Japan’s age of consent was officially raised from 13, one of the lowest in the world, to 16 years old on Friday as lawmakers unanimously passed significant reforms to sex crime legislation. These reforms, which also address rape prosecution requirements and criminalize voyeurism, have been welcomed by campaigners and seen as a major step forward in protecting human rights.
Age of Consent Reform Sends a Strong Message Against Sexual Violence
Campaigners, including the Tokyo-based group Human Rights Now, have applauded the reforms, particularly the raising of the age of consent. They believe this change will send a clear message to society that sexual violence committed by adults against children is unacceptable. The previous age of consent in Japan had remained unchanged since 1907, with children aged 13 and above considered capable of giving consent. However, in practice, regional ordinances banning “lewd” acts with minors had effectively raised the age of consent to 18 in many parts of the country.
New Law Provides Exemption for Teen Couples Close in Age
Under the newly passed law, teen couples who are no more than five years apart in age will be exempt from prosecution if both partners are over the age of 13. This provision aims to address concerns about consensual relationships among young people while maintaining appropriate protections against exploitation and abuse.
Clarification of Rape Prosecution Requirements and Criminalization of Voyeurism
The reform bill also includes explicit examples under which rape prosecutions can be pursued, such as cases involving victims under the influence of alcohol or drugs, cases where victims are frightened, and cases where perpetrators exploit their social status. The aim is to provide clearer guidelines for prosecutors and ensure more consistent court verdicts. Additionally, the bill introduces a new offense called “visitation request offense,” targeting individuals who use intimidation, seduction, or monetary incentives to coerce children under 16 into meeting for sexual purposes. Such offenders will face penalties of up to one year in prison or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,500).
Criminalization of Voyeurism and Diverse Opinions on Reforms
For the first time, the reform bill criminalizes voyeurism, an act that had previously been regulated by regional ordinances. Under the new law, secretly filming private body parts, underwear, or indecent acts without a justifiable reason can lead to penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to three million yen. While some residents of Tokyo welcome these reforms as progress, others express skepticism about their effectiveness in completely eradicating voyeurism and secret filming.
In conclusion, Japan’s recent reforms represent a significant milestone in addressing sex crimes, protecting minors, and promoting a safer society. The changes to the age of consent, the clarifications in rape prosecution requirements, and the criminalization of voyeurism are expected to have a positive impact on the legal landscape and contribute to greater consistency in court verdicts. However, ongoing vigilance and education will be crucial in combating these offenses and ensuring the well-being of individuals, especially the most vulnerable.
SOURCE: Ref Image from asahi.com
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