Japan to approve Behind-the-Counter access to EC
September 2025 (updated October 2025). According to local news outlets, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved the switch of levonorgestrel (LNG) emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) from prescription to behind-the-counter (BTC) status. This change should be part of the country’s revision of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (PMD) Act, and take effect in 2026.
Under the new rules, levonorgestrel (LNG) ECPs will be classified as pharmacy products with no age restrictions, and purchase will not require parental consent. However, users will be requested to have the pill taken in the presence of the pharmacist.
The decision to switch ECPs follows a trial in which prescription-free access was available from a selected number of pharmacies. The trial revealed high satisfaction with pharmacist consultations and privacy, and strong demand for prescription-free access.
In Japan, only LNG EC pills are available. To date, obtaining the mandatory prescription from a gynecologist and the pill cost about 70 US$.
Sources: Asahi Shimbun, Citeline/HBW Insight and The Mainichi.