News On Japan

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

TOKYO, Nov 14 (News On Japan) - Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Currently, over-the-counter drugs can only be sold at stores where a pharmacist or registered seller is present.

The ministry aims to make it possible for convenience stores and vending machines without qualified staff to sell these drugs, provided certain conditions are met.

One of these conditions is that pharmacists working within the same prefecture will regularly monitor the storage and sales procedures for the drugs.

Customers would likely be able to purchase these drugs by consulting with a pharmacist through a smartphone app beforehand, with a confirmation issued that allows for drug collection at convenience stores.

The initiative seeks to improve accessibility for those needing medication during nighttime hours or in areas with limited pharmacy options.

The ministry plans to formalize this policy within the year and will aim for legislative changes in the regular Diet session next year.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Mitsubishi Electric has revealed the new HTV-X unmanned supply vehicle, designed to transport goods to the International Space Station (ISS).

This year’s Global Power City Index was released, revealing that Tokyo has maintained its position as the third-ranked city worldwide for nine consecutive years. Factors such as the increase in foreign visitors to Japan contributed to narrowing the gap between Tokyo and second-ranked New York.

A Japanese group of atomic bomb survivors has received one of the world's highest honors. Nihon Hidankyo accepted this year's Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. It comes as tensions rise around the world -- raising fears over the use of nuclear weapons. (NHK)

Japan's problem-solving skills have been ranked the best in the world according to an international survey assessing skills needed in daily life.

Tofukuji Temple’s most iconic view can be enjoyed from Tsutenkyo Bridge. From there, visitors feel as though they are floating above a sea of colorful autumn leaves—a truly breathtaking sight.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

Local media in the United States reported that President Joe Biden plans to block Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel, citing national security concerns. Following this report, Nippon Steel announced that it would provide a one-time bonus to US Steel employees if the acquisition is completed.

The company operating the major medical hair removal chain Alicia Clinic has been declared bankrupt by the court.

The Cabinet Office announced the revised GDP figures for the July-September period of 2024, showing a 0.3% increase in real terms compared to the previous three months. On an annualized basis, the growth rate was adjusted upward to 1.2%, from the initial estimate of 0.9%.

A luxury real estate expo, one of the largest in Asia, has begun in Shanghai, drawing significant attention to Japanese properties such as tower apartments from wealthy buyers.

Last week, the Nikkei Stock Average extended its gains for four consecutive days from the start of the week, briefly surpassing the 39,600-yen mark, demonstrating steady progress.

Winter bonuses in Japan this year are largely unchanged from last year, with a growing number of companies reporting no increase in average payouts.

Thousands of users of the popular messaging app LINE experienced a privacy breach, with private photos saved in the app’s album feature being inadvertently displayed to strangers. Approximately 135,000 people were affected by the incident.

Major supermarket OK, known for its stronghold in the Tokyo metropolitan area, has opened its first Kansai store in Higashi-Osaka City. With supermarkets from other regions steadily entering the Kansai market, local chains are actively responding with their own strategies.