TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —  Taiwanese consumers are supporting Japan by shopping in Lopia stores, prompting the general manager to issue two apologies for widespread product shortages.

From Friday to Sunday, the Japanese supermarket chain launched a Thanksgiving promotion offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Wagyu beef, per Liberty Times. In its promotional message, the company also voiced support for Japanese seafood producers and called for strengthening Taiwan-Japan friendship, drawing widespread praise from Taiwanese in food forums.  

Many items sold out quickly, including the beef. On Sunday morning, Lopia Taiwan General Manager Mizumoto Hitoshi posted on Threads apologizing for the delayed shipments and long lines on Saturday, per Tai Sounds. 

In the afternoon, Hitoshi issued a second apology, explaining that customer traffic had far exceeded expectations and staff were overwhelmed despite their efforts. He emphasized that the team is doing everything possible to improve the situation and asked for customer understanding.

Takaichi warned that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could be considered a situation threatening Japan’s survival, potentially triggering a military response from Tokyo. Her remarks drew strong protest from China, which has urged citizens to avoid travel to Japan and halted plans to resume Japanese seafood imports.