Job Discussion Forums

Strum · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 10

I have never seen a post on this site about the relative size of condoms in different parts of Asia. Condoms sold in both Japan and Korea tend to be way too small. TESOL acutally suggests to males going to teach abroad that they bring a supply of condoms due to this fact.

luckyloser700 · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 308 Location: Japan

Oh, Gee. Let's start a thread where we can all indirectly brag about the sizes of our members by complaining that condom sizes in Asia are too small. Rolling Eyes

luckbox · Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 180

troll.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

I disagree. (At least initially)... I have no idea what the OP's motives are here, but if they are legitimate, let's face it -- that IS a legitimate complaint/issue -- and without becoming juvenile about it and instantly accusing the OP of trolling, it's something that gets asked and talked about every day in person (at least where I live).

Basically, there are limited options in this. Indeed, the "standard" size sold here is smaller than in N. America it seems... Some drugstores and retailers in Japan DO sell an "XL" or large sized condom, but they're awful. Another thing about condoms in Japan -- the thickness of the latex is measured, and the thinner the latex, the higher the price (for obvious reasons). You can buy 500s, 1000s, 2000s, and 3000s. The problem with pretty much ALL XL-sized condoms sold locally, is that they all come in the 500 variety -- which is pretty much akin to wearing a burlap sack in terms of sensitivity...

I would recommend, EITHER, going to Condomania in Tokyo -- they tend to have a wider selection, OR (better yet) going to the Condomania website online (which is based out of the U.S.) and just ordering online what you know and are used to back home. They have a new one out there that's actually "custom" tailored... You print out a special measuring tape, then *ahem* "measure" your equipment, and send them the measurements (which are coded in letter/number combinations eg. F-97 in order to prevent embarrassment)... Those are really good by the way.

Finally, a good idea is to just stock up before you leave home, or have someone send you some. (Um, as long as it's not mom & dad... That would be just a bit weird, I think).

Hope that helps. BTW, I can't speak for the rest of Asia, as I've never shopped for condoms in Korea or other Asian countries, nor have I heard any of my friends doing so...

However, in having said all of this, if this does become a member-size bragging thread, I'm sure the mods will shut it down very quickly.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Same problem occurs in Thailand.

It is a legitamite problem because if it's too small the latex will overstretch and you get breakages which are just plain messy.

luckyloser700 · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 308 Location: Japan

womblingfree · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 826

I am in no way declaring myself anything special in the trouser department.

But I once bought some Sanrio condoms from Condomania in Harajuku and they ended up fitting like a Smurfs hat. Shocked

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

luckyloser700 · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 308 Location: Japan

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

You're not gonna get a bra thread here because 90% of the posters here are male. It is a concern for them as much as small condoms are to us. I had a friend mail me some condoms a few years ago and he oftens reminds me of that fact. Be very careful who you ask to send them to you.

johanne · Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 189

Strum · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 10

In Korea you could sometimes find Benneton brand condoms in some of the convenience stores. These were at least closer to your typical size back home. I didn't see any of that brand in Japan as I brought a supply with me.

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Go to the Condom Shack in Harajuku. Domestic (western) are as expensive as HELL though!!

PUCK · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Tokyo

What surprises me is that neither Paul H or Glenski have added their 2 yen on this topic!

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Actually there was just a long thread on another forum I look at a couple of weeks ago about Westerners buying bras in Japan- it IS a major issue.

Size, shape, excessive padding, bras being festooned with lace so visible through shirts etc are all issues. The general consensus is that it's hopeless- you either order them online or buy enough on your trips home to last you until the next time.

I think the poster who said that the reason it hasn't come up here is that the majority of regular posters are men was probably right. Laughing