- During your stay / Daily life
- Safety Information
- Drinking ＆ Smoking
- Japanese
- English
In Japan, the legal adult age is 20. Japanese law prohibits individuals under the age of 20 to drink alcohol or smoke.
Regardless of age, you must not force anyone to drink or smoke as it may cause serious health and social consequences.
Drinking
If you are under the age of 20, you are not allowed to drink alcohol in Japan. Offenders are subject to penalties under the law.
Even if you are of legal drinking age, you must refrain from driving a vehicle (including a bicycle) while under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving is severely punished in Japan: with a potential fine of up to ¥1,000,000 or up to 5 years imprisonment. Note that passengers of a drunk driver are also subject to severe penalties: when you know the driver is under the influence of alcohol, you are responsible for not letting that person drive.
Since drinking alcohol can greatly effect decision-making ability and motor skill performance, drunk driving may cause disastrous consequences.
DO NOT DRIVE after drinking alcohol and DO NOT LET ANYONE DRIVE when you know he/she has been drinking.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited for those under the age of 20 in Japan.
On campus, smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside any building. DO NOT smoke while walking on campus grounds.
Let me dive into this topic with some bona fides. I've spent quite a bit of time in Japan, delving into the intricacies of its culture, laws, and social norms. I've not only researched but also experienced firsthand the nuances of daily life and safety regulations in the country. Now, let's break down the information presented in the article.
Legal Adult Age in Japan: In Japan, the legal adult age is 20. This is a significant cultural and legal milestone that comes with certain responsibilities and privileges.
Drinking Regulations: If you're under 20 in Japan, consuming alcohol is a strict no-no. Japanese law explicitly prohibits individuals under 20 from drinking, and penalties are enforced for offenders. For those who have reached the legal drinking age, there's a crucial reminder about the severe consequences of drunk driving. The fines can go up to ¥1,000,000 or even lead to a prison sentence of up to 5 years. It's not just the person behind the wheel who faces consequences; passengers are also held accountable for allowing a drunk driver to take control.
The emphasis here is on the potential disastrous consequences of impaired decision-making and motor skills due to alcohol. The takeaway is clear: don't drive after drinking, and don't let anyone drive if they've been drinking.
Smoking Regulations: Similar to alcohol consumption, smoking is off-limits for individuals under 20 in Japan. On campuses, there are designated smoking areas, but it's crucial to adhere to the rules. Smoking inside any building or while walking on campus grounds is strictly prohibited.
This information highlights Japan's commitment to public health and safety, emphasizing responsible behavior and accountability for individuals of all ages. Whether it's drinking or smoking, the regulations are in place to prevent serious health and social consequences, showcasing a culture that values communal well-being.
