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This topic comes up now and again, so thought it would be good to put together a general guide.
Surprisingly, there are over 100 types of condoms commonly sold in Japan, but most convenience stores sell only three or four types of condoms at most. Mass retailers, drugstores, and even adult shops generally don't sell all types, so it might take a little hunting to find a local one that works for you. The general variables that you're going to find when comparing condoms are thickness, lubrication, material, size, and shape. When you find one that works for you and your partner on all fronts, you've got a winner - but the material and size are the most important factors.
MATERIALS:
Condoms sold in Japan are made from one of several materials: Latex, isopropene, and polyurethane, each with different properties.
Polyurethane: It's important to note that Japanese condoms are not, despite the rumors, significantly smaller than those sold in the West. If you've tried a condom in Japan and found it uncomfortably tight or restrictive when this isn't an issue in your home country, you've likely encountered a polyurethane condom. Polyurethane is much less pliable and stretchy compared to latex or isoprene. Any condom labeled with 0.01 or 0.02 will be polyurethane, except for the Usu-Pita 0.02, which is latex. Many women dislike polyurethane condoms due to the hardness of the material, particularly the stiffness of the reservoir tip, which can cause discomfort during sex. However, polyurethane condoms are suitable for those with latex allergies.
Latex (天然ゴム): Any condom that is not labeled "Skyn" and is 0.03mm or thicker is made of latex and will typically have the characters 天然ゴム (natural rubber) on the package. Latex condoms offer the most variety compared to those made from other materials. Latex condoms are available in the widest variety compared to those made from other materials. It's important to note that, even for women without latex allergies, factors such as the condom's thickness, texture, and the type and amount of lubricant can cause friction. This friction can make the condom bind against the vaginal wall, potentially causing discomfort.
Isoprene: The only condoms made from isoprene are the Skyn brand from Fuji Latex. There are four varieties to choose from: regular, large, extra lube, and textured. Isoprene is popular with women because it generally doesn't cause irritation, and with men because it transmits heat well. If one of the Skyn options fits you well, they are generally a good recommendation. Additionally, they are ideal for people with a latex allergy.
SIZE AND SHAPE:
It is important to find a condom that fits correctly. If a condom is too loose, it risks sliding right off or, if it's too tight, it risks leaving the user with a feeling of discomfort or lack of sensation - and counterintuitively, it can also slide right off, your unit literally being squeezed out.
Typical signs a chosen condom isn't fitting correctly:
To convert diameter to half circumference the formula is π*(diameter/2). To convert half circumference to diameter, (halfcircumference/π)*2.
The currently available PUBLISHED information from the manufacturers is below (an asterisk * means measurement not provided and red text means measurement found on a third party site, half circumference measurements added as a convenience):
In convenience stores you will generally only find the M sizes, drugstores and adult shops will sometimes carry the larger sizes.
SUMMARY:
Polyurethane condoms are the most likely to fit too tightly and can often be uncomfortable for your partner. It's recommended to try the Skyn brand first, as they are fairly forgiving and stretchy, making them comfortable for most partners. Despite their thickness, Skyn condoms transmit heat well and generally provide a good sensation. Once you find a brand and model that works for you, be sure to stock up, as they may not be easily found in stores!
Surprisingly, there are over 100 types of condoms commonly sold in Japan, but most convenience stores sell only three or four types of condoms at most. Mass retailers, drugstores, and even adult shops generally don't sell all types, so it might take a little hunting to find a local one that works for you. The general variables that you're going to find when comparing condoms are thickness, lubrication, material, size, and shape. When you find one that works for you and your partner on all fronts, you've got a winner - but the material and size are the most important factors.
MATERIALS:
Condoms sold in Japan are made from one of several materials: Latex, isopropene, and polyurethane, each with different properties.
Polyurethane: It's important to note that Japanese condoms are not, despite the rumors, significantly smaller than those sold in the West. If you've tried a condom in Japan and found it uncomfortably tight or restrictive when this isn't an issue in your home country, you've likely encountered a polyurethane condom. Polyurethane is much less pliable and stretchy compared to latex or isoprene. Any condom labeled with 0.01 or 0.02 will be polyurethane, except for the Usu-Pita 0.02, which is latex. Many women dislike polyurethane condoms due to the hardness of the material, particularly the stiffness of the reservoir tip, which can cause discomfort during sex. However, polyurethane condoms are suitable for those with latex allergies.
Latex (天然ゴム): Any condom that is not labeled "Skyn" and is 0.03mm or thicker is made of latex and will typically have the characters 天然ゴム (natural rubber) on the package. Latex condoms offer the most variety compared to those made from other materials. Latex condoms are available in the widest variety compared to those made from other materials. It's important to note that, even for women without latex allergies, factors such as the condom's thickness, texture, and the type and amount of lubricant can cause friction. This friction can make the condom bind against the vaginal wall, potentially causing discomfort.
