In Japan, the age of criminal responsibility is 20 years old for adults and 14 years old for minors (juveniles). Depending on various factors such as severity/nature/context/circumstances surrounding offense committed; prior convictions; mental health issues etc., 17 year olds may go to jail. Alternatives to jail time are also available such as fines, community service orders, probationary supervision orders etc., and sentencing guidelines tend to be more lenient towards juveniles than adults due to their young age and lack experience with the criminal justice system.