Sexual health

Attitudes towards sex and sexuality in Japan are likely very different to your home country. It is inappropriate to discuss sexual issues at work (whether you are an AET at a school or a CIR in an office). Just make sure you are informed both of the general mindset of people around you, and of services available to you nearby so you can stay comfortable and safe! Remember you are under no obligation to reveal anything about yourself to anyone - stand firm to your limits, whatever they may be.

Condoms
Condoms are available to buy at most places that sell essentials, such as supermarkets, drug stores （薬局 yakkyoku）, and convenience (combini) stores Drug stores will probably have the cheapest condoms on offer, with combini prices probably being the highest. Big stores like Don Quixote （ドンキホーテ）, with multiple branches in Kyoto City, one in Uji and one in Fukuchiyama also stock condoms at reasonable prices and may have a larger range. Some JETs get condoms sent from home or buy them online from specific websites or quite easily on Amazon. Female condoms are sold under the name MyFemy.

Other forms of contraception
The pill (経口避妊薬 keikouhininyaku or just ピル piru) is fairly easy to obtain but requires a monthly prescription after a short consultation with the doctor and is a lower dose than what you might find in other countries. It is relatively unpopular in Japan compared to other forms of birth control. The pill is not covered by your national medical insurance (although your consultation is), and costs about 2,000-3,000 yen per month. If you are importing any medication, including the pill from your home country, make sure you follow the correct medication import procedures. You could land yourself in a lot of trouble by failing to do this!

Emergency contraception (morning-after pill)  (緊急避妊ピル kinkyuuhininpiru) is considered unsafe by a lot of doctors in Japan so may be slightly harder to get than you expect. Again, it is not covered by your national medical insurance and costs about 10,000-20,000 yen. Not all hospitals and clinics offer this, so make sure to  ring up before you go to make sure. This pill only really works within 72 hours so hurry! Click here for a detailed map of hospitals and clinics in and around Kyoto and here for a list of clinics confirmed by the Japanese government to provide emergency contraception.

Pregnancy
Home pregnancy tests are available to buy at any drug store. If you are pregnant, you must register your pregnancy at your municipal office, where you will receive a Mother and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳 boshikenkou techou), which you must take with you to any visits to the doctor.

Sexual Assault Resources
In the case you or someone close to you has been a victim of sexual assault or violence while in Japan, you can reach out to your CO, home country's consulate/embassy in Japan, or one of the following groups for support and guidance:

Kyoto SARA (Consultation and Support Center for Victims of Sexual Assault)

• Offers phone and email consultations 24/7 (only in Japanese)
• TEL:  075-222-7711       Mail: [email protected]

SARC Tokyo (Sexual Assault and Response Center)

• Offers phone counseling 24/7 (in English through translation devices or English-speaking staff)
• TEL: 030-5577-3899

Tokyo Rape Crisis Center

• Offers phone counseling Saturdays 1-4pm (only in Japanese)
• TEL: 090-7415-5299