Isoprene: The only condoms made from isoprene are the Skyn brand from Fuji Latex. There are four varieties to choose from: regular, large, extra lube, and textured. Isoprene is popular with women because it generally doesn't cause irritation, and with men because it transmits heat well. If one of the Skyn options fits you well, they are generally a good recommendation. Additionally, they are ideal for people with a latex allergy.
SIZE AND SHAPE:
It is important to find a condom that fits correctly. If a condom is too loose, it risks sliding right off or, if it's too tight, it risks leaving the user with a feeling of discomfort or lack of sensation - and counterintuitively, it can also slide right off, your unit literally being squeezed out.
Typical signs a chosen condom isn't fitting correctly:
- The condom is moving around (slipping).
- The condom is too short, and a significant part of the shaft is outside the condom.
- Condoms regularly break or tear.
- The condom bunches up at the base.
- The condom is hanging loose off the tip of the penis.
- There is less than a centimeter of space to catch semen when applied correctly.
To convert diameter to half circumference the formula is π*(diameter/2). To convert half circumference to diameter, (halfcircumference/π)*2.
The currently available PUBLISHED information from the manufacturers is below (an asterisk * means measurement not provided and red text means measurement found on a third party site, half circumference measurements added as a convenience):
| MANUFACTURER | PRODUCT NAME | ADVERTISED SIZE | DIAMETER (MM) | HALF CIRCUMFERENCE | LENGTH | THICKNESS | MATERIAL |
| Sagami | Sagami Original 001 | M | 36 | 56 | 170 | 0.01 | POLYURETHANE |
| Sagami | Sagami Original 001 | L | 38 | 59 | 190 | 0.01 | POLYURETHANE |
| Sagami | Sagami Original 002 | M | 36 | 56 | 170 | 0.02 | POLYURETHANE |
| Sagami | Sagami Original 002 | L | 38 | 59 | 190 | 0.02 | POLYURETHANE |
| MANUFACTURER | PRODUCT NAME | ADVERTISED SIZE | DIAMETER (MM) | HALF CIRCUMFERENCE | LENGTH | THICKNESS | MATERIAL |
| Okamoto | Okamoto Zero One | M | *34 | *52 | * | 0.01 | POLYURETHANE |
| Okamoto | Okamoto Zero One | L | *37 | *58 | * | 0.01 | POLYURETHANE |
| Okamoto | Okamoto Zero One Tappuri Jelly | M | *34 | *52 | * | 0.01 | POLYURETHANE |
| Okamoto | Okamoto Zero One Tappuri Jelly | L | *37 | *58 | * | 0.01 | POLYURETHANE |
| MANUFACTURER | PRODUCT NAME | ADVERTISED SIZE | DIAMETER (MM) | HALF CIRCUMFERENCE | LENGTH | THICKNESS | MATERIAL |
| Jex | ZONE | M | 33 | 51 | 190 | 0.03-0.05 | LATEX |
| Jex | ZONE | L | 37 | 58 | 190 | 0.03-0.05 | LATEX |
| Jex | ZONE premium | M | 33 | 51 | 190 | 0.04 | LATEX |
| Jex | Glamorous Butterfly | M | *32 | *50 | * | * | LATEX |
| Jex | Glamorous Butterfly | L | *36 | *54 | * | * | LATEX |
| MANUFACTURER | PRODUCT NAME | ADVERTISED SIZE | DIAMETER (MM) | HALF CIRCUMFERENCE | LENGTH | THICKNESS | MATERIAL |
| Fuji Latex | SKYN | M | 36 | 56 | 180 | 0.06 | ISOPRENE |
| Fuji Latex | SKYN | L | 38 | 59 | 200 | 0.06 | ISOPRENE |
| MANUFACTURER | PRODUCT NAME | ADVERTISED SIZE | DIAMETER (MM) | HALF CIRCUMFERENCE | LENGTH | THICKNESS | MATERIAL |
| Japan Medical | Usupita RICH | S | * | * | * | 0.02 | LATEX |
| Japan Medical | Usupita 1500 | M | * | * | * | 0.02 | LATEX |
| Japan Medical | Usupita XL | L | *38 | *60 | * | 0.02 | LATEX |
In convenience stores you will generally only find the M sizes, drugstores and adult shops will sometimes carry the larger sizes.
SUMMARY:
Polyurethane condoms are the most likely to fit too tightly and can often be uncomfortable for your partner. It's recommended to try the Skyn brand first, as they are fairly forgiving and stretchy, making them comfortable for most partners. Despite their thickness, Skyn condoms transmit heat well and generally provide a good sensation. Once you find a brand and model that works for you, be sure to stock up, as they may not be easily found in stores!
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