2025年9月11日 / Last updated : 2025年9月11日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Medical Tips

The Ultimate Guide to AGA Treatment Options in Japan

If you’re living or visitting in Tokyo and dealing with hair loss, you’re not alone. Many people experience thinning hair or balding, but seeking treatment can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re hesitant to visit a local clinic, concerned about the cost, or simply unsure where to start. At BLEZ pharmacy, we understand these challenges and are dedicated to making effective hair loss treatments accessible and affordable. This guide will walk you through some of the most popular and effective solutions available, including oral medications and topical treatments. Understanding Your Options: Topical Minoxidil For many, the first step in treating hair loss is a topical solution containing minoxidil. This active ingredient is […]
2025年9月10日 / Last updated : 2025年9月10日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Medical Tips

Traveling with Asthma in Japan: What You Need to Know

Asthma is a common condition, and many travelers live with it every day. If you have asthma, you probably already know how important it is to manage your symptoms and always keep your medicines close at hand. When traveling abroad, this becomes even more important. In Japan, asthma medicines are available, but the system may be different from what you are used to at home. Let’s take a closer look at what you should know before traveling to Japan with asthma. Types of Asthma Medicines There are generally two categories of asthma medicines: These can be inhalers or oral medicines, depending on what your doctor prescribed. Can You Use Over-the-Counter […]
2025年9月5日 / Last updated : 2025年9月5日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Medical Tips

UTI Treatment Made Easy for Foreigners in Japan

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are surprisingly common, and they can strike at the worst possible time—like during your trip abroad. For travelers in Japan, this can be especially stressful. Finding a restroom in crowded cities, dealing with frequent urination, or enduring pain while sightseeing can quickly ruin your travel experience. Ignoring the symptoms often makes them worse, so quick treatment is essential. In many countries, products like Azo are available over the counter at pharmacies to help manage UTI symptoms. But what about in Japan? Let’s take a closer look. UTI Medications in Japan: Limited OTC Options Unlike in the U.S. or Europe, Japan does not offer OTC medications equivalent […]
2025年8月7日 / Last updated : 2025年8月7日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Travel in Japan

How to Find an English-Speaking Pharmacy in Japan (Updated 2025)

Are you searching for an English-speaking pharmacy in Tokyo — or anywhere in Japan — where you can comfortably talk about your health? Whether you’re visiting Japan or living here long-term, it can be difficult to find clear medical advice in English. That’s where we come in. At BLEZ Pharmacy, we have licensed English-speaking pharmacists ready to help with your health concerns, over-the-counter medications, and more. 🏥 Why You Should Visit a Pharmacy — Not Just a Drugstore — in Japan When you’re feeling unwell, it might seem easiest to go to a drugstore. But if you want expert advice or need specific medications, a pharmacy is often the better […]
2025年7月28日 / Last updated : 2025年7月28日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Medical Tips

Lost in Translation: What “Flu” Really Means in Japan

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 […]
2025年6月28日 / Last updated : 2025年6月28日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Find Japanese Medicine

Struggling With Gout in Japan? Colchicine Access Made Easy

If you’ve experienced a sudden gout flare while traveling in Japan, you’re not alone. The intense pain, swelling, and discomfort can be overwhelming—and what’s worse, many tourists are surprised to learn that Colchicine, a common medication for treating acute gout attacks overseas, is not available without a prescription in Japan. This often leads to a frustrating experience: searching pharmacy after pharmacy, only to be told, “You need to go to a hospital.” But when you’re in severe pain and far from home, that’s easier said than done. Why Colchicine Isn’t Sold Over the Counter in Japan In some countries, Colchicine can be purchased directly from a pharmacy for managing acute […]
2025年6月3日 / Last updated : 2025年6月3日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Find Japanese Medicine

Japan’s New OTC PPI: Pariet S vs. Nexium and Prilosec

If you suffer from acid reflux or frequent heartburn and are traveling in Japan, you might be wondering what treatment options are available over the counter. While Nexium (esomeprazole) and Prilosec (omeprazole) are well-known OTC proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) overseas, Japan has just introduced a new PPI medication to the market: Pariet S, containing rabeprazole. As of June 2, 2025, Pariet S became available as an OTC treatment—but it comes with a catch: you need to consult a pharmacist in person to purchase it. In this article, we’ll introduce Pariet S and explain how it compares to international PPI options. What Is Pariet S? Pariet S is Japan’s first over-the-counter […]
2025年5月26日 / Last updated : 2025年5月26日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Find Japanese Medicine

How to Treat Hemorrhoids in Japan: OTC Solutions for Travelers

Dealing with hemorrhoids during travel can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Whether you’re on a long flight, experiencing diet changes, or dealing with constipation from stress or unfamiliar food, hemorrhoid symptoms can strike at the worst times. If you’re used to products like Preparation H in the U.S., you might be wondering what options are available in Japan. One of the most popular and trusted hemorrhoid treatment brands in Japan is Boraginol (ボラギノール). In this article, we’ll compare Japanese and international options, focusing on easy-to-use forms like insertion-type ointments (suppositories) and fast-acting oral tablets. Topical Treatments: Boraginol vs. Preparation H For those dealing with external or internal hemorrhoids, Boraginol A Insertion […]
2025年5月17日 / Last updated : 2025年5月17日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Find Japanese Medicine

Top Japanese Anti-Itch & Rash Creams: Better Than Benadryl?

Skin troubles can happen anytime—especially when you’re traveling. Whether you’re exploring Japan’s countryside in summer or navigating busy city streets in winter, your skin may react to new environments, food, insects, or climate. Itching, redness, eczema, or allergic rashes can appear suddenly, and they’re the last thing you want to deal with while on vacation. Luckily, Japan has a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) creams that are both effective and easy to find in pharmacies. However, if you’re used to products like Benadryl Cream or Cortizone 10 back home, it might be hard to recognize which Japanese brands offer similar relief. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the most […]
2025年4月26日 / Last updated : 2026年1月23日 BLEZ-ASAKUSA Medical Tips

The Best Japanese Toothpastes Recommended by Pharmacy Experts

When traveling to Japan, many people look for skincare products, high-tech gadgets, or traditional souvenirs—but one of the most underrated yet incredibly useful items you can bring home is Japanese toothpaste. Toothpaste might not sound exciting at first, but the truth is, Japan has some of the most advanced, gentle, and effective oral care products in the world. From plaque removal and whitening to gum care and sensitivity relief, Japanese formulas are developed with incredible precision and backed by decades of pharmaceutical research. As a licensed pharmacist working in Tokyo, I’ve had the chance to review and personally use countless toothpaste brands over the years. Based on that experience, I’d […]