“Hikari Pharmacy,” an Obstetrics and Gynecology-Specialized Pharmacy Supporting Women Throughout Their Lives—From Fertility Efforts to Postpartum—Opens in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City

In October 2025, pharmacist Hikari Otsuka, who holds a fertility counselor certification and has five years of experience working at a specialized obstetrics and gynecology hospital, opened "Hikari Pharmacy" in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. The pharmacy provides specialized support for all of a woman's life stages, ranging from fertility and pregnancy consultations to medication advice during pregnancy and breastfeeding, menstrual and PMS support, and even consultations and sales of the "after-pill" (emergency contraception), which was newly legalized for over-the-counter sale in February 2026. In a Japan where "one in three couples struggles with infertility," a "place of peace of mind" where a pharmacist with deep expertise in obstetrics and gynecology is always nearby has been born in Kyoto.

■ Background and Vision for Opening

Through her work at a specialized obstetrics and gynecology hospital, Otsuka faced many female patients every day. Women struggling alone with the side effects of fertility treatment, women anxious during pregnancy wondering, "Is it safe to take this medicine?", and women suffering from severe pain every period without anyone to talk to—as she encountered these voices, the thought grew that "as a medication expert, I should be able to support each woman more closely."

The name "Hikari" (Light) embodies the wish to be a presence that brings light to each individual's life. A pharmacy acts as a bridge between the hospital and the home. Otsuka decided to open the pharmacy with the goal of creating a place where women can truly feel "I'm glad I consulted them," rather than just a place where they are handed medicine.

■ A "Space for Women," Different from Typical Inorganic Pharmacies

The interior of "Hikari Pharmacy" is a warm, feminine, and elegant space that stands apart from typical, inorganic pharmacies. Great care was taken to create an atmosphere where women can feel relaxed and discuss their delicate concerns. You can visit with peace of mind for consultations that require privacy, such as fertility efforts or emergency contraception.

■ Service Offerings—Comprehensive Support for the Female Life Cycle

💡 About After-Pills: As of February 2, 2026, emergency contraceptive pills became available for OTC (over-the-counter) sale at pharmacies. At "Hikari Pharmacy," pharmacists with specialized knowledge in obstetrics and gynecology provide careful and professional support.

■ Why This Pharmacy is Needed Now—Social Context

Social interest in women's health is higher than ever.

• One in three couples in Japan has experienced concerns about infertility, and one in 4.4 couples has actually undergone fertility testing or treatment (NPO Fine, "2024 Survey on Awareness and Environment Regarding Infertility").

• Approximately one in ten children born in 2022 were conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (same survey).

• The market size for Femtech (a field solving women's health issues through technology) is expected to reach 5.5 trillion yen by 2025 (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry).

• February 2026: OTC pharmacy sales of emergency contraceptive pills (after-pills) were finally legalized.

Despite such high demand, pharmacies specializing in obstetrics and gynecology are extremely rare in Japan. "Hikari Pharmacy" fills this gap, standing close to the women of Kyoto.

■ Pharmacist Profile

Hikari Otsuka

Representative Director, La Sana Co., Ltd. / Managing Pharmacist, Hikari Pharmacy

Has accumulated a wide range of experience over 18 years as a pharmacist. Previously worked for approximately five years at a specialized obstetrics and gynecology hospital, where she served as the Director of Pharmacy. Through her work involving medications related to fertility, infertility treatment, pregnancy, and postpartum care, she has deeply engaged with health issues specific to women. Holds a certification as a Fertility Counselor from the Japan Society of Fertility Counseling. With the desire to "be a presence that brings light to each individual's life," she opened Hikari Pharmacy in October 2025.

■ Store Information