Kusuri

Kusuri is the Japanese word for medicines and drugs used to prevent, diagnose, treat, or relieve symptoms of illness. In everyday use, kusuri covers modern pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter remedies, and traditional forms such as Kampo medicine. The term is written with the kanji 薬, with kusuri being the native Japanese reading.

Kampo medicine refers to traditional Japanese herbal formulas that originated from Chinese medicine and were adapted in Japan. Today, Kampo formulas are standardized and can be prescribed within the modern medical system. They are regulated as medicines and may be covered by health insurance when prescribed by a licensed clinician, alongside conventional drugs.

Regulation and safety in Japan place kusuri under the authority of government bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency. Manufacturers must obtain regulatory approval for new active ingredients, and medicines are categorized as prescription (inyakuhin) or over-the-counter (OTC). Pharmacists and physicians play primary roles in dispensing and advising on proper use, dosage, interactions, and safety.

The term kusuri also encompasses pharmacology and pharmaceutical practice, including the development, testing, and quality control of medicines. Historical developments in Japan include the incorporation of Kampo into contemporary healthcare, the modernization of drug regulation, and ongoing efforts to ensure safe, effective, and affordable medicines for the population.

Overall, kusuri denotes a broad spectrum of medicinal substances integral to Japanese healthcare, spanning traditional herbal remedies to modern pharmaceuticals, all subject to regulatory oversight and professional guidance.