Convenience stores and supermarkets began selling non-prescription drugs June 1, some around-the-clock, as deregulation under a revised pharmacy law took effect.

Under the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, stores are no longer required to be staffed with a pharmacist to sell most non-prescription drugs, including cold tablets and aspirin, and can sell them simply by having salesclerks qualify and register with prefectural governments.

The entry by large-scale distributors into the drug retail market has pressed existing drugstore businesses to enhance their sales efforts, including extending operating hours with their own registered salesclerks.