Seeking Advice: ADHD, Anxiety Medications, and Transgender Care on a Working Holiday Visa in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido

Hello everyone,

I’m in a bit of a predicament and I’m hoping to hear from people who’ve had similar experiences. I’m a 23-year-old male from Ontario, Canada, and I’m preparing to move to Japan on a working holiday visa. I’ve already secured a job in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, starting in early December 2024, and I’ve been working with an IEC-recognized organization to help with the transition.

However, my biggest concern is ensuring I have access to my medications—specifically for ADHD and anxiety—once I’m in Japan. I have ADHD and anxiety, and I take Concerta/Methylphenidate daily for ADHD, as well as Clonazepam as needed for anxiety. From my research, I’ve learned that both of these medications require special licenses to prescribe in Japan.

1. Concerta (Methylphenidate): This is classified as a psychostimulant in Japan, and doctors need a special psychostimulant license to prescribe it.
2. Clonazepam: This is classified as a psychotropic drug, and prescribing it requires a separate license for psychotropic medications.

I’ve tried calling several clinics and hospitals in the Kamikawa District and surrounding Tokachi area, but due to the language barrier, the calls have been disconnected. I’m currently enrolled in a beginner Japanese course, but as of now, my language skills aren’t strong enough to handle complex conversations. That’s why I’m turning to Reddit for help.

Have any of you been in a similar situation on a working holiday visa in Hokkaido (or elsewhere in Japan)? How did you find an English-speaking psychiatrist who holds the special licenses to prescribe these medications?

If you know of any clinics or psychiatrists in the Kamikawa District, Hokkaido (or anywhere in Hokkaido, honestly), who can prescribe Concerta and Clonazepam, I would love to get the clinic’s name and contact information. I assume that if a psychiatrist has a license to prescribe psychostimulants, they might also have the license for psychotropic medications, but I could be wrong.

The biggest hurdle for me will be transitioning from Dexedrine to Concerta for ADHD, as Dexedrine isn’t available in Japan. I’m working with my family doctor in Canada to start that switch before I leave. I’m less worried about Clonazepam because it’s a PRN medication, but Concerta is something I take daily, so I need to ensure I have a steady supply.

I’m also aware of the Yakkan Shoumei medical import process, which allows me to bring a supply of medication into Japan. My family doctor is willing to prescribe a three-month supply for me to bring along, but if I can’t find a local doctor in Japan, I may need to ask him to extend that. Has anyone else had experience with bringing in a year’s worth of medication? How did customs handle that process?

A bit more about me:

• I’m female-to-male transgender and take the gel form of testosterone. My endocrinologist is fine with me bringing a year’s supply of that medication, but I’d also love to hear from any trans folks who’ve done a working holiday visa in Japan and navigated gender-affirming care.
• For those of you who opted for finding a doctor in the Kamikawa District, Hokkaido area that specializes in gender-affirming care, how was that experience and process? Which doctor, clinic, and/or hospital did you go to that provided such services?
• If you had to bring in a year’s supply of testosterone, how did you go about that? Was there any trouble at customs?

I’m especially interested in finding medical professionals in the Kamikawa District, but I’m open to traveling within Hokkaido if necessary. I’d consider renting a car if it comes to that.

Sorry for the long post, but I’m desperate for answers and solutions. I just want to avoid the worst-case scenario of being left without my medications in a foreign country. Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!