Yakkan Shoumei: How to Get a Japan Medication Import Certificate

A yakkan shoumei — officially the 輸入確認書 (yunyu kakunin-sho), issued by MHLW — is a certificate that lets you bring medication into Japan beyond the standard personal-import allowances, or bring in categories that always require one, like an injectable psychotropic. Apply online through the MHLW portal at least 14 days before you arrive, submitting a drug list, prescription copy, and doctor's letter to the regional bureau covering your arrival airport. Once approved, carry the certificate in your hand luggage and present it with your prescription at the red channel at customs.

Most travelers never need this certificate. MHLW's standard allowances cover a 1-month supply of prescription drugs, a 2-month supply of OTC drugs, quasi-drugs, and vitamins, 24 units of external-use items or cosmetics, a 2-month supply of disposable contacts, and a 1-month supply of a pre-filled injectable (syringe or self-injection kit only) — no certificate needed. Even within these limits, carry your prescription copy and a doctor's letter, since customs can still ask for it.

You need a yunyu kakunin-sho when you exceed any allowance above, bring an injectable beyond its 1-month limit — insulin, EpiPens, CPAP supplies — or carry a psychotropic over its individual threshold, over a 1-month supply, or in injectable form (see the linked articles below for specific psychotropic thresholds like Xanax and Ambien). Narcotics and stimulant raw materials (morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, codeine, tapentadol, lisdexamfetamine/Vyvanse) sit on a separate, stricter NCD track instead, required regardless of quantity.

Since 1 July 2025, the application runs online by default through the MHLW portal at impconf.mhlw.go.jp. You'll need your prescription copy, a doctor's letter stating the medical need and exact drug and quantity, and your arrival details. Enter the drug name, dosage, and total quantity precisely — the bureau reviews the specific active ingredient and amount, not the brand name.

MHLW splits processing between two regional bureaus by port of entry — apply to the one matching where you land.

Once you're in Tokyo, the Pharmacy Finder lets you filter for verified English-language support before you're mid-conversation at the counter with your お薬手帳 (medication notebook). For how prescriptions, insurance, and the system fit together, see the health guide; if you're relocating rather than visiting, moving to Japan covers what comes right after.

If you're carrying Xanax or Ambien, check their specific thresholds first — see can you bring Xanax to Japan and can you bring Ambien to Japan. If you're on an antidepressant, Japan's market is narrower than many countries' — see bringing antidepressants to Japan for what's available.