spices and curry pastes - Abhay gets Indian spices sent to him from Bombay (they are very expensive here)
dried herbs
rolled oats - the quick cooking variety are available here but at about 370 Yen for 225 gr. they are about 10 times the price of what I'd pay in Australia. If you want rolled oats then bring your own.
muesli is hard to find and even more expensive
one of my friends bought her own rice from Korea. If the thought of paying about 2000 Yen for 5kg. of rice scares you then you'd better bring some too!
Italian coffee
Italian coffee caffeteria (coffee pot)
artificial sweetener
dried fruits such as sultanas
nuts
essential oils for aromatherapy
deodorant - Why is it that the deodorants don't work here? It seems they're scent rather than deodorant. In this humid summer weather a good deodorant is s necessity. I ran out recently and was lucky to be given one by my friend Tania who came prepared - 12 sticks! I think she'll start selling when she runs out of money.
shaving bushes - Morten, or was it John? said they can't find them here.
talcum powder
your favourite moisturizers
Lastly, anything you can't live without. Can you guess was it was in my case? Yes, true to my Italian blood, I can't start my day without my cup of expresso coffee. (By the way, I've recently discovered Mr. Donuts makes a good cappuccino and it doesn't cost 400 Yen!)
If you've just arrived and realize there are things you need desperately - like teaspoons, for instance, make your way to the 100 Yen store.