Seijin・せいじん・Change in Legal age in Japan・20⇒18

Above illustrates "Coming of age" ceremony in Japan for the new adults.
It's on the second Monday of January.

Legal age in Japan - background

In 1876 (7th year of Meiji era), legal age was set at 20 (Civil law). Some major rules included:

✔ Minors (under 20 years old) were not allowed to act (legal transactions) without consent of a legal representative (usually parents or guardian).

✔ Consumption of alcohol and tobacco were prohibited for minors. This was a law, but not strictly enforced. For a long time, anybody could purchase alcohol and tobacco in Japan. Alcohol and tobacco were not a big issue/problem for people (Since 2000, it's been more strictly enforced.)

✔ Minors were prohibited from entering/participating in public gambling activities: horse race, bicycle race, boat race, auto race.

✔ Right to vote public officials was not granted for minors.

Circumstances and rules are changing in today's  society

In 2016 (28th year of Heisei era), Public Offices Election Act was amended to lower the voting age from 20 to 18 (implemented in 2018). This was to promote young citizens' interests and participation in political decision making. Declining birthrate in Japan was a big factor in this.

This change triggered more discussions and debates surrounding legal age issues, and as a result, the 2022 revision of legal age came about that standardized the regulations as much as possible.

What's changed and what's not changed - 2022 legal age shift down to 18

✔ Things that changed

• Various contracts can be made without parental consent such as credit card, phone service, loan, rental.
• Apply for passport with 10 years validity period (This used to be 5 years).
• Jury duty. Ages 18-19 may be called for the service.
• Apply for gender change for people with gender identity disorder.
• Public accountant and medical doctor licensing (MD must complete 6 years of medical school so it's nearly impossible to be licensed at 18).
• Marriage age for female (this was raised from 16 to 18. For male, it was 18 already).

✔ Things that are not changed

• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco (still prohibited for under 20)
• Public gambling activity (still prohibited for under 20)
• Mandatory participation in national pension program (stays mandatory for 20 and above)

What impact does it have on the society?

2022 change in legal age from 20 to 18 will have great impact on business sectors.

Imagine 18 years old, without consulting parents/guardian, can apply for credit cards, sign up for internet service, smart phone contracts, game and application subscriptions and online shopping.

More worries and concerns for parents? Probably.

But it's more a result of natural progression. Most countries in the world set their legal age as 18. According to OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development),
of the 35 participating nations, 32 of them had age 18 as legal age.

Legal age can be considered as a participation age. You can participate more in what affects your life. And by setting the legal age, it's also made clear that you need to act responsibly as an adult once you turn 18.

Today's 18 years old are more aware of what goes on around them. Information is accessible in wider area at super speed. Overall education level is higher than 100 years ago. It's about time we trust their maturity and judgement ability as we do all adults.

There are pros and cons just like any other matters. But hopefully, this change will bring more benefits to the society as a whole.

What to be careful and watch out for - 10 points to note

As we (adults) all recall, late teens to early 20s are full of curiosity and interests. There are so much things to try, put our hands on, and get hooked on.

It's foreseeable that there will be numerous temptations and traps waiting for the new adults.

National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan (国民生活センター・Kokumin Seikatu Center) published "the latest top 10 troubles to watch out for" aimed toward new adults ages 18-19.

The Center offers more help and advice on their homepage as well as through telephone hotline.

See you next time!