Girly Time

OK, ladies. Period talk time! No embarrassment here~ We all go through it, so let’s normalize the conversation. I’m stepping in as your Big Sister to share my experiences and tips for surviving your period while in Japan. Let’s be real, the menstruation cycle can be a hassle, but with the right mindset and products, we can make it manageable.

 

Understanding Your Body

You’re going to hate me for saying this, but as someone who went from detesting her ‘girly time’ to now having a peaceful relationship with it and not being bothered when it comes around, I may be able to help haha. A lot of it had to do with changing my mentality around my period. I remember watching a video of a girl saying that she welcomes her period because she’s so happy to be a woman and grateful for her body’s ability to be able to create life. At the time I thought she was crazy, but now, almost 6 months later, I see what she means after changing my relationship with my body and my cycle. I’ve made peace with my cycle. It’s become part of my routine, and now I can honestly say it doesn’t disrupt my daily life anymore when Ms Aunt Flow pays me a visit.

 

With that being said, go and put on the period girl anthem, Moon Cycle by Melanie Martinez, drink some water, and relax as you read this article. 

 

Know Your Rights!

In Japan, if you’re one of our working girlies, you need to know if your job offers any menstruation leave or anything that can support you during this time.

If you need to ask, the term for menstruation leave is: 生理休暇 (seiri kyūka)

If you’re working in Japan, check if your company offers it. Some businesses are becoming more inclusive for women, and advocating for yourself could spark positive change and other women may thank you.

I’m saying this as someone who was asked by one of my clients (a Japanese male) who is running his business. He asked about how to make his business more inclusive for women. He was open to hearing my ideas and really wanted advice, so there are some people that will listen. A lot of women may also be too shy to speak up and they may appreciate you asking.

Tip: Many public restrooms and some restaurants in Japan provide menstrual products. Keep an eye out!

 

Japanese Period and Menstruation Products!🩸

I’ll just get straight to the point. Japan offers a variety of period products that are affordable, effective, and easy to find.

Amazon is good if you’re prepping for your period/ menstruation cycle, but you can get most of these items at the drugstore if you are in a rush. I highly recommend using Amazon and keeping them on a subscription cycle so that you can get it at a cheaper price.

Check out my Amazon recommendations and please use my affiliate link when you order products below.

1)Tampons

(Super and Super Plus) Link:https://amzn.to/3AX9Vlq

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! This is the only brand I use here! They’re reliable and more cost-effective than importing from other countries. 💸.

<I don’t know if it’s just me, but the price of tampons has increased by over 300円-400円. Save your yen!>

They have the sizes: small, super, super plus. 

 

2)Pads

• Organic Sanitary Napkins

Link: https://amzn.to/3AVVgHf

 

• Night Time Wing Pads

Link: https://amzn.to/4eKwqb6

 

3) Panty Liners

• Sofy Hadaomoi Liner

Link: https://amzn.to/3CJp0rv

 

4)Period Panties

• XAZK Sanitary Shorts

Link: https://amzn.to/4g4NUAi

I promise you, you won’t have another leak again ;).

Even if you don’t get this brand, I highly recommend THINX. It is the top brand of period panties around the world in my humble opinion.

5) Menstrual Cup

• Uhuluna Cup

Link: https://amzn.to/4i3Ecje

• Mediken Brand Cup

Link: https://amzn.to/3Onhh4L

This one is top rated🥰

 

Extra Products!

A few things you might not even know will help you survive your girly time 😉

 

6)Heating Pads for Your Tummy

• Steam Warming Sheets

Link: https://amzn.to/3CFJ1Pr

They can actually go anywhere on your body for your aches and pains!

 

7)Tummy Supporter

• Link: https://amzn.to/3CKmdhJ

 

8)Hot Water Filler

Link: https://amzn.to/4g3Cixm

 

9)Pain Reliever

• Headaches

Link: https://amzn.to/4glrGtZ

I use this one EVERY TIME. Period headaches are the worst. Japanese headache tablets aren’t as strong as American products but EVE certainly works and I have been using it for over 7 years now.

 

10)Tea

• Herbal Leaf Raspberry Tea

Link: https://amzn.to/4975fWS

I promise you, start drinking this (even when it’s not that time of the month) and your body will thank you:) It is great for reducing cramps and balancing hormones.

 

11)Essential Oil

Photo 6

I typically use a stress relieving one my friend from America sent me;) but here is one that may also help. Massage it around your stomach (I also suggest on your wrists).

• Lavender Essential Oil

Link: https://amzn.to/3Z7VGT1

 

12)Herbal Tonics

• Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To

As stated by Google-san haha: Shakuyakukanzoto (SKT) is a kampo medicine composed of equal proportions of Glycyrrhizae radix (G. radix) and Paeoniae radix (P. radix). It’s great for reporting period symptoms!

Link: https://amzn.to/4i1kogq

Know Your Period Words

The language barrier can be tough to deal with, especially when you’re in a rush to get products.

 

Learn these helpful phrases!

 

You can ask at the drugstore like this:

• “生理用品はどこですか？” (seiriyouhin ha doko desu ka?)

(Where are the menstrual products?).

 

Use Google Translate or remember words like this:

• ナプキン (napukin) =pads

 

If you’re stuck, pull up the product picture from my links above and ask:

• ____\がありますか？(___ ga arimasu ka?)

 

Extra Tips and Extra Help

Dark Chocolate with Magnesium: To relieve those cramps, girl!

Hot Lemon or Yuzu Drinks: Keep calm and carry on!

Collagen or Iron-Boosting Supplements: This will help you recover quicker! I recently started drinking collagen protein shakes (2 months ago), and I can vouch for this ☺️.

 

Visit your Gynecologists: If you are ever concerned about anything, do not be scared to speak to the doctors. Specifically, don’t be scared to advocate for yourself. As women, it can be so hard to get help when we feel like our body is fighting against us or when we think something is wrong. It’s important for you to get help if you need to and please do not stop until you feel you have gotten the help you need if you are concerned about your periods being too heavy, too long, too painful, and so on.

 

🌸🌸🌸!

Thank you for reading this guide—I hope it helps make your menstruation cycle a little easier. With the right products, tips, and mindset shifts, you can take control of your period like a pro. This is coming from a girl who struggled every month up until this year when I did a complete 180 with my mindset and lifestyle changes. I know you can do it! 🙂

Let’s empower each other to live confidently during “girly time.” 💕

Happy Moon Cycling! 🌸