Wa-pedia Home > Japan Forum & Europe Forum
Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Coming-of-age in Japan

  1. #1
    Twirling dragon Maciamo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 17, 2002
    Location
    Posts
    2,434

    Question Coming-of-age in Japan

    I was wondering what was the legal age to be considered as an adult in Japan. In most Western countries it's 18.

    The coming-of-age ceremony l (seijinshiki) is at 20. It's also the legal age for drinking and smoking.

    However, I have been told that the legal age to have a driving licence is 18, like in Europe (and unlike America). It seems that you can also have a passport and travel alone at 18, not 20.

    What's the legal age to sign documents, contracts, etc. without a tutor ?

    The term "coming-of-age" is confusing. For me it means be able to sign alone and take full responsibility of one's acts, be able to drive, travel abroad alone, or be independant from my parents. It doesn't mean to drink or smoke as there is no legal age for this in some European countries (eg Belgium) and in others its much earlier than 18 (can't imagine a party without a minimum of alcohol even when you are 14 or 16).

    So, I don't understand why Japanese people insist that they become adult (seijin) at 20 and not 18 if they are legally independant (to sign, contract, drive, travel on their own, etc.).

    Can anybody give me more information about this ?

    Visit Japan for free with Wa-pedia
    See what's new on the forum ?
    Eupedia : Europe Guide & Genetics
    Maciamo & Eupedia on Twitter

    "What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?", Winston Churchill.

  2. #2
    Decommissioned ex-admin thomas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 14, 2002
    Posts
    212
    Probably it's the typical "legality vs. tradition" thing. Anyhow, if I'm not completely wrong Japanese acquire their legal capacity with 20 years (smoking, drinking, voting etc.).

  3. #3
    Owner of Mavurik.net Mavurik's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 11, 2002
    Location
    Tokyo, Japan
    Age
    38
    Posts
    1

    Talking Its funny...

    In places like Europe where there is no drinking age kids generally don't go wild over alcohol. But bring some kids in the army over to those places and they get drunk like its their last time drinking or something, then the Europeans look at them like "what the heck?" because they're so used to being able to take a sip whenever they want to. I think age limits like that create problems like that in some cases because people want to do it when they're not supposed to. But if you're allowed to, what's the big deal?

    Score for Mavurik
    Click <a href="http://www.mavurik.net">here</a> to check out the online journal of my life in Tokyo, Japan attending Sophia University! There are lots of pictures and videos for those of you who want to see what Japan and life as a student in Japan is really like!

  4. #4
    Regular Member moyashi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 15, 2002
    Location
    SonyLand
    Age
    54
    Posts
    146
    As posted above 20 is the age to be. But typical situations don't follow the law in any form what so ever. Remember society rules are the laws will the laws are to be used when society rules are broken.

    minors buy beer from vending machines. 15 year olds drink in bars.

    Sex and marriage is anything that's not wearing a school uniform, ie is over 16 and not in high school. Although, the sex part isn't really enforced marriage tends to be since you have to go through the city hall.

    Sexual based establishments are pretty good normally about not using minors since police do sometimes run raids though, unless you're payed up and the yakuza will inform you of your appointment.

    Everything else is either straight cash or never.

    However renting an apartment is never. You will always need a co-signer to guarantee that you'll do your duty. sorry even 90 year olds need one. No family, no guarantor = tough luck
    crazy gonna crazy

Similar Threads

  1. The coming age of Chinese multinationals
    By lightbeam in forum Finance, Economy & Science
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: Sep 6, 2005, 13:03
  2. Replies: 7
    Last Post: Oct 26, 2002, 02:01

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •