NorLevo, Japan’s first-ever over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pill, is now available for purchase. This emergency contraceptive pill should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and is most effective the sooner it is ingested. 

Though a big step forward for women’s rights in Japan, there are still restrictions and other things to be aware of that differ from other countries. 

Where to Find It

The morning-after pill is available at drugstores and pharmacies that meet requirements set by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. We’ve listed some stores that can easily be found in Tokyo and other cities in Japan. 

Tsuruha Drug 

Cocokara Fine 

Tomod’s

Welcia 

Sakura Pharmacy 

Ain Pharmacy 

Pilcon, a nonprofit organization advocating for sex education and reproductive rights in Tokyo, also provides a map of participating locations: Where to buy emergency contraception. 

Things to Know When Purchasing

The medication can only be bought under certain conditions, and the process is stricter than in many other countries. 

1. It is only available at approved drugstores from pharmacists certified to dispense emergency contraceptive pills. 

2. Only women can purchase them; stores will not sell them to men or other third parties. 

3. The user must purchase the pill themselves and take it on-site, in the presence of a trained pharmacist. 

The Process Itself 

Walking into a store and asking for medication can be scary, especially when purchasing the morning-after pill. Here is a breakdown of the buying process and what to expect during your visit. 

Before the purchase can be made, you must first undergo a brief consultation. A pharmacist will ask a series of questions to verify your eligibility. Expect questions about when the unprotected sex occurred, any allergies and current medication. 

They will then explain the instructions and what to expect upon ingesting the pill, including possible side effects, after which you will finally buy the medication itself. 

Users are not permitted to take the pill home and must consume it on-site to prevent misuse. Be aware that the pharmacy will most likely offer a private space for you to take the pill, though this is not guaranteed. 

What Does This Mean For Women in Japan? 

Previously, emergency contraception pills were only available through an in-person or online visit to a medical institution. But getting a prescription, waiting for the confirmation and anticipating the pill’s arrival takes time — time that you don’t have to spare when it comes to emergency contraception.  

This transition from a prescription drug to an over-the-counter medication gives women more agency in their sexual health. With NorLevo more easily accessible, women have more opportunities to exercise their right to bodily autonomy. It also adds a much-needed layer of protection in cases of sexual violence. 

Despite this progress, Japan still has many obstacles to overcome. For one, the requirement of ingesting the pill on-site at the pharmacy may act as a barrier for many. NorLevo, priced around ¥7,500, has also been faulted as being too expensive, making it difficult for students and younger people to access. 

Japanese society tends to shy away from discussions of reproductive health. Though not exactly taboo, it is a topic appropriate for the private sphere and treated with secrecy in public. NorLevo brings these conversations out from the stock room and onto the shelves, opening discussions about the other ‘hidden’ issues of sexual health in Japan, transforming it from a personal burden to a public issue. 

Sexual Assault Response Center Tokyo

You might also find helpful:

How “Sex Toy” Brand TENGA is Changing Sex Talk in Japan

Japan Drugstore Guide on Women’s Health 

Things Women Cannot Do in Japan 

Domestic Violence in Japan: Every Third Woman