A Guide to Japanese Condoms

Ah Japan…the birthplace of the kimono, sushi, karate, sumo and erm, ultra-thin condoms?! Thats right, in the condom world Japan is famous for producing some of the thinnest condoms ever seen. Here’s what you need to know about Japanese condoms. Sagami Sagami Rubber Industry Co., Ltd. (Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture) were founded in 1934 and […]

By Team Spafe

Last updated Sep 16, 2020
japanese temple in front of mount fuji

Ah Japan…the birthplace of the kimono, sushi, karate, sumo and erm, ultra-thin condoms?!

Thats right, in the condom world Japan is famous for producing some of the thinnest condoms ever seen.

Here’s what you need to know about Japanese condoms.

Sagami

Sagami Rubber Industry Co., Ltd. (Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture) were founded in 1934 and were the first manufacturer of condoms in Japan.

The company invented coloured condoms as well as owning the title of manufacturing the thinnest condom in the world – the Sagami 001.

Sagami Original 0.01

sagami original 0.01

At just 0.01mm thick, the Sagami 0.01 is six times thinner than a human hair.

Sagami launched the ultra-thin polyurethane condom on the 18th November 2014 following 10 years of development. Retailers promptly sold out, selling 30,000 units (at $13 each) within two weeks.

Chiaki Yamanaka spent seven years as the Senior Researcher on the project – dedicating every day to making the thinnest condom possible.

chiaki yamanaka

“I repeated the work of making prototypes and experimenting one at a time, repeatedly making 20,000 pieces of trial & error, it is a crystal of sweat and tears”

– Chiaki Yamanaka

So, is it any good?

‘”Once you can use it, you will definitely be satisfied,” said Mr. Yamanaka ๐Ÿ™‚


The Okamoto Story

Okamoto were, funnily enough, also founded in 1934. The company was formed following the merger of four companies; Nippon Gum Industries,Ltd., Riken Rubber Co.,Ltd.,and Okamoto Rubber Co., Ltd (all in 1934) and then Nippon Riken Rubber Co., Ltd in 1958.

Okamoto is the #1 selling condom brand in Japan and best known for their 0.02, 0.03 and OK series of condoms.

All Okamoto condoms are made from a polyurethane based material they call Sheerlon (TM). The company claims the material offers ‘a silkier, more “bareback” feel without any rubbery latex smell.’

Controversially, Okamoto position their condoms as being of even thickness throughout. The company calls out ‘competitors who claim to be the thinnest’ (basically Sagami) for creating condoms that are only ‘thinnest’ at the base of the condom – not where it matters most.

The company also sells their condoms in the USA under the ‘Beyond Seven’ brand.

0.02

okamoto 0.02

Okamoto’s 0.02 condom claims to be as smooth as latex with consistent comfort and quality. I love that it says ‘For Awesome Sensitivity’. Western condom brands may find that a bit too flippant a claim to put on their box ๐Ÿ™‚

0.03

okamoto 0.03

Okamoto’s 0.03 includes a water-based lubricant to assist those with sensitive skin.

OK Series

okamoto big boy xl condoms

Okamoto ‘Big Boys’ are their larger sized condom, manufactured to 57mm diameter to offer greater comfort. The condoms use the same Sheerlon material providing strength and durability without the latex smell of standard condoms.

Finally, the brand also released this amazingly cheesy ad which – you’ll just have to take our word – is worth a watch.