Have you ever gone to a pharmacy in Japan and said: “I want some cold and flu medicine.”…only to be told,“Flu medicine is prescription-only. You need to see a doctor.” You’re not alone. This is a common misunderstanding that many foreign visitors face in Japan. 🤔 What’s the Problem? In English, “flu” often just means a strong cold—something with fever, body aches, and chills.But in Japan, “flu” only refers to influenza, the viral infection that requires a test and a doctor’s diagnosis. So when you say “flu”, the pharmacist may think: As a result, they can’t give you what you need—even if you just want over-the-counter cold relief. 🗣️ What […]