Posted inQuestion about Japan
What is Japan’s drinking age?
This article explores the legal drinking age in Japan, which is 20 years old and has been unchanged since the late 1970s. It looks at the history of the law, enforcement of it, social attitudes towards alcohol consumption, exceptions to it, penalties for breaking it, and what is being done to reduce underage drinking. The legal drinking age in Japan is relatively low compared to other countries and there are certain exceptions to it such as minors aged 18-20 being allowed access into establishments serving alcoholic drinks if they are accompanied by an adult aged 21+. Penalties for breaking the law can range from fines to imprisonment. Social attitudes towards responsible adult consumption of alcohol are generally relaxed and there are initiatives in place to reduce underage drinking.