If you live in Japan, you may notice many people start wearing masks from February—not because of illness, but because of hay fever, known in Japanese as kafunshō (花粉症). It is one of the most widespread seasonal health issues in the country.

1. Cedar (Sugi) and Cypress (Hinoki) Pollen in Japan

After World War II, Japan faced a major timber shortage. To recover, the government promoted extensive cedar and cypress plantation programs across the country. These trees grow quickly and were considered ideal for construction materials at that time.

However, as the country shifted to imported wood, many forests were left unmanaged. As the trees aged, they began producing large amounts of pollen, leading to a sharp rise in hay fever cases from the 1980s onward.

The Japan Meteorological Association has been issuing official cedar pollen forecasts since 1990, reflecting how widespread the problem had become.

2. Typical Symptoms 

Cedar and cypress pollen mainly trigger allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Common symptoms include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Fatigue or reduced concentration

These symptoms can significantly affect daily life, especially during commuting or outdoor activities in spring. Many Japanese say spring would be their favorite season if it weren’t for hay fever.

3. Common Preventive Measures 

apanese people (myself included!) commonly take the following steps—many of which are also recommended by official forecasts and medical guidance:

Start medication early

Doctors recommend beginning antihistamines about one week before pollen season starts, which helps reduce peak symptoms.

Use protective masks and glasses

Special “pollen masks” and anti-pollen glasses help block pollen from entering the nose and eyes.

Choose the right clothing

Wool and similar fibers attract pollen. Instead, wear smooth materials like polyester to reduce pollen sticking to your clothes.

Adopt a pollen-safe routine when returning home

• Brush off clothes before entering
• Wash hands, rinse mouth, and wash your face (take a shower if possible)

Manage indoor environments

• When ventilating, open windows only slightly and keep lace curtains closed
• Avoid drying laundry outdoors during peak season

4. Your Residency Status and Health Insurance Coverage

Many people rely on medication to manage the uncomfortable symptoms of seasonal allergies. I receive a full set of antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays from my primary care physician. However, because obtaining a prescription requires a medical consultation—which takes both time and effort—many people opt for over‑the‑counter medications available at pharmacies instead. The choice ultimately depends on your symptoms and preferences, but when medication is needed for an extended period, prescribed drugs covered by health insurance may be more cost‑effective even after factoring in consultation fees.

Individuals enrolled in employer-provided health insurance or the National Health Insurance system are eligible for insurance coverage for both medical examinations and prescribed medications. This includes foreign residents who have been living in Japan for more than three months and are registered as residents at the local municipal office. For those with employer-provided health insurance, premiums are deducted directly from monthly wages as part of social insurance contributions. In contrast, National Health Insurance premiums must be paid independently, which means there is a risk of forgetting to make payments.

Because proof of public health insurance premium payments is required when renewing or changing your residence card, as well as when applying for permanent residency, it is essential to ensure payments are made on time. Although the strictness of the review process may vary depending on one’s visa status, you should consistently meet all payment deadlines and keep records of your payments for future reference.

If you are concerned about health-insurance related matters related to your residency status, feel free to contact us.