As of April 1, 2022, Japan officially lowered the age of adulthood from 20 to 18 years old. This legal change has brought about significant shifts in what young adults can do in Japan, as well as what is still restricted until they turn 20. While 18-year-olds are now considered legal adults in many respects, some activities, such as drinking alcohol and smoking, remain prohibited until age 20. This guide will help foreign residents understand the legal responsibilities and restrictions based on age in Japan.
What Changes at 18?
With the legal age of adulthood now set at 18, young people gain several new rights and responsibilities. Here’s what 18-year-olds can do under the new law:
- Sign Contracts:
At 18, individuals can enter into contracts on their own, without parental consent. This includes contracts for renting an apartment, taking out a loan, or signing a phone contract. It also means they bear the legal responsibility for these agreements. - Get Married Without Parental Consent:
Before the law change, both men and women needed to be at least 20 years old or have parental consent to marry. Now, men and women aged 18 and over can marry without needing their parents’ approval. However, under Japanese law, women must still be at least 18 to marry (this was raised from 16). - Apply for a Credit Card:
Individuals 18 and older can apply for a credit card, though approval depends on various factors such as credit history and income. - Vote:
The voting age in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 in 2016. This means that individuals 18 and older can vote in national and local elections, giving them a voice in shaping the government.
What 18-Year-Olds Still Cannot Do
Despite being considered legal adults, 18-year-olds in Japan are still prohibited from certain activities until they turn 20. Here’s what remains restricted:
- Drinking Alcohol:
Japanese law strictly prohibits anyone under the age of 20 from purchasing or consuming alcohol. Even if you’re 18 or 19 and considered an adult in other respects, it is illegal to drink alcohol until your 20th birthday. - Smoking Tobacco:
Similar to alcohol, smoking tobacco is also restricted to individuals aged 20 and over. This law applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and electronic vaping devices. - Gambling:
While certain forms of gambling are legal in Japan, such as horse racing, boat racing, and lotteries, you must be 20 or older to participate in these activities. - Pachinko (パチンコ):
Although pachinko is not classified as gambling, as it is technically a game for prizes, players must still be 20 or older to enter pachinko parlors.
Other Age-Related Legal Responsibilities
- Criminal Responsibility (刑事責任):
In Japan, the age of criminal responsibility is 14. This means that if a minor commits a crime, they can face legal consequences from the age of 14. However, individuals aged 18 and over are tried as adults in the criminal justice system, which can lead to more severe punishments than for minors. - Driving License:
The legal age to obtain a standard driver’s license in Japan is 18. This means that once you turn 18, you can apply for a license to drive cars and motorcycles (with certain engine size restrictions). - Working Night Shifts:
Although 18-year-olds are legal adults, Japan’s labor laws still restrict those under 20 from working certain jobs, particularly late-night shifts in certain industries like entertainment and hospitality. Labor laws in Japan aim to protect young workers from potentially harmful environments. - Civil Responsibility:
At 18, individuals can now be held fully responsible for civil matters, including being sued or required to pay damages if found liable in civil cases.
Why the Age Change?
The decision to lower the age of adulthood from 20 to 18 was driven by several factors. Japan’s government aimed to align the country’s laws with other nations where adulthood often begins at 18. The change also reflects societal trends, as younger people are taking on greater roles and responsibilities in modern life. Additionally, the government hopes this will encourage greater political participation among young people, as they can now vote at 18.
Important Reminders for Foreign Residents
If you are a foreign resident in Japan, it is essential to understand these laws, as they apply to everyone in the country, regardless of nationality. Violating age-related restrictions, especially those involving alcohol or tobacco, can result in fines, criminal charges, or even deportation in serious cases. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the legal restrictions based on age to avoid any issues.
