Why Mini Pills Are Hard to Find in Japan – What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently moved to Japan and rely on mini pills (progestin-only pills) for birth control, you may be surprised to learn that they are not commercially available here. This article explains the current situation and introduces safe alternatives available at our clinic.

What Are Mini Pills?

Mini pills are progestin-only oral contraceptives—they do not contain estrogen. These are commonly used by:

Women who are breastfeeding
Those who are sensitive to estrogen
Women with health conditions that prevent the use of combined pills

In many countries, mini pills are a popular choice due to their lighter hormonal impact and reduced estrogen-related risks.

Are Mini Pills Available in Japan?

Unfortunately, mini pills are not officially approved in Japan as of May 18 2025. Only combined oral contraceptives (containing both estrogen and progestin) are available at pharmacies and medical institutions.

This means:

Mini pills are not stocked at Japanese pharmacies
Most clinics, including ours, do not provide mini pills
Brands you may be familiar with abroad are not legally available in Japan

Looking for Estrogen-Free Birth Control?

If you’re looking for a long-term contraceptive option without estrogen, we offer the Mirena intrauterine system (IUS) at Ashiya Women’s Clinic.
Mirena is a small T-shaped device placed in the uterus that releases a low dose of progestin locally. It provides:

Up to 5 years of contraception
No estrogen exposure
Lighter menstrual bleeding for many women
High effectiveness comparable to sterilization—but fully reversible

Mirena may be a good alternative for those who were using mini pills and now want long-term, low-hormone contraception in Japan.

What Should You Do If You’re Using Mini Pills?

If you’ve been using mini pills in your home country and are now in Japan:

Bring an extra supply with you when relocating, if possible
Talk to a local gynecologist about safe alternatives available in Japan
Consider long-acting, estrogen-free options like Mirena, which we provide at Ashiya Women’s Clinic
You can also call clinics in your area to ask whether they import mini pills privately—but this process can be time-consuming and availability is not guaranteed
Avoid self-importing medications without professional guidance, as this may carry legal and safety risks

Mini Pill Set to Launch in Japan

The mini pill is not yet officially approved in Japan, but there’s good news— a progestin-only pill containing drospirenone is expected to become available by the end of June this year. While specific details have not been released, this marks a significant step forward.

Support for Foreign Residents

At Ashiya Women’s Clinic, we welcome international patients and offer medical consultations in English, Japanese, and Chinese. Our team will listen to your needs and guide you through the available contraceptive options in Japan.

Ashiya Women’s Clinic

🚉 3-min walk from JR Ashiya Station
📍 4th floor, 5-19 Oharacho, Ashiya, Hyogo, Japan　Google Map
🕒 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri：10:00〜13:00 / 15:00〜19:00
　 Sat：10:00〜17:00（Reservations only after 13:00）
Closed on Wed, Sun, and National Holidays
💻 Online booking available – no phone reservations.
🏠Official Website

We’re here to support your reproductive health in Japan with safe, evidence-based care. If you have questions about contraception or any other women’s health concerns, feel free to book a consultation.