Japan is a country known for its traditions, but in recent years, it has made significant legal changes, especially when it comes to the legal age of adulthood. If you’re wondering at what age someone is considered a legal adult in Japan, the answer is not as simple as it seems. While the legal voting age has been lowered, many rights and restrictions still apply until the age of 20.
When do You Become a Legal Adult in Japan?
Historically, adulthood in Japan has shifted over time. During the Edo period, girls were considered adults at 13 and boys at 15. This changed during the Meiji era, when the legal age was set at 20 for both genders in 1876. This remained unchanged until 2015, when the Japanese government passed a bill to lower the age of adulthood to 18.
However, this law didn’t come into effect until April 1, 2022. From this date, individuals aged 18 and 19 are now legally considered adults in specific contexts, such as voting and signing contracts, while other age-related restrictions remain in place.
What Changed After 2022?
Under Japan’s revised civil code, young people aged 18 and above can now:
- Vote in national and local elections.
- Sign contracts (such as rental agreements or mobile phone plans) without parental consent.
- Apply for credit cards at some banks (though many still require parental approval until age 20).
- Get married without needing a parent’s permission (previously, girls could marry at 16 and boys at 18 with consent).
This change is partly due to Japan’s aging population and the need to involve younger generations in society and the economy earlier.
What Hasn’t Changed?
Despite the new definition of legal adulthood, some important age restrictions remain:
- Drinking Age in Japan: You must be 20 years old to legally purchase or consume alcohol. This includes bars, restaurants, and public places.
- Smoking Age in Japan: Like alcohol, tobacco products are restricted to those aged 20 and over. Many convenience stores require ID verification or the use of a Taspo card, a special ID for purchasing cigarettes from vending machines.
- Gambling: Both pachinko and lotteries are illegal for those under 20.
So, while 18-year-olds are considered adults in certain legal contexts, they are not yet free to participate in all aspects of adult life.
Legal Voting Age in Japan
The voting age in Japan was officially lowered from 20 to 18 in 2022. This marked a significant change in civic engagement, enabling more young people to have a say in national politics. The change was part of a broader effort to involve youth in decision-making, especially with a rapidly aging population.
However, it’s important to note that this change only applies to voting rights. It does not affect other legal thresholds such as alcohol, tobacco, or criminal sentencing.
Legal Driving Age in Japan
Driving laws in Japan also follow specific age-based categories:
- At age 16: Teenagers can get a license to drive a motorcycle or moped.
- At age 18: They can apply for a standard driver’s license and legally purchase a car.
- At age 20: Eligibility begins for operating large vehicles requiring special licenses.
- At age 21: Individuals can apply for a license to drive professional vehicles like buses and trucks.
These laws ensure that younger drivers gain experience before operating more complex or commercial vehicles.
Legal Age of Criminal Responsibility in Japan
According to the Japanese Penal Code, the age of criminal responsibility is 14 years old. Offenders between 14 and 19 can be prosecuted but are typically processed under juvenile law, which aims for rehabilitation rather than punishment.
For serious crimes, minors can be tried as adults under exceptional circumstances, although their identities are often protected by law.
Seijin Shiki: Japan’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony
While the legal age has shifted, the cultural celebration of adulthood in Japan, Seijin Shiki 成人式, still honors those turning 20. Held on the second Monday of January, this Coming-of-Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) is an important rite of passage.
Young adults wear traditional attire like kimono or suits and attend ceremonies at local city halls or shrines. It’s a day to mark their new responsibilities and role in society, complete with speeches, photos, and sometimes a toast (for those who are legally allowed to drink).
Despite the legal changes, many municipalities have chosen to keep Seijin Shiki at age 20, reinforcing its cultural importance.
Why the Age of Adulthood in Japan Still Matters
While the civil code now defines adulthood as beginning at 18, the cultural and practical reality is more complex. The dual threshold, 18 for legal and political rights and 20 for lifestyle privileges, can be confusing for residents and visitors. However, it reflects Japan’s careful balance between modern policy and traditional values.
As Japan faces demographic challenges, these changes aim to empower the younger generation and encourage early participation in society. Still, the distinction between being legally recognized as an adult and enjoying full adult freedoms remains a defining feature of modern Japanese law.
Translated by Cherise Fong
Cover Photo: Nicholas Ng
