Whether you’re a foreign resident or a visitor in Japan, understanding the country’s age-related laws is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay. Japanese law sets age restrictions for various activities, including buying alcohol or cigarettes, getting a driver’s licence, and accessing certain types of entertainment. This guide will walk you through the key age restrictions you should be aware of while in Japan.
Legal Age of Adulthood
As of April 1, 2022, Japan lowered the legal age of adulthood from 20 to 18. This change means that individuals 18 and older can enter into contracts and obtain credit cards without parental consent. The legal age for marriage has also been unified at 18 for both men and women. However, the age restrictions for drinking, smoking, and participating in certain forms of gambling remain at 20.
Age Restrictions in Japan
Age for Drinking and Smoking
Alcohol
In Japan, you must be at least 20 years old to legally drink alcohol. You may be asked to show ID when purchasing alcohol at supermarkets, convenience stores, or when ordering at bars and restaurants. Offering alcohol to minors is also prohibited and can result in penalties.
Tobacco
Similarly, you need to be 20 years old to purchase or smoke tobacco. Retailers are required to verify the age of anyone buying tobacco, and a “Taspo card”, which confirms the buyer’s age, is needed to buy cigarettes from vending machines. Adults who provide tobacco to minors can also face legal consequences.
Entertainment and Leisure Restrictions
Amusement Arcade
Japan’s game centres (amusement arcades) have time restrictions for minors. Children under 16 are not allowed to enter after 6 PM unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those under 18 cannot enter after 10 PM.
Karaoke
There are also time limits for minors in karaoke boxes. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if they wish to stay after 11 PM. Venues might refuse late-night entry to minors groups to avoid potential fines.
Nightclubs
Nightclubs and bars in Japan generally have a minimum age requirement of 20, as alcohol is typically served in these venues. Minors are usually not permitted to enter, and you may be asked to show ID at the door.
Access to Games, Anime, and Movies
Many video games, anime, and movies in Japan come with age restrictions. Adult-only content (R18) is usually kept in separate sections in stores or rental shops to prevent access by minors.
Age Restrictions for Driving
Standard Cars
To obtain a standard driver’s licence in Japan, you must be at least 18 years old. This requires completing both classroom and practical lessons at a driving school, followed by passing a national exam. While a standard licence allows you to drive regular cars, additional qualifications are needed to drive medium or large vehicles, which you can obtain starting at 20.
There’s no upper age limit for driving, but you must pass an aptitude test. Drivers aged 70 and older are required to attend a senior driving course when renewing their licence.
Scooters
You can get a licence to drive a scooter (50cc or less) from the age of 16. The test for this licence is relatively easy, making it popular among young people. However, there are specific rules for the small scooters, such as speed limits and required two-step turns at intersections. Violating these rules can result in penalties.
Driving by Foreigners
Foreigners under 18, even if they have a valid driver’s licence from their home country, cannot drive in Japan. Since Japan requires drivers to be at least 18, they cannot obtain an international driving permit until they meet this age requirement.
Age Restrictions on Sexual Content
Age of Consent
The legal age of consent in Japan is technically 13, but local regulations often set a higher standard, effectively making 18 the age of consent in many areas. Since these laws vary by region, it’s important to be aware of the local rules.
Pornography Regulations
In Japan, you must be at least 18 years old to view or purchase pornography. This includes adult videos, magazines, and online content. Selling or providing adult content to minors is illegal and punishable by law.
Marriage Age Requirements
Legal Age for Marriage
With the 2022 legal changes, both men and women in Japan can marry at 18. Before this, men could marry at 18, but women could marry as young as 16. Now, both genders are treated equally under the law, and those 18 and older can marry without parental consent.
Marriage for Foreigners
Foreigners wishing to marry in Japan must comply with Japanese law, but they should also consider the legal requirements of their home country. For instance, if a foreigner is not old enough to marry according to their own country’s laws, the marriage may not be recognised in Japan.
Employment Regulations
Legal Working Age
In Japan, the minimum working age is generally 15. However, workers between 15 and 18 are subject to restrictions under labour laws, including bans on night shifts (10 PM to 5 AM) and hazardous work. Parental consent may also be required for employment contracts involving minors.
Japan’s age-related laws apply to everyone, including foreign visitors and residents. Understanding and adhering to these age regulations is essential for living or travelling safely and legally in Japan.
