I recently joined. I went to a drugstore to buy condoms for the first time in ages, but I had no idea where they were. While I was wandering around, a female employee asked if she could help me find something, so I ended up having to buy a mask instead.

I’m Marika, a female member. Do men really feel embarrassed buying them too? They’re gentlemanly essentials meant to protect women, so buy them confidently. The most embarrassing—and nonsensical—thing is not being able to buy them and then showing up without them.

I’m Flag Maker, a column writer. You really just have to build up experience. Before long, you’ll start sensing the presence of condoms the moment you walk into a drugstore.

Hey, why don’t we just ask the female staff member? What, you’re embarrassed? Are you stupid? Asking a question like this is way more embarrassing. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself—I’m Joe.

I’m Paper Airplane, a male member. I totally understand how you feel… I went in to buy one, but things were so different from before that I had a hard time finding it. I was almost ready to give up and leave the store. I ended up pretending I was looking for something else… Before joining the club, I hadn’t needed to buy one for anyone, so it had been a long time. The layout had completely changed… And since I’m not used to buying them, the ones you find at love hotels or convenience stores won’t do—I have to buy the specific one I chose…

I’m Gaku, a male member. If you’re embarrassed, wouldn’t a convenience store be a better option? They’re small, so you’ll find what you need right away. Don Quijote is another option. For online orders, you can have them held at a post office or delivery depot—there are plenty of ways to do it. But if you’re going to enjoy a dating club, I think you should at least try to figure out some of these things for yourself. I feel like I’m teaching everything from scratch to employees from the “yutori” and “satori” generations.

Maezawa from the Corporate Planning Office here. If you’re not particular about the type of contraceptive, you can buy them at convenience stores. At drugstores, you should be able to find them by taking a lap around the store. If you order online, Amazon lets you pick up your package at a convenience store, and Amazon Hub lockers are another option. Other online retailers may also offer delivery-company office pickup or post office pickup. There are plenty of options, so just choose whichever method you prefer. I seem to remember that a certain manufacturer once made it possible to buy them using the OK sign. Is that no longer available? Here’s an image that came up in my search: https://www.instagram.com/p/BVEP4EIgvT3/?hl=ja The page below says: “Using the ‘OK’ hand sign as a signal for purchasing condoms was a major breakthrough. Customers could get the product simply by showing the OK sign or pointing to a sticker or sign, without having to say, ‘Could I have some condoms?’” https://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20140320_246491.html?DETAIL P.S. Mac wrote, “I’d love to keep one in my breast pocket and show it off stylishly.” Show it off? I want to show it off… Ahem. Maybe a Rilakkuma design would be nice too? It might be less off-putting even if someone saw it. (Laughs) Some shops sell them, and they’re also available online: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00PA1F8YM/ P.S. 2: “Rilakkuma is nice, but one with Fukuzawa Yukichi’s design would feel very fitting for a dating club.” I looked into it, and it seems a Fukuzawa Yukichi design might be possible too. Mac could probably place the order right away. (Laughs) It would be fun to make some for Universe, but I have a feeling the president wouldn’t approve it if it were my idea. I probably couldn’t present any convincing promotional benefits, either. Give them away as novelty items? “Join now and receive a special promotional condom”? I have a feeling the customer-acquisition or publicity effect would be zero. http://www.johnny-hat.co.jp/shopdetail/000000000001/ There were also designer condoms released by Okamoto. Custom orders probably aren’t possible for these, but it would be interesting if you could order your own pattern. Although, when it comes down to it, I’m not sure the condom itself needs a design. The packaging alone might be enough. https://www.okamoto-inc.jp/news/customer/okamotoseikatsu20191209

I’m Basil, a male member. You’re not in middle school anymore, so don’t ask questions like this. Go look for it yourself at a drugstore. P.S. You’re not actually a junior or senior high school student who’s gotten interested in the adult world, are you?