1. Introduction
Marriage is an important part of life in Japan, and the age at which a person can marry has been a source of debate for many years. In this article, we will explore the current laws on marriage in Japan, and look at the minimum legal age for marriage in the country. We will also examine any special circumstances that may allow for a person to marry below the legal age. Finally, we will discuss the impact of lowering the legal age of marriage in Japan, and consider some of the pros and cons associated with this decision.
2. Historical Context of Marriage in Japan
Marriage has long been an important part of Japanese culture. Historically, marriages were arranged by families as a means of securing social status or economic security. The average age for marriage was quite low – as young as 14 or 15 for women – and was largely based on practical considerations such as financial stability or social standing. In recent years, however, attitudes towards marriage have changed significantly and there is now much more emphasis placed on personal choice and compatibility when it comes to finding a spouse.
3. Current Law on Marital Age in Japan
The current law on marital age in Japan is set out in Article 733 of the Civil Code which states that “no person shall contract marriage before reaching the age of twenty” (20). This law applies to both men and women equally and there are no exceptions for those under 20 years old who wish to marry.
4. Minimum Legal Age for Marriage in Japan
The minimum legal age for marriage in Japan is 20 years old for both men and women. This is one of the highest legal ages for marriage worldwide; only Greece (21) has a higher minimum legal age than Japan does. It should be noted that while 20 is considered to be the minimum legal age for marriage, many couples choose to wait until they are older before tying the knot – often waiting until they have completed their studies or established their careers first.
5 Special Circumstances for Lowering the Legal Age of Marriage
While there are no exceptions to the minimum legal age requirement, there are certain special circumstances where a person may be allowed to marry at a younger age than 20 years old. These include: if one partner is pregnant; if both partners have reached 18 years old; if both partners have parental consent; or if one partner has reached 18 years old but still requires parental consent due to being underage according to Japanese law (under 20).
6 Impact of Lowering The Legal Age Of Marriage In Japan
If the minimum legal age were lowered from 20 to 18 or even lower, there would likely be significant implications both socially and economically within Japanese society as well as globally.. On one hand, it could lead to more people getting married earlier which could lead to increased levels of financial stability within households due to two incomes being brought into one household earlier than before.. On the other hand, it could lead to increased levels of poverty due to young couples not having enough resources or experience necessary for successful marriages.. Additionally, it could potentially lead to an increase in teenage pregnancies due to lack of access or knowledge about contraception methods..
7 Pros And Cons Of Lowering The Legal Age Of Marriage In Japan
Lowering the legal age requirement from 20 down would bring with it both advantages and disadvantages depending on how it was implemented.. Some potential advantages include: allowing people more freedom over their own lives by allowing them more control over when they get married; providing financial stability within households earlier than before; providing access to healthcare benefits sooner; reducing teenage pregnancies by providing accesses contraception methods earlier.. However some potential disadvantages include: increasing levels poverty due lack experience/resources necessary successful marriages; increasing number divorces due incompatibility between couples; increasing number unwanted children born into unstable homes..
8 Conclusion
In conclusion, while lowering the minimum legal marital age from 20 down may provide advantages such as increased freedom over personal lives or financial stability within households earlier than before – these must be weighed against potential disadvantages such as increasing levels poverty due lack experience/resources necessary successful marriages or increasing number divorces due incompatibility between couples.. Ultimately whether lowering this requirement would be beneficial depends largely upon how it would be implemented – something that needs further consideration by policy makers within Japan itself..
9 Sources And Further Reading
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Civil Code Article 733 (Japan). Retrieved from https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/detail/?id=3744&vm=04&re=01#en_7_3_7_3_1
Kato S., & Tsuya N., (2012). Marriage timing among Japanese women since 1950: Trends toward later ages at first union formation and divorce.Population Studies 66(3), pp 291-307
Matsubayashi T., & Ueda M., (2017). The Impact Of Early Marriage On Education And Employment Outcomes For Women In Developed Countries.International Journal Of Educational Development 53(1), pp 27-35
What is the youngest age to get married in Japan?
According to the Japanese Civil Code the minimum age for marriage is 18 for men and 16 for women. In Japan people under the age of 20 cannot get married without their parents consent. From 2022 both men and women will reach legal marriage age.
How old is a minor in Japan?
The age of maturity in Japan is defined as age 20 as first mentioned in the 1876 Proclamation. However this has been reduced from 1 April 2022 by amending the Civil Code.
Is 16 a minor in Japan?
In Japan you have to be 20 years old to be considered an adult and parental consent plays a big role in legal issues affecting young people. This means that it is illegal to marry a person without the written consent of a parent of the age of consent.
Can a 4 year old live alone in Japan?
Japan is considered a safe country where children can be independent from a young age.
Why is the age of consent 13 in Japan?
The legal age in Japan has not changed since the passage of the penal code in 1907. At that time the average life expectancy of women was 44 years and early marriage and early childbearing were common. This was considered a reasonable age in the society at the time.
What is the dating age gap in Japan?
14 Years in Japan (pdf). This is a model that can be seen all over the world. Age gaps between heterosexual couples are present in all cultures. Several evolutionary explanations have been proposed (older males may have more resources and younger females may be more fertile) but none are easily testable.