Recommended models: Okamoto 003 series, Okamoto 002, Okamoto 001
Founded in 1934, Okamoto was one of the world's first manufacturers of modern condoms. Today, Okamoto has developed into the largest manufacturer of rubber latex products in Japan, with a local market share of 65% and more than 10% in China. Although Okamoto's share of the overseas market is not as good as that of Durex, it is more popular with consumers in the high-end condom segment.
In the latex era, Okamoto has long been at the forefront of ultra-thin condoms. In 1967, Okamoto launched a new translucent series of ultra-thin latex condoms, and after more than 30 years of continuous research and development, Okamoto released the world's thinnest latex condom at that time, namely Okamoto 003. If Durex is synonymous with condoms, then Okamoto is synonymous with high-end ultra-thin condoms.
The thickest part of the condom is usually on the head, which is also the key to affecting the sexual experience. Many condoms that claim to be ultra-thin only make other parts thinner and have very limited optimization for the head. Okamoto's flagship product 003 has the same thickness of the body, the error is within one thousandth, and the head feels stronger, thanks to Okamoto's unique Shilang technology, which makes the body flexible and fitting, and the tightening feeling is not obvious. Two characteristics create an almost "non-sensitive" condom experience.
Okamoto 003 can be described as a benchmark product in ultra-thin latex condoms, opening the "digital" era of condoms. The measured thickness of 003 is about 0.038mm, and in actual use, it has the characteristics of low barrier feeling, intimate flexibility, and low latex odor, with an average price of 12 yuan / piece. However, the problem with ultra-thin is that the risk of breakage increases, so it is important to avoid sharp objects such as fingernails to prevent scratching.
When condoms enter the era of polyurethane, compared with Durex, Okamoto also has certain product advantages, 002 and 001 are Okamoto's polyurethane condom products, which are popular goods in Japan's purchasing agents, and were only introduced to China for sale in 2018. The mechanical properties of polyurethane are highly adjustable and can still maintain strength at very thin thicknesses, and the world's thinnest condoms (under 0.02mm) are currently made of polyurethane. In addition to being thinner, polyurethane condoms have the advantages of being good to the touch, non-allergenic, and unaffected by oil-based lubricants compared to latex. 002 has a transparent and light appearance, no latex odor, and can see the blood vessels and veins through the body, which is almost insensible when used, and is popular with those who pursue the ultimate sex experience. Unfortunately, Okamoto 001 is not sold to the Chinese market, and it can only be purchased through global shopping or overseas shopping, and the price is relatively high.
Because polyurethane condoms are too thin and less elastic than latex, they generally feel tighter to use, and some consumers even report that it is slightly difficult to curl when wearing them, and the bottom circle is uncomfortable when they are used. Therefore, it is not recommended that consumers who have not tried polyurethane condoms buy too much at one time, and they must have a preliminary and detailed experience before making a decision.
Launched in China in 2016, the Okamoto translucent series is slightly thicker than the "003" and has a slightly lower price. The Skin series is the first classic series introduced into China by Okamoto in 2004, which is cost-effective, and the "pure" uses low latex protein technology, which can effectively avoid latex allergies, and is undoubtedly an ideal choice for people with latex allergies.
In terms of overall product design, Okamoto pays attention to the female experience and advocates natural lubrication, and all its products use water-based lubricants. Compared with silicone oil lubricants, water-based lubricants are easy to clean and are not easy to cause gynecological inflammation due to residues. In addition to super-lubricated condoms, Okamoto usually adds less lubricant, and if you have sex for a long time, it is easier to dry out, so it is recommended to use it with lubricant according to the actual situation. It should be noted that latex condoms can only be used with silicone oil or water-based lubricants, as other oil-based lubricants may damage the latex structure, reduce the strength of the condom and cause it to break.