Is Naproxen Allowed in Japan? Aleve Rules for Travellers
Is naproxen allowed in Japan? Plain naproxen ナプロキセン is not named on the controlled-medicine or misuse-prevention lists we checked. What matters is your exact product, how much you carry, and whether it contains a second active ingredient.
Quick answer
Naproxen on its own is not named as a narcotic, psychotropic or stimulant in the official guidance we checked. Without Import Confirmation, MHLW generally allows up to one month’s supply of a prescription medicine or two months’ supply of other medicines. Aleve PM and Aleve-D contain extra ingredients, so check them separately.
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Is naproxen allowed in Japan?
Naproxen is an approved medicine in Japan. The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) lists Naixan ナイキサン 100 mg tablets. It is not on Japan’s list of eight misuse-prevention ingredients, and the Narcotics Control Department does not name it in its examples of controlled medicines.
“Not named on these lists” is not a customs approval. Final decisions rest with the Japanese authorities.
How much naproxen can you bring to Japan?
The limit depends on how your product is classed. These are the general MHLW personal-use limits:
| Type of medicine | Generally allowed without Import Confirmation |
|---|---|
| Prescription medicine | Up to one month’s supply |
| Other medicines and quasi-drugs | Up to two months’ supply |
| External-use products | Up to 24 items per product |
So a naproxen tablet prescribed by your doctor generally falls under the one-month limit. Above these limits, you need Import Confirmation (formerly yakkan shoumei) before you travel. Our guide explains how Import Confirmation works.
Aleve PM and Aleve-D need a separate check
Some familiar products combine naproxen with another ingredient. That second ingredient usually decides the rules.
| Product | Extra ingredient | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Aleve PM | Diphenhydramine | A misuse-prevention ingredient from 1 May 2026. See our Benadryl guide. |
| Aleve-D | Pseudoephedrine | A misuse-prevention ingredient, and products above 10% are stimulant raw materials. See our Sudafed guide. |
Do not treat a combination product as plain naproxen. Read the full active-ingredient list on the box before you travel.
Buying naproxen in Japan
Do not expect to find Aleve on the shelf. Ask a pharmacist by ingredient, ナプロキセン, and show them your box. We could not confirm from official sources whether naproxen is sold over the counter in Japan, so you may need a doctor or a different pain reliever. Our guide to finding an OTC equivalent can help.
Strengths differ. Naixan is 100 mg, while Aleve PM lists naproxen sodium 220 mg. Do not work out a dose yourself. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Unsure about your exact pain reliever?
We check your product by active ingredient, strength, dosage form and quantity against published MHLW rules, and explain whether an Import Confirmation may apply; you complete and submit any application yourself.
- Price confirmed before work begins
- Reply within 1–3 business days
- Secure document process
MedicTranslate is not a healthcare provider or customs authority. We do not give medical advice or guarantee customs approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is naproxen legal in Japan?
Naproxen is an approved medicine in Japan, and PMDA lists Naixan tablets. It is not named as a controlled medicine in the official guidance we checked. Quantity limits still apply when you bring it in.
Can I bring Aleve to Japan?
Plain naproxen products are generally treated under the normal personal-use quantity limits. Check the label first, because Aleve PM and Aleve-D contain extra active ingredients.
Can I bring Aleve PM to Japan?
Check it separately. Aleve PM contains diphenhydramine as well as naproxen sodium, and diphenhydramine is on the misuse-prevention list that took effect on 1 May 2026.
How much naproxen can I bring without Import Confirmation?
MHLW generally allows up to one month of a prescription medicine or up to two months of other medicines. Above that, you need Import Confirmation before you travel.
Can I buy naproxen in Japan?
Ask a pharmacist. PMDA lists Naixan tablets, but we could not confirm from official sources whether naproxen is sold over the counter. You may need a doctor or a different product.
This article provides general information reviewed on 4 November 2026. It is not medical, pharmaceutical or legal advice. Ingredients, classifications and import limits change. Check your exact label, ask a doctor or pharmacist before using or changing a pain reliever, and confirm import requirements with MHLW before you travel. MedicTranslate provides translation and healthcare coordination services.