As far as deodorant goes- the strongest domestic deodorant I have found is called デオナチュレ 男ソフトストーンW. I get the “mint” one (as weird as that sounds) because it has a menthol effect. Of course it doesn’t compete with stronger deodorants that I’ve used in the US, but it’s the easiest one to get here in Japan. Other than that, I guess I’d try Amazon or something and just order a few bars of something tried and true.

Q2- I wonder why there was no “none” option. I think there are quite a few people who don’t do anything at all! Also, my wife got a “deodorant soap” sample in the mail which is supposed to have deodorant like qualities. I really didn’t notice a difference.

BTW, A nice trick that I discovered some years ago is using “muhi” to help cool myself down. It feels nice on my lower & upper back. Of course the cooling sensation is due to the menthol, which is one of its ingredients. It’s easier and more economical (and perhaps environmentally friendly?) than more disposable ways of cooling down. Of course it will also sooth mosquito and/or mite bites. The discovery happened because my back is no stranger to mosquito and mite bites (unfortunately!).

I wish there was better deodorant here. Part of me wants to believe that Japanese/Asians don’t sweat or have as much body odor as us Europeans, but some of the people I’ve sat next to at work beg to differ!

Over the years I’ve developed a hatred for the air-conditioned smell of cigarette smoke… it’s like using shit for frosting on a birthday cake.