Lotteries aren't rationing, but are similarly useful when supply growth is constrained and are both considered more fair ways of distribution that letting the p

Lotteries aren't rationing, but are similarly useful when supply growth is constrained and are both considered more fair ways of distribution that letting the price spike limit access to only the rich. The problem with this approach is how the price fixing that can be involved blocks the signal needed to tell the market to modify supply. When supply is meant to be fixed, this isn't an issue. In this particular case, the Japanese law wasn't clearly explained or referenced. My best guess for the reference is the law Japan passed before the Olympics to ban the resale of many tickets at more than their list price. This isn't price fixing so much as an anti-speculation measure. This does also have the effect of making a lottery needed for many tickets as the secondary market can't balance supply and demand.