The age of majority in Japan has been lowered from 20 to 18.

　　According to a report by the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK) on January 2, since April this year, according to the amendment of Japan’s Civil Law, the age of majority in Japan has been lowered from 20 to 18, that is, 18 years old is an "adult". In addition, the marriage age of women has been raised from the previous 16 years to the same 18 years as men.

　　This is the first time that Japan has lowered the age of adulthood since 1876. As long as you are 18 years old, you can apply for credit card and loan contracts even without your parents’ consent. In addition, from the age of 18, you can complete the application for a 10-year passport in Japan; People with both Japanese and foreign nationalities can apply for nationality selection and obtain qualifications such as certified public accountants and judicial scribes.

　　On the other hand, Japan still prohibits people under the age of 20 from drinking, smoking, and participating in four kinds of public gambling, such as horse racing and bicycle racing.

　　In order to cope with the downward adjustment of the age of majority, the juvenile law has also been revised and has been implemented since April this year. People aged 18 and 19 are defined as "specific juveniles" and will continue to be protected. However, in principle, the scope of cases sent back to the procuratorate from the family court has expanded, which is somewhat different from that of people under 17. After reaching the age of 18, once sued, the media can report their real names and photos.

　　With regard to the downward adjustment of the age of adulthood, Japanese society believes that the responsibility and rights protection of juvenile offenders have also changed accordingly. (Headquarters reporter He Xinlei)