Buying Class 1 OTC Medicines at Japanese Drugstores: How to Check Pharmacist Hours and Sales Notices

At Japanese drugstores, Class 1 OTC medicines can be purchased when a pharmacist is available to provide the required information. Since this may differ from the store's overall business hours, check the sales-hours notice at the entrance and in the medicine section, then ask a staff member wearing a “Pharmacist” badge for the medicine at the counter. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=81006000&dataType=0&pageNo=9))

Sales of Class 1 OTC medicines may stop even when the store is open

A pharmacist must be on duty at the store during the hours when Class 1 OTC medicines are sold. Registered sales clerks can sell Class 2 and Class 3 OTC medicines, but pharmacists are responsible for providing information on Class 1 OTC medicines. If the cashier's badge only says “Registered Sales Clerk,” you need to ask for a pharmacist. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=81011000&utm_source=openai))

The pharmacist provides necessary information tailored to the purchaser's circumstances, including the product's directions, dosage, precautions for use, and medicines that should not be taken together. They also confirm whether the guidance has been understood and whether there are any questions. While traveling, show the product name or a photo of the box first, then answer the pharmacist's questions about the person who will use it. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=81006000&dataType=0&pageNo=9))

Even if the drugstore's household-goods section and checkout counters remain open, the Class 1 OTC medicine section may be closed. When Class 1 OTC medicines are not being sold, the relevant display area must be closed, so the purchase process cannot proceed at a locked display case or blocked-off section. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?26datatype=0&dataId=81006000))

Four signs to check at the entrance and in the medicine section

First, look for a “Class 1 OTC Medicines” notice. Store notices are required to state the categories of OTC medicines handled, allowing you to determine whether Class 1 products are available. Look for the same Japanese wording on the product box or display guidance. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?26datatype=0&dataId=81006000))

Look for a “Pharmacist” badge. Pharmacies and stores must make pharmacists, registered sales clerks, and general staff readily distinguishable by badges or similar means. Request Class 1 OTC medicines from a staff member identified as a “Pharmacist.” ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?26datatype=0&dataId=81006000))

Also check the “Business Hours” and “Consultation Hours” notices. Store notices include business hours, hours when consultations are available outside business hours, and contact details. Drugstores licensed for over-the-counter sales must post their OTC medicine sales hours in clearly visible places both inside and outside the store. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?26datatype=0&dataId=81006000))

A “Pharmacist Absence Hours” notice is particularly important at pharmacies with dispensing services. Pharmacist absence hours must be posted inside and outside the pharmacy, and it is best not to expect to buy Class 1 OTC medicines during those hours. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?26datatype=0&dataId=81006000))

Before visiting, narrow down pharmacist hours through retailer information

Do not visit based on the chain name alone. Open the information page for the specific branch. The following three sources each offer a different way to find stores handling Class 1 OTC medicines and their pharmacist hours.

Sugi Pharmacy identifies the times when Class 1 OTC medicines can be purchased as the branch's dispensing reception hours. Welcia Store Search has a “Class 1 OTC Medicines” filter, and the Matsumoto Kiyoshi branch at Narita Airport handles Class 1 products but advises that there may be pharmacist absence hours. ([faq.sugi-net.jp](https://faq.sugi-net.jp/faq/show/20430?back=front%2Fcategory%3Ashow&category_id=242&faq_id=12989&keyword=%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%81%AE%E7%B4%9B%E5%A4%B1%E3%80%81%E7%9B%97%E9%9B%A3%E3%80%81%E5%86%8D%E7%99%BA%E8%A1%8C%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6&morph=1&page=4&return_path=%2Fcategory%2Fshow%3Fkeyword%3D%25E3%2582%25AB%25E3%2583%25BC%25E3%2583%2589%25E3%2581%25AE%25E7%25B4%259B%25E5%25A4%25B1%25E3%2580%2581%25E7%259B%2597%25E9%259B%25A3%25E3%2580%2581%25E5%2586%258D%25E7%2599%25BA%25E8%25A1%258C%25E3%2581%25AB%25E3%2581%25A4%25E3%2581%2584%25E3%2581%25A6%26morph%3D1%26page%3D30%26site_domain%3Ddefault%26site_domain%3Ddefault%26sort%3Dsort_access%26sort_order%3Ddesc%26type%3Dshow&site_domain=default&sort=sort_access&sort_order=desc&type=show))

Useful Japanese at the counter and the purchase process

To a pharmacist, say “I would like to buy a Class 1 OTC medicine. May I speak with a pharmacist?” If no pharmacist is visible, ask “Is a pharmacist available now?” If you are unsure of a product's category, point to the box and ask “Is this a Class 1 OTC medicine?”

The process is simple. Check the medicine sales hours on the store notice, confirm the “Pharmacist” badge, then request the product in the Class 1 OTC medicine section or at the counter. Once the pharmacist has completed the guidance and confirmed whether you have questions, you can proceed to payment. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=81006000&dataType=0&pageNo=9))

If you arrive late at night or stop at an airport before a connection, do not only check whether the store door is open. You can make a purchase only if the Class 1 OTC medicine notice, a pharmacist on duty, and an unlocked Class 1 display section are all in place. ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?26datatype=0&dataId=81006000))

Sources: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Enforcement Regulations of the Act on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?26datatype=0&dataId=81006000))

Sources: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Ministerial Ordinance on the Operational Structure of Pharmacies and Over-the-Counter Drug Retailers ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=81011000))

Sources: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Regulations for the Structural Facilities of Pharmacies and Similar Establishments ([mhlw.go.jp](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=81009000&dataType=0&pageNo=1))

Sources: Sugi Pharmacy, Information on Purchase Hours for Class 1 OTC Medicines ([faq.sugi-net.jp](https://faq.sugi-net.jp/faq/show/20430?back=front%2Fcategory%3Ashow&category_id=242&faq_id=12989&keyword=%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%81%AE%E7%B4%9B%E5%A4%B1%E3%80%81%E7%9B%97%E9%9B%A3%E3%80%81%E5%86%8D%E7%99%BA%E8%A1%8C%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6&morph=1&page=4&return_path=%2Fcategory%2Fshow%3Fkeyword%3D%25E3%2582%25AB%25E3%2583%25BC%25E3%2583%2589%25E3%2581%25AE%25E7%25B4%259B%25E5%25A4%25B1%25E3%2580%2581%25E7%259B%2597%25E9%259B%25A3%25E3%2580%2581%25E5%2586%258D%25E7%2599%25BA%25E8%25A1%258C%25E3%2581%25AB%25E3%2581%25A4%25E3%2581%2584%25E3%2581%25A6%26morph%3D1%26page%3D30%26site_domain%3Ddefault%26site_domain%3Ddefault%26sort%3Dsort_access%26sort_order%3Ddesc%26type%3Dshow&site_domain=default&sort=sort_access&sort_order=desc&type=show))

Sources: Welcia, Store Search ([store.welcia.co.jp](https://store.welcia.co.jp/welcia/))

Sources: Narita International Airport, Matsumoto Kiyoshi Terminal 1 Store Information ([narita-airport.jp](https://www.narita-airport.jp/ja/shop/shop-search/t1_matukiyo/))