100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Emergency Disasters

Japan’s 100 yen shop is loved nationwide for offering an amazing range of affordable products, such as household goods, stationery, electronics and more, all for a very affordable price.

Japan is susceptible to disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, so having a well-stocked emergency kit is crucial. As we mentioned in our rundown on what to put in your emergency kit, the 100 yen shop is a convenient and affordable place to find life-saving essentials for disasters. You can buy the following goods at Japan’s top ¥100 shops in stores or online at Daiso, CanDo and Seria (in-store only).

LED Flashlight (Battery and Hand Powered)

© Photo by Misty Fujii

When the power goes out, you need to be able to see! Flashlights also make it easy to be seen by rescue personnel. LEDs are the best choice for brightness, but a hand-powered light is also useful. If you run out of batteries, you can use your own force to generate short bursts of light.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Whistle

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Whistles are essential items for communication following a natural disaster. They’re louder than a scream and easier on your lungs if you find yourself trapped under rubble or on a high floor of a building. If you’re lucky, you may even find a disaster kit for ¥110 with gloves, rope and a whistle.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Tools

© Photo by Misty Fujii

© Photo by Misty Fujii

A few simple tools can make a big difference in an emergency. Wrenches or pliers can shut off utilities, a hammer can break through barriers and gloves protect your hands. Daiso and other 100 yen shops carry a whole range of tools that can help out around the house and when disaster strikes.

• Price: ¥110-¥330
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Slippers/Sandals

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Admittedly, slippers or sandals aren’t the first choice of footwear in an emergency. But if you must evacuate quickly, having a pair of these in your bag is very helpful. In a pinch, they’ll protect the bottom of your feet from stepping on glass and other debris. They’re easy to find in various sizes and styles at any 100 yen store.

• Price: ¥110-¥330
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Masks

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Thanks to corona, 100 yen stores never stopped carrying a full range of face masks. Stock up on some of these, not just for coughs but also for filtering dust. They might not be N95-level, but they’re still a lifesaver in a crisis! They also help prevent infection since illness can quickly spread in close quarters like emergency shelters.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

First Aid Supplies (Triangular Towel, Bandages, Adhesive Bandages, etc.)

© Photo by Misty Fujii

A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have. Head to your nearest 100 yen stop for bandages, tweezers and more. You’ll be ready to handle minor cuts, burns and other basic medical injuries quickly and easily.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Batteries (Regular & Rechargeable Mobile Battery)

© Photo by Misty Fujii

When the power goes out, batteries are your best friend. They’ll keep flashlights, radios broadcasting and phones powered up. 100 yen stores carry most battery sizes and even battery packs for mobile phones so you can keep all your essential devices fully charged.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Portable Toilet

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Disaster or not, when nature calls, you have to answer. To prevent major hygiene concerns, Daiso carries portable and disposable toilets. You can attach the bag to an existing toilet or a bucket and do your business. The bag has a coagulant inside that helps to prevent leakage and stinky smells. It also comes with its own disposal bag so you can safely use (and discard!) it anywhere.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Food and Drinks

© Photo by Misty Fujii

© Photo by Misty Fujii

100 yen shops have a surprising selection of food and drinks. You can find everything you need for a quick and easy meal, from snacks to staples with a long shelf-life. In addition to bottled water, Daiso stocks green tea bags, canned chicken and sardines, dried ramen, rice and comforting treats like cookies and candy. Don’t forget to grab a can opener for ¥110 from the kitchen section!

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Toiletries (Wet Tissue, Antibacterial Wipes, Toothbrush/Paste, Towels)

© Photo by Misty Fujii

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Stay fresh and clean even in the face of disaster. Not lifesaving per se, but toiletries are very needed if you have to spend time in an emergency shelter. Antibacterial and body wipes are convenient if you don’t have access to running water after a disaster.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Plastic Rain Coat

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Need to stay dry? Grab a folded, pocket-sized raincoat. It doesn’t take up much space in your emergency bag, and you can also use it to sit on or cover up any items you don’t want to get wet.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Plastic Bags

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Waterproof bags are your go-to for keeping things dry and safe. They are perfect for storing essentials and can also be used as makeshift shelters, window seals or emergency ponchos. You’ll find grocery to large garbage-sized bags at any 100 yen stop.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Aluminum Emergency Blanket

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Daiso’s got you covered, literally. Emergency blankets are your go-to solution for staying warm, dry and safe in any situation. They’re lightweight, compact and easy to carry, making them perfect for an emergency kit.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Lighter, Matches and Candles

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Candles aren’t popular in Japan in case they get knocked over in an earthquake; however, they can be helpful in the aftermath of a disaster. When the power goes out, candles can illuminate dark rooms, making navigating easier. They can also be used to cook simple meals or boil water for sanitation.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Camping Supplies

© Photo by Misty Fujii

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Daiso sells a wide range of camping supplies that can double as disaster supplies. Collapsable cups, emergency water bags, charcoal and pocket knives are all available for ¥110 each. If you want to go all out, you can pack your disaster kit with a tent, BBQ grill, portable rice cooker and more for ¥330 to ¥1,110.

• Price: ¥110-¥1100
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Recreational Items

© Photo by Misty Fujii

Anything that helps pass the time and provides a sense of normalcy can be comforting. Puzzles, cards and coloring books can turn a stressful situation into a fun family activity, even in an emergency shelter. These 100-yen stop essentials might not save your life, but they’ll definitely save your sanity.

• Price: ¥110
• Shop: Daiso (Similar items are available at other 100 yen shops too.)

Other 100 Yen Shop Recommendations

• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for School and the Office
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for the Kitchen
• 100 Yen Shop Summer Must-Haves for Cooling Down
• 100 Yen Shop Must Haves for Home Decor
• 100 Yen Shop Must Haves For DIY Nails
• 100 Yen Shop Must Haves For Cherry Blossom Viewing
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Families

Do you have any recommendations for 100 yen shop must-haves for your emergency disasters bag? Let us know about them in the comments!

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