Can I bring my medicine into Japan?

Who this is for

• · You take a prescription medicine daily and are coming to Japan for more than a month
• · You use injections, inhalers, or a medical device (insulin pens, EpiPen, CPAP)
• · You've read the embassy warnings and are still not sure what applies to you

What you get

Item-by-item determination

For each medicine: no permit needed / Import Confirmation (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) needed / Narcotics Control permit needed / cannot be brought in. With the quantity threshold explained.

Your application guide

Which regional bureau handles your arrival airport, the two documents you need, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the official English online system (with screenshots).

Bilingual medicine card (PDF)

Generic name, strength, purpose, in English and Japanese. Show it at customs or at a clinic.

14 days of follow-up

Questions about your list answered in writing until you land.

How it works

1. 1. Pay and send your list Medicine names, strength, how many you’re bringing, travel dates, arrival airport. Photos of the boxes or prescriptions are enough.
2. 2. I check each item Against MHLW rules, the narcotics and psychotropics schedules, and the medical device list. First reply within 24 hours.
3. 3. You get your report Determination, thresholds, and your application guide, within 3 business days.
4. 4. You apply (if needed) In your own name, on the official site. I answer questions until you land.

What this service is not

• · I don't fill in, prepare, or submit any government form for you. Under Japanese law that's reserved for licensed administrative scriveners. You submit in your own name — the official system is in English and takes about 20 minutes.
• · I don't decide for the Japanese authorities. The final call is theirs; I can't guarantee approval or customs clearance.
• · I don't give medical advice or tell you to change a prescription.

Price and terms

US$200 (tax incl., ~¥30,000) · up to 5 items (prescription, OTC, supplements, devices all count as items) · each additional item US$20

Timing

First reply within 24 hours; report within 3 business days of receiving your complete list. Please start at least 3 weeks before departure.

Refund

Full refund if I say in my first reply that I can't help with your list. No refund after the report is delivered.

Questions

How long does the official permit take?

The Ministry says complete applications are normally issued in a few business days, but embassies advise allowing 2–4 weeks. Start early.

Do I need this if I'm only bringing a month's supply?

Often not — but "one month" is counted by your prescribed dose, and some medicines are restricted at any quantity. That’s what the check is for.

My medicine is ADHD medication / a sleep aid / a painkiller. Can you check it?

Yes. These are exactly the categories where the rules are strictest, and where a wrong guess costs the most.

Will you apply for me?

No — see "What this service is not." I give you everything you need to do it yourself in about 20 minutes.

Can you check medicines for my whole family?

Yes. Each person's list is a separate check.

What if my medicine can't be brought in at all?

I'll tell you clearly, explain the general options people in that situation consider (such as asking your doctor about alternatives or seeing a doctor in Japan), and point you to the right questions to ask.