The age of adulthood in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 on April 1, 2022. This makes it possible for 18- or 19-year-olds to sign a smartphone contract or take out a loan without parental consent, but also means that they need to take responsibility for such decisions.
Highlights
- The age of adulthood in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 on April 1, 2022.
- It means that 18- or 19-year-olds will be able to sign a contract for a smartphone or credit card, lease an apartment, or enter an expensive loan contract for an automobile or English conversation school, without parental consent.
- The age at which a woman can marry was raised from 16 to 18 to bring it in line with the age for men.
- It has also become possible for people with gender dysphoria to petition for gender reassignment at 18.
- Public gambling such as betting on horse or boat racing is also allowed only for those 20 years of age or older.