1. Introduction
In Japan, the legal drinking age is 20 years old. This age limit has been in place since the passing of the Japanese Liquor Tax Law in 1919, and it is strictly enforced. In this article, we will explore the history of the drinking age in Japan, current regulations, exceptions to the rule, legal consequences for underage drinking, and how social norms differ from the law.
2. History of Drinking Age in Japan
The legal drinking age in Japan has not always been set at 20 years old. In 1872, during the Meiji period (1868-1912), a law was passed that prohibited anyone under 15 years old from consuming alcohol. This law was later revised to raise the minimum drinking age to 20 in 1919 with the passing of the Japanese Liquor Tax Law. Since then, this law has remained unchanged and is strictly enforced throughout Japan today.
3. Current Drinking Age in Japan
As mentioned above, the current legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. This means that anyone under this age is prohibited from buying or consuming alcohol legally within Japan’s borders. It should also be noted that there are no exceptions to this rule – even if someone is accompanied by an adult or guardian who is over 20 years old they are still not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol legally until they reach the legal drinking age of 20 themselves.
4. Exceptions to the Drinking Age in Japan
There are no exceptions to the legal drinking age of 20 in Japan – even if someone is accompanied by an adult or guardian who is over 20 years old they are still not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol legally until they reach this age themselves. However, there are some cases where people under 20 can drink legally if they have obtained a special “drinking license” from their local government office which allows them to purchase and consume alcohol at certain licensed establishments such as bars and restaurants (with parental permission). These licenses are typically granted on a case-by-case basis and require applicants to prove their maturity and responsibility when it comes to alcohol consumption before being granted permission by their local government office.
5 Legal Consequences for Underage Drinking in Japan
Anyone caught purchasing or consuming alcohol illegally while under 20 years old can face serious consequences including fines and/or jail time depending on their offense and jurisdiction within which they were caught breaking the law. Additionally, those caught supplying minors with alcohol can also face serious penalties such as fines and/or jail time depending on their offense as well as any potential damages caused by underage drinkers due to intoxication (e.g., property damage).
6 Is There a Difference Between Legal Drinking Age & Social Norms?
While there may be some differences between what is considered socially acceptable when it comes to underage drinking versus what is legally allowed within Japanese borders – both parties tend to agree that it’s best for minors not to drink until they reach adulthood (20 years). Furthermore, many parents also take steps such as keeping track of their children’s whereabouts when out with friends or providing guidance about responsible consumption when attending events such as parties where alcohol might be present – even if it’s not openly consumed by minors themselves.
7 What Can You Do if You’re Underage & Want To Drink?
If you’re under 20 years old and want to drink legally within Japanese borders then your only option would be applying for a special “drinking license” through your local government office which would allow you access certain licensed establishments such as bars and restaurants (with parental permission). Otherwise, minors should abstain from consuming alcohol until they reach adulthood at which point they will be able to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages legally without fear of repercussions from authorities due to breaking any laws concerning underage consumption within Japanese borders.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important for both adults and minors alike living within Japanese borders understand that there are strict laws concerning underage consumption which must be followed at all times – failure do so could result in serious penalties including fines and/or jail time depending on one’s offense(s). However, those wishing to drink before reaching adulthood may apply for a special “drinking license” through their local government office which would allow them access certain licensed establishments such as bars and restaurants (with parental permission).
9 Resources
-Japan Times: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/201/102559508528_20190509_01/?cid=social-twitter-en-backstories-20190509_01-n1 -Japan Guide: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2224_001a3_02b1_02b1a0c1b0d0e0f0g0z0y00z1y00z000y000x000w000v000u000t000s000r000q000p00o00n00m00l00k00j00i00hhgfdfcebdacabaa9a8a7a6a5a4a3a291908170615141312111090807060504030201#legal-age
What can you do in Japan at 18?
That means 18-year-olds can sign smartphone or credit card contracts rent apartments or make big payments on cars or English school loans without parental permission.
What age is considered a minor in Japan?
Japanese criminal law stipulates that acts of persons under the age of 14 cannot be punished. However under Japanese law shounen refers to anyone under the age of one.
What is the drinking age in Mexico?
18 years old
The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or drivers license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.
What is Jamaica’s drinking age?
18
Used in moderation, alcohol is safe, but it`s just the opposite when it comes to binge drinking, alcoholism, drunk driving, or drinking spikes. The legal drinking age in Jamaica is 18. Providing alcohol to a person under the age of 18 is a criminal offence. And that`s just the physical effects.
What age can you go to jail in Japan?
Under the Japanese Penal Code (Article 41) it is stipulated that acts committed by persons under the age of 14 are not punishable. Therefore penal institutions such as detention centers and juvenile prisons only house persons one year or older.
How many children can you have in Japan?
two children
Japan does not have a child policy regulating how many children a couple may have. Most Japanese, however, have one or two children. According to Japanese law, there is no limit on how many children a family have.
