My friend asked about this so I thought I would put it on here where everybody can see it.
This is some info about bringing drugs to Japan and the yakkan shoumei.

You may bring up to one month's supply of prescription drugs into Japan, and up to two month's supply of non-prescription drugs without completing any paperwork.
This same rule applies to mailing prescription and/or non-prescription drugs.
However, if you wish to take more than a month supply of prescription drugs or more than two months supply of non-prescription drugs to Japan, you must obtain a "Yakkan Shoumei," an importation certificate.

1. What to submit when applying for the certificate
1) Import Report of Medication (2 identical, original sheets. Copy is not accepted.)
2) Declaration (1 sheet)
3) Explanation of the Product (1 sheet for each product)
4) Either a) a copy of Prescription or b) direction for medicines with doctor's signature, by which the Pharmaceutical Inspector can clearly confirm that the name and the quantity of each medicine is only for his/her own personal use.
5) Copy of Airline Ticket or Official Flight Itinerary
6) Self-addressed Japanese stamped Return Envelope (you may obtain an International Reply Coupon* from the Post Office in lieu of Japanese Stamps.) A Return Envelope needs to be at least 23.5 cm by 12 cm.

Go to this page for more info and for the forms:
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html

Here are some that are not allowed (but there are more! )

When in doubt.. call your local Japanese consulate and ask them about your drugs before coming.


Tylenol Cold
Nyquil
Nyquil Liquicaps
Actifed
Sudafed
Advil Cold & Sinus
Dristan Cold ("No Drowsiness"
Dristan Sinus
Drixoral Sinus
Vicks Inhaler
Lomotil

hi can I bring/buy melatonin

and if I can't bring/but melatonin what can I buy over there that will help with sleeping.?

Thanks

Not likely any doctor will give you sleeping tablets here.

But if you want to check a specific medication you will need to contact the consulate or embassy.

Actually, you can get マイスリー(mysulee) which is Ambien and packaged in 5mg pills. Also, dr's handout デパス (depas)a lite antidepressant claimed to aid in sleeping. Usually, if you ask for something they have, they'll give it to you. The dr's are pros at playing the insurance system here. 　Sorry if the katakana doesn't work in the forum.

If in the meantime anyone finds information about the prescription of benzodiazepines (alprazolam[xanax],clonazepam, etc) and/or anxiolytics in Japan, please post it in.
Thank you.

Hey! Just a quick question: what about insulin? I guess this goes under "prescription drugs" as you can't buy it over the counter. But how does one define "one month's supply"? Is it up to me to estimate this or is there something like a list which says (for example): one month's supply of insulin => 10ml.

Also: does it make a difference if it is in your suitcase or your hand luggage?

Thanks in advance