Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, Cardinal-Archbishop of Tokyo, has voiced strong opposition to the decision by Aska Pharmaceutical to allow its emergency contraceptive pill to be sold over the counter in Japan.
The company’s announcement, made on 20 October 2025, marks a landmark policy change. For the first time, Japan will allow the purchase of the “morning-after” pill without obtaining a prescription, though the intake must still be overseen by a trained pharmacist.
Cardinal Kikuchi told UCA News he “cannot approve measures that may take human life without adequate moral education”.
