In Japan, convenience stores are increasingly stocking rice balls with extended shelf lives, including frozen varieties, as part of a trend that responds to both technological advancements and a notable shortage of truck drivers. This shortage is affecting the logistics and supply chain, compelling convenience stores, like 7-Eleven Japan, to adapt their operations to ensure better availability of their offerings despite these challenges. The reliance on frequent deliveries to maintain freshness and product assortment has been traditional among convenience stores; however, 7-Eleven has started reducing the frequency of deliveries for certain daily products in Hokkaido as a trial. The company's executive, Shigefumi Yamaguchi, indicated that this change responds to the visible downsides of previous distribution methods and aims to eliminate inefficiencies in their supply chain, highlighting a shift in how convenience store products might be managed going forward. The context of these changes is deeply rooted in the so-called 'logistics 2024 problem,' where the shortage of truck drivers remains unresolved and is projected to worsen. As demand remains high for transportation services, logistics costs—including truck fare—are under increasing pressure, which in turn influences the operational decisions of convenience store chains and the overall food supply landscape in Japan, making these reforms not just a business adjustment but a necessary evolution in response to systemic labor market issues.