Hi, I’m Irene.
A pharmacist working in Japan, originally from Taiwan. Let’s explore the drugstore shelves together.
Your Japan trip has more to offer than time spent guessing in a drugstore aisle. My goal is to help you understand the main choices in three minutes, recognise the package, and find the version you came for.
A friendly guide beside you at the shelf
What changes between A, EX and Plus? How do you match the product your family asked for? I turn differences in ingredients, uses and directions into practical clues, with real package photos to help you find the product in a shop.
Check age limits and the key cautions before buying, then return to the full directions when you need them. Use these guides before your trip, while shopping in Japan, or after you get home. They are available in Traditional Chinese and plain English, and are also for people living in Japan who want clearer product information.
From Taiwan to Japan
I was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to Japan with my family at age nine because of my father’s work. Learning a new language and culture was difficult at first. With help from people around me, I gradually became confident in Japanese. I remember how it feels to have information in front of you but still not know how to choose.
Inspired by my mother, a nurse, I decided to study pharmacy. After university, I passed Japan’s national pharmacist examination. I now work in a Japanese drugstore. This site brings together my language skills, experience of both cultures and pharmacy knowledge, so you can spend less time feeling confused and more time enjoying your trip.
How these guides are made
Ingredients, approved uses, age limits and doses are checked against Japanese manufacturer information and package leaflets. Product facts are separated from practical shopping guidance. When uses overlap, we say so rather than turn every range into a strength ranking. Advice on stopping use, asking a pharmacist or seeking care appears where it is useful.
Each guide keeps its source list and information-check date. Product changes are checked when updating. If a page includes a commercial partnership or commission link, we will clearly label it near the relevant content.
Start with these shelves
Biofermin S and S Plus: choose the form, then compare formulas
Wakamoto: digestion, bowel regulation and the right box
Alinamin: start with your situation