By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team Compilation & Report
Taiwanese travelers to Japan love purchasing Japanese pharmacy products, snacks (food), and electronics. Thanks to the consistently favorable exchange rate of the Japanese yen, not only do Taiwanese tourists buy more, but many also get requests from friends and family to shop on their behalf, from convenience stores to pharmacies, and from electronics shops to duty-free stores. Various popular Japanese pharmacy products are often out of stock. Among them, the vitamin tablets nicknamed "BB" are must-buy items for many visitors, and have also become a common vitamin supplement at home or in the office.
The outer packaging of Chocola BB features large “BB” letters, making it very easy to recognize. (Image provided / GLD)
Essential Pharmacy & Small Item Shopping List:
1. Chocola BB
Modern life is busy and stressful, making the intake of Vitamin B Complex a popular trend. As a result, Chocola BB has become the top brand of Vitamin B Complex that travelers to Japan often want to purchase.
Chocola BB uses active Vitamin B, which is more easily absorbed than regular Vitamin B. It also contains a higher dosage of B vitamins compared to standard ones. The concept behind it, originating from Japan, is that since B vitamins are water-soluble and easily excreted from the body, yet are extremely important to human health, consuming small amounts is simply not enough. That’s why Chocola BB was created as a nutritional supplement that provides sufficient Vitamin B. B vitamins, especially B1, B2, and B6, are key ingredients in cell production, thus helping improve acne, rough skin, and mouth ulcers.
2. Sekkisei Facial Cleanser
It can be purchased at convenience stores and is often sold out quickly. If you want to buy it, it's recommended to grab it when you see it. Limited edition versions launched by Kose, such as collaborations with “Frozen,” often sell out immediately after hitting the shelves. Please note that it is only available at Japanese 7-Eleven stores.
Sekkisei Whitening Facial Cleanser is only available at Japanese 7-Eleven stores. (Image source / KOSE)
3. Lululun Face Masks
Although some styles of face masks are also sold in Taiwan, purchasing them in Japan is relatively cheaper, and various Japan-exclusive styles are only available there. Moreover, new styles are released very frequently, giving consumers the joy and thrill of collecting them.
Lululun face mask packages all feature an image of closed eyes, making them instantly recognizable. (Image source / Lululun)
4. Mouth Ulcer Patches
The pain of mouth sores can often be unbearable. These Japan-exclusive patches for mouth ulcers help prevent further irritation of the wound, reduce pain, and aid healing. They are essential items for many households dealing with mouth sores.
Mouth ulcer patches can reduce pain caused by wounds during a sore outbreak. (Image source / Takeda Pharmaceutical)
5. Rohto Eye Drops (Little Flower Series)
The high popularity of the Little Flower Eye Drops has led to their official launch in Taiwan. They help relieve conjunctival congestion, red eyes, and eye fatigue, and contain a blood vessel constrictor and Vitamin B12 approved by health authorities. They come in versions for use with bare eyes and for contact lens wearers. Although they are now available in Taiwan, many loyal users still make it a point to restock while in Japan. Please note that eye drops should not be used indiscriminately—it’s best to consult a medical professional first.
The Little Flower Eye Drops launched a new package design in 2015. (Image source / RHOTO)
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