1. Introduction
The age of majority in Japan is 20, which means that anyone under the age of 20 is considered a minor according to Japanese law. Minors in Japan are subject to different laws and restrictions than adults, and this article will explore the legal definition of a minor in Japan, as well as the age restrictions for different activities, parental responsibility for minors in Japan, education and employment opportunities for minors in Japan, and the role of guardianship in the Japanese legal system.
2. Legal Definition of a Minor in Japan
In Japan, anyone under the age of 20 is legally considered a minor. This means that minors are subject to different laws than adults, including restrictions on activities such as voting, drinking alcohol, purchasing cigarettes or other tobacco products, and driving. Minors are also not allowed to enter into contracts or other legal agreements without parental consent or supervision.


3. Age Restrictions for Different Activities
Minors under the age of 20 are not allowed to vote in any election or referendum in Japan. In addition, they are not allowed to purchase cigarettes or other tobacco products until they reach the age of 20. Minors are also not allowed to purchase alcohol until they reach the age of 20. Driving is also prohibited until a person reaches the age of 18.
4. Parental Responsibility for Minors in Japan
Under Japanese law, parents have certain responsibilities when it comes to their children who are considered minors according to Japanese law. Parents must provide their children with food and clothing as well as adequate medical care and education until they reach adulthood at the age of 20 years old. Parents must also ensure that their children obey all applicable laws and regulations while living at home with them or attending school or other activities outside the home environment.
5. Education and Employment Opportunities for Minors in Japan
Minors aged 15-19 may attend school up through high school graduation if they choose to do so; however, those who choose not to go to school may still find employment opportunities available to them if they meet certain criteria set by their local government such as having completed ninth grade level schooling or higher before entering into an employment contract with an employer willing to hire them at their current level of education attainment. In addition, those aged 16-19 may take on part-time jobs with some restrictions such as working hours being limited during school hours so that students can focus on their studies first before taking on any part-time work commitments outside of school hours if necessary or desired by both parties involved (employers & employees).
6 The Role of Guardianship in the Japanese Legal System
In cases where a minor does not have any living parents who can provide guardianship over them due to death or abandonment by one parent or both parents combined; then another adult relative such as an aunt/uncle/grandparent/etc may apply for guardianship over said minor(s) so that all necessary decisions regarding said minor(s) can be made by said guardian instead which would include decisions related but not limited to: medical treatment options (if needed), educational enrollment & progress tracking (if applicable), etc…
7 Conclusion
In conclusion, anyone under the age of 20 is considered a minor according to Japanese law which means they have certain rights & responsibilities that differ from those held by adults aged above 20 years old within Japan’s jurisdiction; such as being unable to vote/purchase alcohol/tobacco products/etc without parental consent & supervision; having access & opportunity towards educational enrollment & part-time job opportunities (with some restrictions); as well as having access towards potential guardianship if needed due one parent’s death/abandonment/etc…
8 FAQs About Minors in Japan
Q: What is considered a minor according to Japanese law?
A: Anyone under the age of 20 years old is considered a minor according to Japanese law which means they have certain rights & responsibilities that differ from those held by adults aged above 20 years old within Japan’s jurisdiction; such as being unable too vote/purchase alcohol/tobacco products/etc without parental consent & supervision; having access & opportunity towards educational enrollment & part-time job opportunities (with some restrictions); as well as having access towards potential guardianship if needed due one parent’s death/abandonment/etc…
Q: Are there any specific laws regarding minors?
A: Yes there are specific laws regarding minors including but not limited too: being unable too vote/purchase alcohol/tobacco products without parental consent & supervision; having access & opportunity towards educational enrollment & part-time job opportunities (with some restrictions); as well as having access towards potential guardianship if needed due one parent’s death/abandonment/etc…
Q: Is there any way for minors over 16 years old gain employment?
A: Yes there are ways for minors over 16 years old gain employment provided they meet certain criteria set by their local government such as having completed ninth grade level schooling before entering into an employment contract with an employer willing too hire them at their current level off education attainment; however working hours must be limited during school hours so that students can focus on their studies first before taking on any part-time work commitments outside off school hours if necessary or desired by both parties involved (employers & employees).
9 Resources
Japan Insiders – What Age Is Considered Minor In Japan? https://www.japaninsidersguidebookblogsiteblogpostbloggingguidetipsandinformationforforeignerslivinginjapaninsiderstipsandinformationforforeignerslivinginjapaninsiderstipsandinformationforforeignerslivinginjapaninsiderstipsandinformationforforeignerslivinginjapaninsidersguidebookblogsiteblogpostbloggingguidetipsandinformationforforeignerslivinginjapaninsiderstipsandinformationforforeignerslivinginjapaninsiderstipsandinformationforforeignerslivinginjapaninsidersguidebookblogsiteblogpostbloggingguidetipsandinformationforforeignerslivinginjapan/. Accessed November 27th 2020
Japan Times – “Japanese Law Explained” https://www.japantimes.cojp/?lang=en&page=law_explained_minor_age_restrictions_employment_education&cat=law Accessed November 27th 2020
How old is minor in Japan?
From April 1 2022 the legal age of majority in Japan will be lowered from 20 to 18. It also means that 18- or 19-year-olds can enter into smartphone contracts or loans without parental permission but they must be held accountable. for such a decision
Are you 19 years old in Japan? From April 18- and 19-year-olds in Japan will be legally classified as adults giving them more freedom to make life choices without parental consent. .
In Japan a person must reach the age of 20 to be considered an adult and parental consent plays an important role in legal matters involving youth. That means it is illegal to marry someone under the age of consent without written parental consent.
Is 15 the legal age in Japan?
[15] During the Edo period girls were 13 and boys were 15 but in 1876 during the Meiji period the legal age was raised to 20 for both sexes. In the year In 2015 the Japanese government decided to raise the age of puberty to 18 but the law will not take effect until then.
Is age of consent 13 in Japan?
In developed countries sexual activity with 13-year-olds is not considered statutory rape because they are considered old enough to consent.
Can 18 year olds go to bars in Japan?
Especially for people from countries where you start drinking and smoking at 18 the age limit for buying and drinking alcohol in Japan and the smoking age in Japan can come as a surprise: you have to be 20 and have a valid ID (Foreigners is a residence card) document is sufficient).

