Bringing Medication to Japan: What to Do

Note: Any advice or information given in this article are the result of research or personal experience, and should not be treated as absolute directions. If you have further questions regarding bringing medication to Japan, get in contact with the Japan Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare via one of the two following email addresses:

Entry via Narita or Tokyo-Haneda International Airport: yakkan@mhlw.go.jp

Entry via Kansai International Airport or Chubu Centrair: kiyakuji@mhlw.go.jp

General Information regarding medication in Japan: https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0002471/

Medication is a tool for many, whether it be for curing temporary aches and pains, or aiding in the symptoms of long-term physical or mental illness. Therefore, it can come as an unwelcome surprise when barriers arise when attempting to travel with medication, especially if it is a tool for navigating everyday life.

I had heard in a study abroad meeting that I should stay on top of the drug laws in Japan, and was quite surprised to hear that if I travelled with more than a month's worth of my prescription medication, I ran the risk of being detained and charged with illegal activity. I continued to research, and found that Japan has guidelines and laws regarding medications that some may feel to be very strict. 

At the time of writing this, American medication that includes pseudoephedrine is nearly always banned in Japan. This might seem like a small category of medicines but includes items such as Sudafed, Claritin-D,  Vicks Dayquil/Nightquil, and a larger variety of nasal decongestants that include pain relievers, allergy medication and more. In addition, many medications used for the treatment of depression or ADHD are also banned in Japan, including Prozac, Adderall, and Vyvanse. There is a lengthy list of other banned or regulated medications or active ingredients, and these are only some of the more noteworthy for American travelers.

When it comes to medication that is legal in the country of Japan, guidelines are still strict and well-enforced. This includes only one month's worth of prescription and two month's worth of non-prescription medication being allowed through customs, as well as restrictions on medical devices such as Epi-pens, asthma inhalers, C-PAP machines, and more.

These guidelines may feel like a major barrier to entering Japan, but with proper action and alignment with the legal practices, medication can be safely and lawfully brought into the country. Let's explore a few different scenarios that may take place when bringing medication into Japan.

• I am on a prescription medication that is not banned in Japan, but I will be visiting for a period longer than a month.

• You will be required to obtain a certificate known as a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho." This certificate is to be presented at Customs once you have entered Japan, and will allow for a custom amount of your prescription to be brought into Japan! The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has a page regarding guidelines and the application process here. In general, the application requires a few forms, including a general application form (#12 in this document) and separate forms for each medication or medical device that you are bringing with you (#13 and #14, respectively). This document also provides detailed instructions regarding the certificate, and examples of filled out forms. The application also requires a prescription from a doctor for all medications and devices. It will be important to stay in close communication with your medical provider and insurance company, as the application requires information such as how many tablets of medication you will be bringing, and the exact directions provided by your doctor. Once you have the necessary information, email the required documents to the regional bureau that covers the airport you will arrive to Japan in (see note at top of article), and you have successfully applied for your Yunyu Kakunin-sho! 

• I use a medical device such as an inhaler, epipen, supplemental oxygen, etc.

• You will also fill out a Yunyu Kakunin-sho. Follow the directions listed above, using Form #14, which is dedicated for medical devices. 

• I use a medication to treat my depression or ADHD, but it is on the list of banned medication in Japan.

• Visiting Japan while having a banned medication can be quite difficult, but is still achievable. Even if you fill out a Yunyu Kakunin-sho correctly, your request to import the medication will not be approved, even with just a one month supply. One option is to temporarily stop usage of the medication, which is more recommended for short stays, and should only be done under the approval and care of a medical provider. Weaning off of medication can be a difficult process, and it is advised to start the process before leaving for Japan. Other options include finding substitute medications that are legal in Japan. Again, this should be done under a medical provider's instruction, and a Yunyu Kakunin-sho will still be required. More information regarding these options can be found here. 

Bringing medication to Japan may feel like a daunting task, but with the correct resources and action, the process can be easily achievable. Throughout my own process of obtaining a Yunyu-Kakunin-sho, I found the Bureau of Health and Welfare to be accessible and timely in answering any questions or concerns I had. This may feel like a time-consuming process, but it allows for one to continue their medical care in accordance with Japanese law! 

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