7 best Japanese products for a more comfortable period

*This article contains affiliate links.

Periods are one of the biggest concerns in women’s wellness. Although the difficulties of periods vary by individual, they can affect a person’s quality of life.

In Japan, periods are often considered something that we shouldn’t talk about in public. However, in recent years, more people are becoming increasingly open about sharing their experiences during their periods to improve women’s wellness. This has led to an increase in various period products and services available in Japan. This list will help ease your menstrual problems.

Period Pain/PMS/PMDD

Most women experience cramps, mood swings or depression during their periods. When these symptoms affect your daily life such as school activities, work productivity or relationships with people around you, do not hesitate to ask for professional medical support. The following services aim to make it easier for you to consult with a doctor.

Luna Luna offers online consultation and pill delivery services

Luna Luna, which is well-known for its period tracker app, offers online consultations in cooperation with hospitals. Although you need to see a doctor in person for the first appointment, you can consult with your doctor online from the second appointment onwards, and prescriptions or medication can be delivered to your door if needed.

If you are thinking of taking the pill to reduce your period symptoms, Luna Luna Okusuribin is also convenient. You can receive a diagnosis from a doctor via chat and video call with their app, and the pill will be delivered to you.*

*The pill may not be available depending on the results of the consultation.

Discomfort during periods

During menstruation, many women go through discomfort, such as itchiness or irritation of the intimate area, odor and leaking. Pads are still mainstream in Japan, however, other period products are becoming popular as a solution to reducing these discomforts.

*The symptoms of periods vary by individuals. Consult medical professionals if you have any concerning menstruation symptoms before starting to use these products.

Period absorbent underwear “Bé-A” can reduce your worries of periods leaks

Bé-A is a Japanese period underwear brand focusing on blood absorbency and leak-proof construction. Their products are useful especially when you can’t change pads frequently, such as at school, work or while sleeping. Some people use it in combination with other period products when their period flow is heavy. Additionally, the fabric contains powdered terahertz, which warms your stomach when you are cold or have severe menstrual cramps. This brand also offers children’s sizes.

この投稿をInstagramで見る

Be-A Japan (ベアジャパン)(@be_a.japan)がシェアした投稿

Menstrual cup “Rose Cup” helps to reduce odor

Rose Cup is a Japan-made menstrual cup, which can hold up to 18ml of fluid for 12 hours. The “inner wing” attached to the rim creates a leak-proof seal, and a notch in the wing makes it easy to dispose of the fluid. Rose cup is reusable after sterilizing it in boiling water or with a microwave.

Menstrual cups may require practice to wear and remove at the beginning. However, it reduces odor and the wet feeling, which you may feel while using pads, since menstrual cups collect blood in your body.

この投稿をInstagramで見る

ROSE CUP(@rosecup.japan)がシェアした投稿

Reusable menstrual discs “Uusina” can handle a heavy flow

Menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups but are usually thinner and offer more holding capacity. They feel more comfortable than a menstrual cup or tampon once you get used to them because menstrual discs sit higher than menstrual cups do.

Uusina discs are made from ultra-thin medical-grade silicone, with a small size holding 42ml and a large size holding 68ml. It can be used for up to 12 hours. The disc can be easily disinfected with a microwave.

Period poverty

Period poverty means the lack of access to period products and menstrual hygiene education. The leading cause is economic hardship, while some have experienced this because of neglect, or their parents having the shame and stigma from periods.

A list of free period products “Misetan”

In Japan, some local governments offer free napkins in public facilities and schools. Misetan has a list of locations for free period products on their website. At this time, only information for Tokyo is available, but they encourage people to provide them with information to make it for all of Japan.

“OiTr” offers free pads at restrooms throughout Japan

OiTr provides free pads at restrooms in 196 locations including shopping malls, schools, offices and public facilities. To use the service, download the app for free, and start up the app near an OiTr dispenser. Then, a pad will come out. It is very easy as there is no need to ask someone for pads.

Education

Have you ever wished that your partners, friends and those around you understood menstruation better? In Japan, where sex education is inadequate, many people have wrong perceptions and biases about menstruation. Providing quality sex education is an essential step toward changing today’s society, where people endure severe menstrual symptoms in order to go to school or work.

Acrosstone offers quality sex education through workshops and books

Acrosstone is a medical husband-and-wife team that has been committed to providing quality sex education since 2018. They hold workshops at primary schools and events, teaching students and children everything from the basics to more practical information such as how to use pads properly. They also have published a book with detailed information about periods, which you can purchase from here.

Many people experience difficulties with periods, but that doesn’t mean you must simply endure them. These services and products can help you to feel more comfortable during your period.