The Japanese Government strictly prohibits certain items from entering Japan. Prohibited products will not be admitted into the country under any circumstances. The following is a brief list of items that may not be exported to Japan.

· Narcotics and related utensils, such as opium, cannabis, magic mushrooms, and other narcotic drugs and utensils for opium smoking; stimulants (including Vicks inhalers and Sudafed) and psychotropic substances (excluding those designated by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Ordinance.

· Firearms (pistols, rifles, machine guns, etc.), firearm parts and ammunition (bullets), explosives and gunpowder are also prohibited.

· Counterfeit, altered, or imitation coins or currency, bank notes and forged credit cards, as well as goods that violate intellectual property rights are not allowed into Japan.

· Books, drawings, carvings and any other articles which may harm public safety or morals (obscene or immoral materials such as any kind of pornography) are strictly prohibited.

For more information on prohibited imports, please visit the Q&A section on the Japan Customs web site: http://www.customs.go.jp/english/index.htm.