The morning-after pill is now available over the counter

Today marks a historic milestone for reproductive rights in Japan. For the first time, emergency contraceptive pill NorLevo is available over-the-counter in pharmacies nationwide, without a doctor’s prescription.

Previously, Japan required clinical visits for emergency contraceptive pills – a significant hurdle given the critical 72-hour window for the drug’s effectiveness. The nationwide rollout follows years of advocacy and a successful pilot program launching in late 2023.

Emergency Contraception in Japan: Access and Pricing

The drug is now available in select pharmacies and pharmacies with a suggested retail price of 7,480 yen (tax included). The price point was determined based on data from a two-year trial period, with the pills selling for between 7,000 yen and 9,000 yen.

Unlike the trial phase, which often required parental consent for minors, there is now no age limit or parental approval for purchase, making the drug more accessible to young people.

To ensure safe and correct use, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has established a rule that the drug must be taken on the spot in the presence of a trained pharmacist. This face-to-face interaction is designed to provide immediate guidance and ensure medication is taken correctly and within the effective timeframe.

according to arrive dailycustomers purchasing pills will be served in a private space. “We also have female pharmacists, and we hope that women’s privacy and feelings can be taken into consideration,” a pharmacist working in Shinjuku told the media. “Please do not hide your concerns and come for consultation as soon as possible.”

Purchasers are also asked to take a pregnancy test or visit a medical professional three weeks after ingestion to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment and discuss long-term contraceptive options.

Japan’s long road to policy reform

The shift toward over-the-counter drug sales reflects a major shift in the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s stance. The previous plan failed after the ministry formed a review committee Cited concerns Maintain strict prescribing requirements on grounds of “misuse” or “abuse.”

However, public sentiment was overwhelmingly in favor of the change. During the 2023 public comment period, the government received more than 46,000 responses, with approximately 97% of participants supporting more convenient, prescription-free access to the drug.

While the rollout is an important step for reproductive health in Japan, the system is still more regulated than in many other advanced economies. In some countries, the pills can be purchased by a partner or friend on the user’s behalf, while Japan’s “onsite purchase” rules require the individual to be physically present.

Additionally, because not all pharmacies have the inventory or have the required trained staff, MHLW believes List of participating pharmacies on its official website. Users are strongly encouraged to call ahead before traveling to ensure a certified pharmacist is on duty.

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Updated on February 2, 2026