In a landmark decision, Japan has approved the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of an emergency contraceptive pill, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to reproductive health. ASKA Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of the pill, announced that the medication, branded as Norlevo, will now be accessible without a prescription, empowering women to take control of their reproductive choices. While a specific launch date remains undisclosed, the pill will be classified as ‘medicine requiring guidance,’ necessitating that women take it under the supervision of a pharmacist. This development aligns Japan with over 90 countries where such pills are already available without a prescription. The decision follows years of advocacy by rights groups, who argued that prescription requirements deterred younger women and rape victims from accessing timely contraception. A health ministry panel first discussed OTC sales in 2017, with public consultations revealing widespread support. However, concerns about potential misuse delayed approval until now. Norlevo, and its generic counterpart levonorgestrel, are most effective within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, with an efficacy rate of 80%. This move is seen as a step forward in addressing Japan’s conservative views on abortion and women’s reproductive rights, rooted in traditional patriarchal norms.