[September 1 Disaster Prevention Day]What kind of local support can convenience stores provide in the event of a disaster?Ask Seven, Famima, and Lawson

September 1, 2023, Disaster Preparedness Day, marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake, one of the largest disasters in Japan, with more than 100,000 people dead or missing.

It is not widely known that convenience stores, which are now one of the infrastructures of our lives, have a network that stretches all over the country, and each company has the function of supporting the local community in the event of a disaster.

Under the theme of “convenience stores and disasters,” we asked Seven-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart, and Lawson about their response guidelines.

“Agreement to support stranded commuters” that allows access to toilets, tap water, and road information

First of all, what these three companies have in common is that they have tied up with each local government“Agreement on support for stranded commuters”is.

Under this agreement, convenience stores and restaurant chains scattered throughout the area willProvide support such as provision of tap water, toilets, and road informationThis is to be decided with the local government.

During the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (January 1995), when transportation was cut off, the experience was that “support for quick evacuation of commuters, students, and tourists is essential above all else.” made on the basis of The stores that have participated in the agreement are”Disaster support station sticker”is to be posted. Some of you may have seen it posted on the front of a convenience store.

A spokesperson for Seven & i Holdings said, “We have signed agreements with many local governments to provide supplies in the event of a disaster, and we have established a system to provide as much assistance as possible, such as water and food, upon request.” .

Akira Ushio, Manager of the Management Planning Group of FamilyMart’s Management Planning Department, said, “We have signed disaster relief agreements with prefectures all over the country. We will provide supplies (underwear, towels, work gloves, etc.).”

Whether or not to lend the toilet is “owner’s judgment”

However, it is important to note that not all convenience stores have toilets. In common with all three companies, in the case of franchise stores, it is up to the owner to decide whether or not to rent the toilet to customers.

Mr. Akiaki Ushio said, “FamilyMart is ultimately a member store’s decision.” ”. For example, there are times when you cannot rent a toilet due to layout issues, such as “if you pass through the stock room or staff room” (Lawson’s Daigo Ishiai). Seven-Eleven Japan had a similar response.

“Onigiri is what we really need in times of disaster”

Convenience stores will continue to operate if the owner determines that they can operate even if a disaster occurs. In this case, there are cases where the owners and staff themselves are also victims of the disaster, so all three companies have in common that they make decisions based on safety first.

“If the owner decides that it should continue to operate even in the event of a disaster, while considering safety, the owner and store employees will operate the store.” (Seven & i Holdings public relations)

I am also interested in what can be sold in times of disaster and what products are in demand.

Mr. Daigo Ishiai of Lawson”(What is required is) wet wipes and long-lasting cup ramen.”It is said that However, if you continue to eat the same food, you will get bored.at Lawson“What we really need is rice balls that can be eaten with one hand.”(Dr. Daigo Ishiai)

One of the characteristics of Lawson is that it has developed “Machikado Kitchen”, which has a cooking space in the store, at about 9,200 stores. In this kitchen, even if logistics stops and inventory does not come in, we can provide freshly made food based on the ingredients stocked in the store. When there are no lunch box ingredients, the operation is to provide salted rice balls (100 yen including tax) as a “disaster menu”.

In addition to earthquakes and floods, convenience store companies are preparing to support local communities in preparation for disasters such as snow damage, landslides, and infectious diseases.

If you yourself are affected by the disaster, remember that your neighborhood convenience store may be of help.