1. Introduction
The legal age in Japan is a complex issue, as it depends on the type of activity being undertaken. The age of majority in Japan is 20 years old, but there are different ages for different activities such as work, marriage and criminal responsibility. In this article, we will explore the various legal ages that exist in Japan.
2. Overview of Japanese Legal System and Age Requirements
Japan’s legal system is based upon the civil code which was adopted from Germany in the late 19th century and has been amended numerous times since then. This code sets out the various legal ages that must be observed in Japan including the age of majority, minimum legal age for employment, marriageable age and age of criminal responsibility.
3. Age of Majority in Japan
The age of majority in Japan is 20 years old and this is when a person officially becomes an adult according to Japanese law. At this age, a person can enter into contracts, vote and purchase alcohol legally.
4. Minimum Legal Age for Employment in Japan
The minimum legal age for employment in Japan is 15 years old however there are restrictions on the type of work that can be undertaken by those under 18 years old. For example, minors cannot undertake hazardous work or work that requires long hours or night shifts without parental consent or supervision from an adult over 18 years old.
5. Marriageable Age in Japan
The marriageable age in Japan is 18 years old for both men and women although those who are 16 years old can marry with parental consent or permission from a court judge depending on the circumstances.
6. Age of Criminal Responsibility in Japan
The age of criminal responsibility in Japan is 14 years old however those between 14-18 years old are usually only held criminally responsible if their actions were premeditated or particularly malicious or violent. Those under 14 years old are not held criminally responsible at all as they are deemed too young to understand their actions properly or have any real understanding of right and wrong behaviour according to Japanese law.
7. Age Restrictions on Alcohol Consumption in Japan
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old however there are no laws against underage drinking per se as long as it does not occur publicly or cause any public disturbances such as drunk driving etc.. However, it should be noted that it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 20 years old regardless if it occurs on private property or not so parents should take extra precautions when hosting parties at home with underage guests present etc..
8 Conclusion
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In conclusion, the legal ages applicable to different activities vary significantly depending on what activity you wish to undertake within Japanese law so it’s important to familiarise yourself with these laws before engaging in any activities within your own country or abroad within another jurisdiction such as Japan where different laws may apply depending on your status and nationality etc..
9 References
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https://www3.lawyers-jp.com/en/legal-ages-in-japan/ https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/?re=02
Is the legal age in Japan 13?
TOKYO Feb. 18 (Xinhua) — The Japanese government plans to raise the countrys legal age for sex from 13 to 16 as part of a major overhaul of sex crime laws.
Is 14 the legal age in Japan?
Criminal liability etc. 42. The Japanese Penal Code states that the acts of a person under the age of 14 are not punishable. However under Japanese juvenile law a minor (shonen) refers to anyone under one year of age.
What age is a minor in Japan?
Masculinity in Japan has always been defined as beginning at age 20 as first defined in the 1876 Declaration. However the Civil Code will be amended from April 1 2022
Can you drink at 18 in Japan?
The legal age of majority in Japan is 20. Japanese law prohibits people under the age of 20 from drinking or smoking. At any age you should never force someone to drink or smoke because it can have serious health and social consequences.
What country has the lowest consent age?
In seven member states: Austria Bulgaria Estonia Germany Hungary Italy and Portugal the minimum age is 14. The maximum age in Malta is set at 18 years. Almost half of the Member States apply different age limits for sexual activity among young people.
Is South Korea age of consent 13?
According to Article 305 of the Korean Penal Code the age of consent in South Korea is set at 20. This is his one of the oldest consent periods in the world. Korea used to have the lowest retirement age in the world.
