Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: The Japan Drugstore Show, one of the biggest exhibitions of its kind in Asia, has opened in Tokyo with nearly 400 companies participating.

The show, organized by the Japanese Association of Drug Stores, runs for three days and highlights new products and innovative business models in the drugstore industry.

On display in the main areas, are products and devices related to health and aging along with pharmaceuticals and non-drug treatments. This includes a range of care foods and underwear for the aged or infirm.  Beverages containing nutritional supplements, cosmetics and skin care are also on display.

BodyVoice, a Tokyo-based company displayed products that reflect and support the increased healthy life expectancy with more people reaching the age of 100 years.

“Our goal is to realize the safety and security of people through medical science. This is achieved by early detection and treatment of diseases,” CEO Junko Marui told Arab News Japan. “We need to take care of our precious mind and body, and we deliver health-care products backed by medical knowledge. Focusing on the importance of human immunity has become an urgent global issue.”

Olympic Games sponsor Procter and Gamble is exhibiting athlete podiums from recyclable materials as well as razors that are 90 percent recyclable.

This year’s show has a focus on self-medication such as products for monitoring blood pressure and easy-to-use pulse monitors for the elderly. Other topical products include decontamination materials for the coronavirus and a method of cleaning your laptop using ultraviolet rays.

Workshops for children are being conducted by professionals from the pharmaceutical business to help raise their awareness about the manufacture of medicines.

In Japan, drug stores are more than just pharmacies and promote goods for daily life, well-being, and beauty care products.