This article discusses why the legal age of consent in Japan is 13, how this compares to other countries, potential reform efforts and their impact on Japanese society and culture. The legal age of consent has been 13 since 1880 when the Civil Code was enacted, and although a person reaches the age of majority at 18 in Japan, they are still subject to parental authority until 20 years old according to Japanese civil law. Most countries have set a minimum age between 16-18 years old with some exceptions such as Argentina (15) and Mexico (12). There have been several attempts over recent years by members within both government and civil society organizations to raise the legal age for consensual sex from 13 to 16 but so far these efforts have not been successful due mainly to strong opposition from conservative groups who believe it would go against traditional values. Despite criticism from both inside and outside Japan, no changes have been made yet regarding this law.