The Japanese government has raised the age of consent to sexual activity from 13 to 16, a limit that had remained unchanged for over a century and was among the lowest in the world.
A new bill, which also clarifies rape prosecution requirements and criminalises voyeurism, was approved by the upper house of parliament by a vote of unanimous approval. It prohibits the production, distribution, and possession of sexually exploitative images captured without consent.
The change occurred in response to demands for enhanced protection of children and women.
Below age 13, sexual activity is considered statutory rape. The age of consent is 16 in Britain, 15 in France, 14 in Germany, and 14 in China. Japan’s has been unchanged since 1907, with children aged 13 and above deemed capable of consent.
In 2017, Japan revised its criminal code regarding sexual offences for the first time in over two centuries.
Proponents of stricter sex-crime laws applauded the changes but stated that more must be done to safeguard women and girls in Japan.
The bill that has been passed on Friday June 16 includes a list of circumstances under which rape charges can be brought. These include victims being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, fear, and perpetrators exploiting social status.
A justice ministry official told a publication earlier this year that the clarifications were not “meant to make it easier or harder” to secure rape convictions, but “will hopefully make court verdicts more consistent.”
The bill also contains a new “visitation request offence,” according to the justice ministry. It means that people who use intimidation, seduction or money to coerce children under 16 to meet for sexual purposes will face a prison sentence of up to a year or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,500).
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