Not your local CVS:
Navigating Japanese drugstores
Not your local CVS:Navigating Japanese drugstores
Japanese drugstores probably won’t have your color foundation unless you’re of Asian heritage, and don’t have box dies for European hair, or just about anything for African and textured hair.
But for the most part, you’ll be able to find all the personal items you need and more.
Japan has a good deal of western medicine and brands you’re familiar with, along with “kampoyaku” which is Asian natural remedy medication.
Let’s start with how to best read the boxes and labels.
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If you download the FREE Japanese dictionary and install Google lens (also free), you can use your smartphone to read labels, signs, and appliances even off-line!
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Deodorant Package
Read Using Google Lens
Navigating a Japanese Drugstore
Now, let’s get familiar with some boxes and styles of Japanese drugstore products.
TIP! Don’t overdo the Japanese energy / health drinks, they’re meant to be used like medicine.
Guide to Using Japanese Pharmacies (Pharmacy Edition)
Medicine Regulations:
- Controlled Substances: Some psychiatric drugs are treated as narcotics in Japan. Bringing them without prior permission (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) and valid documentation (e.g., doctor's prescription) can lead to arrest. Examples include diazepam and triazolam (one-month supply or injectables). Medical narcotics like morphine and fentanyl require additional permission from local health authorities.
- Monthly Limits: Each ingredient has a specified monthly import limit. Check the list before bringing any medication.
- General Rule: Only medications prescribed and carried for personal use are allowed. Carrying a copy of your prescription is recommended.
Sanitary Items:
- Tampons: Limited variety compared to other countries, you’re in pad country now! TIP: The little plastic baggies inside applicator-free tampons are NOT to dispose of the tampon, they are finger guards to keep your fingers clean and hygienic during insertion.
- Napkins: Choose from various types based on flow and length (normal, heavy, extra heavy). Wings and material (cotton, dry) options are also available. Popular brands include Sophie Hadaomoi, Sophy Synchrofit, and Laurie Kirei Style.
- Vaginal Discharge Sheets: Available in different absorbencies (50cc, 15cc, 100cc). Popular brands include Naturelis, Sophie Hadaomoi, Lorie Sara Pure, and Charm Nap Water Absorption.
Deodorant:
- Less Common: Japanese people generally wear less perfume and deodorant, especially in winter, so you may want to bring extra from home, especially if you have body odor issues; Japanese products may not be effective.
- Types: Spray, lotion, and wipe sheet types are available. Roll-on types are rare. Popular brands include BODY COOL LOTION, SEA BREEZE, 8x4, and Ag.
Cold Medicine:
- Popular Brands: Lulu, Contac, and Pavlon.
- Recommendation: Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and medication. Over-the-counter medications are for emergencies only.
Abdominal Pain:
Seirogan
- Antidiarrheals: Stopa, Biofermin, Seirogan (strong herbal smell, effective).
- Laxatives: With One L, Mylux S, Dew Stole, Colac, Tokushugan, Nanifuku, Takeda Chinese medicine.
Stomach Pain:
- Ota's Isan, Buscopan, Sachron, Innocea, Pansilon Sukrat, Irakuna Gaster 10, Sukrat, Kakuria, Pansilon, Gaster 10/Daiichi Sankyo Gastrointestinal Medicine Plus.
- Hangover remedies like Takadia, Solmac, Arpitaco.
- Popular Brands: Taisho Chinese medicine (Kampoyaku) and Ota's Isan (effective for hangovers).
Headache Medicine:
- Popular Brands: Bufferin and Eve (also effective for menstrual pain).
- Other Options: Loxonin, Bufferin Luna, Eve Ringle Ivy Elpein Pure, Sedes Naron.
