It’s not uncommon that when students study abroad, they bring a medication with them. Many of these can be over-the-counter drugs that contain substances like Sudafed and codeine, which are controlled substances in Japan. In other cases they may be prescription drugs like Adderall that contain amphetamine, which is completely illegal. Read onto understand the ways that Japan regulates medication’s, and what program participants ought to know about bringing their medication’s to the country.
the two primary Japanese government authorities on this topic are the Ministry Of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) and the Narcotics Control Department (NCD). The MHLW summarizes the different types of controlled and non-controlled substances, and the NCD describes the different types of controlled substances as well as the process for requesting an import certificate.
Categories of Regulated Products
Japanese law distinguishes between the following primary categories of medical and cosmetic products based on their active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Drugs, Quasi-Drugs and Medical Devices
This category includes most prescription medications, over-the-counter products, medical devices and cosmetics that travelers typically carry. It’s important to check if an OTC medication’ would fall into this category, as some medication’s that can be had over-the-counter in the United States are controlled substances in Japan.
If someone is bringing:
- less than a 60 day supply of an over-the-counter medication,
- Less than a 30-day supply of a prescription medication that is not considered a narcotic or stimulant,
- Fewer than 24 items of a cosmetic or medication for external use, or
- No more than one set of a medical device such as a massage tool
They may generally be brought in their original containers, accompanied by copies of their prescriptions. Customs officials will verify the quantity upon arrival.
When the customs website says “for external use”, that means that you apply it to your skin as opposed to ingesting it or injecting it. The MHLW gives lipsticks as an example.
If a traveler plans to bring more than these limits, they must obtain a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) before traveling. Application instructions are available at the NCD website.
Narcotics and Psychotropics
Some medications contain substances classified as Narcotics or psychotropics, which are subject to strict control or complete prohibition.
Just because a substance is regarded by the Japanese government as a “narcotic” does not mean that permission to bring it cannot be requested. There are certain substances which are completely banned, and I name those below, but many more fall under the Japanese government’s definition of “narcotic.” They might not be purchased in Japan, but they may be brought for personal use with permission.
The Narcotics Control Department provides information about which substances are controlled and how to apply for permission to import them for personal use if they are permitted.
Identifying Controlled Medications
Travelers must verify whether their medication contains a controlled substance. The Narcotics Control Department publishes a list of controlled substances, but a medication’s brand name may not appear there. Instead, travelers should check the active ingredient on the prescription label or package.
Narcotics
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Tapentadol
Stimulant Raw Materials
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse…)
- Pseudoephedrine (Cold and allergy medication’s like Sudafed)
Psychotropics
- Methylphenidate
- Zolpidem
Those lists are not exaustive. If you are unsure, consult your doctor to confirm whether your medication contains a controlled ingredient.
Completely Banned Substances
The following substances are prohibited under all circumstances in Japan:
- Heroin
- Opium powder
- Methamphetamine and amphetamine (including the active ingredient in Adderall)
- Methaqualone
- Cannabis
Possessing or importing these substances is illegal even with a prescription from another country.
Applying for Permission to Import a Controlled Substance
Check the Narcotics Control Department’s website for the most up-to-date instructions for obtaining import and export certificates for the above controlled substance categories. They also have a helpful FAQs section on that page.
Applications can typically be submitted by email. Processing usually takes at least two weeks from the date of submission. Travelers are advised to allow at least that much time for the request to go through.
If someone is uncertain about whether a medication or quantity is permitted, they can contact the MHLW directly using the email address provided by the U.S. Embassy in Japan. Alternatively, travelers can consult their nearest Japanese consulate for guidance or updated contact information. The process can feel daunting, but fortunately you can get a quick answer from the Japanese authorities when you start sending emails.
Once the application is approved, travelers should carry medication in its original containers along with copies of all medical certificates and prescriptions in a clearly labeled folder or plastic bag.
What is a Medical Certificate?
A medical certificate is a letter from the prescribing position that includes the following information:
- The patient’s name
- The patient’s address
- The name of the medication
- The reason why the patient takes the medication a.k.a. the medical condition that it is treating
- The dose and strength
- The physician’s name and signature
- The date that the medical certificate/letter was written (should be less than three months from the import certificate application date)
Be sure to double check the above instructions with the NCD.
ADHD Medications
The most common ADHD medications in Japan contain atomoxetine (Stratera) or methylphenidate (Concerta and Ritalin) as the active ingredient. Methylphenidate is regarded as a psychotropic, but according to the Narcotics Control Department travelers can bring fewer than 2.16 g (2160 mg) without obtaining an import certificate beforehand. This table shows the controlled psychotropic substances and their respective quantities that can be brought in in this way. Bringing more than this amount Will require an import certificate. Departing the country with more than this amount would require an export certificate. Many travelers try to make sure that they run out of their medication’s, or at least go below that threshold before their time in Japan comes to an end.
Medications containing lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse) I considered narcotics, but travelers can apply for an import certificate following the Narcotics Control Department’s instructions. Allow at least 14 days after emailing the application to receive the import certificate.
Amphetamine is completely banned and travelers should not take medication’s like adderall to Japan under any circumstances.
Diabetes
According to a Q&A from the DHLW, a month supply of insulin may be brought without an import certificate provided that it comes in filled syringes. If traveling with empty syringes, an import certificate must be requested.
If Bringing a Medication is not Possible
Sometimes it may not be possible to bring a medication or obtain it in the country. In that case, a program participant may want to switch to a different medication.
to switch to a different medication, travelers should consult with a medical professional, and allow time to get used to the new medication.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
Treatment for medical conditions in Japan varies in cost, but national health insurance generally covers much of the expense. Expect to pay approximately 30–40 percent of the total cost out-of-pocket.
This information is current as of October 2025. Travelers should always consult official government sources for the most up-to-date rules and regulations. While social media platforms such as Reddit can offer helpful insights from others’ experiences, it’s essential to check the date of any post and verify its accuracy against official government information before relying on it.
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