In Japan, the earthquake and tsunami damaged some electric generation plants and caused a major electric power supply shortage. So planned power outage is implemented on weekdays. There are less trains available. No airconditioning on trains to conserve electricity. At home we are requested to turn the temperature settings down. This winter it’s cold for this time of the year. It’s still like midwinter. Many people have a cold including me.
Regarding daily necessaries, today I could find and buy toiletpaper at supermarket for the first time after the quake. I saw rice, also. Spinach and leaf vegetable are at very cheap price because people are afraid of radiation contamination. I don’t care but some people worry too much.