensure the stable supply of our products."

So it's relatively mild "nudge", if you compare it to the current US administration.

[amake]

> I can't even think of any good faith motivation for doing this, other than to cover up the shortage and to keep the public pacified

Yes

[pjjpo]

I can think of one - Calbee is taking advantage of the situation to get massive, free TV time. On top of that, their product will be cheaper to make. In terms of a marketing coup, this is probably one of the greatest examples. No other package manufacturer has announced a similar ink shortage, so...

In half a year, maybe, but I and many I talk to are skeptical their huge scale supply chain is running out of printing material in such a short amount of time. I'm voting with my yen by not buying Calbee products for now.