Over a month has passed since emergency contraceptive pills (after pills) became available over-the-counter in Japan. As of now, Tokyo boasts the highest number of pharmacies providing these medications, totaling 962, while its neighboring prefecture Saitama only has 58, which equates to roughly one-seventeenth of Tokyo's availability. The report indicates significant geographical variation in access, highlighting areas with limited availability compared to others where access is more abundant.

As of February, emergency contraceptive pills can now be purchased without a doctor's prescription, categorized as an over-the-counter medication. However, consumers must adhere to specific conditions, such as purchasing the pills directly in pharmacies while under the supervision of a pharmacist. According to data shared by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as of February 20, a total of 9,050 locations across Japan offer these emergency contraceptives.

A calculation performed by the Asahi Shimbun based on population statistics shows that Saitama ranks 44th nationally, providing only 0.79 pharmacies for every 100,000 people, or 1.57 per 100,000 women. In contrast, Tokyo offers a significantly higher ratio of 6.87 pharmacies per 100,000 people and 13.50 per 100,000 women, placing it at 30th in the country. The findings point to a pronounced disparity in access to emergency contraceptives across different prefectures, suggesting disparities in awareness, educational outreach, and regional healthcare policies.