Drugs in Japan

Table of Contents

Drugs in Japan

Importing or bringing medicines from overseas is controlled by the Law on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices and by the Customs Law to prevent health hazards caused by defective products.

Some products that are available over the counter in other countries, such as cold and flu remedies, are banned in Japan, and possession of even small amounts of them is punishable by lengthy imprisonment. Also, Cannabis (marijuana) is strictly banned in Japan, although it is permitted in some countries.

Please visit The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for further information if you wish to bring medicines for personal use into Japan. In addition, please visit　 for reference； https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/importing-medication/

Prohibited Drugs

You cannot bring or possess prohibited medications in Japan, even if the medication is legally obtained outside of Japan.

Stimulants (Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, etc.): Prohibited by the Stimulants Control Law.

Use, possession, transfer, or receipt of stimulants is punishable by imprisonment with work for up to 20 years and a fine of up to JPY 5 million.

Import, export, or production of stimulants is punishable by imprisonment with work for up to life plus a fine of up to JPY 10 million.

Cannabis: Prohibited by the Cannabis Control Law.

Possession, transfer, or receipt of Cannabis (marijuana) is punishable by imprisonment with work for up to 7 years and a fine of up to JPY 2 million.
Cultivation, export or import of Cannabis is punishable by imprisonment with work for up to 10 years and a fine of up to JPY 3 million.

Restricted Drugs

  • In accordance with the Narcotics and Psychotropic Control Law, an importer of narcotics or psychotropic drugs must have a license from the Director-General of the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare.

    se, possession, transfer, receipt, import, export, etc. of narcotics or psychotropic drugs without a license are punishable by imprisonment with work for up to life and a fine of up to JPY 10 million.