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Mar 20, 2026

What products do you avoid buying in Japan?

I've just written about how I only use sunscreen from home and never buy sunscreen in Japan - further to trying it here and finding it was not even half as good as at home and four times as expensive! Another example I can think of is over the counter pain killers. I don't find otc pain killers effective here. Do you have any products like that? Products that you find are much better at home than in Japan? Or maybe much cheaper in your home country than in Japan?

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BigfamJapan

BigfamJapan

Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com

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1 Answer

  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    about an hour ago

    Oooh this is a good question... I actually love Japanese sunscreen, but (this might sound weird) I feel like the sun is different here than my home country! I do think in Australia the sun is stronger and I don't know that I would really rely on Japanese sunscreens back home. I feel like they apply much nicer here though, they don't feel as heavy and sticky as some Australian sunscreens do. One thing I struggle with a bit here is foundation/BB cream makeups, since I just don't feel that they are always the best match for my skin tone.

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What products do you avoid buying in Japan?

I've just written about how I only use sunscreen from home and never buy sunscreen in Japan - further to trying it here and finding it was not even half as good as at home and four times as expensive! Another example I can think of is over the counter pain killers. I don't find otc pain killers effective here. Do you have any products like that? Products that you find are much better at home than in Japan? Or maybe much cheaper in your home country than in Japan?

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