Japan Prepares to Increase The Age Of Consent For Sexual Intercourse From 13 To 16
Japan Prepares to Increase The Age Of Consent For Sexual Intercourse From 13 To 16
Japan has announced that it is preparing to raise the age for sexual intercourse from 13 to 16, following criticism that existing laws fail to protect children from rape and other sexual crimes. However, in Japan, which has the lowest age of consent of all G7 countries, the new bill comes after multiple acquittals sparked public outcry, including a case in which a man repeatedly raped his daughter.
In Japan, a department of the Ministry of Justice has proposed increasing the age of consent for sexual intercourse from 13 to 16. The bill in question came after a large number of rape cases ended in acquittal in 2019.
The proposal also seeks to criminalize exploitation of minors and broaden the definition of rape. In April last year, the age of consent in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18, and the legal age of marriage for both men and women was increased from 16 to 18. It will also be increased from 10 to 15.
Those with the lowest age of consent for sexual intercourse
However, Japan currently has the lowest age of consent among developed countries and the lowest age of consent in the G7 group. It is 14 in Germany and Italy, 15 in Greece and France, and 16 in the United Kingdom and many US states.
The current law in Japan also means that rape victims must prove that “violence and threats” were used during the rape and “impossible to resist” in order to receive a conviction. The new bill did not change that wording, but instead added other factors to the definition, such as drunkenness, drugs, catching off guard, and psychological control.
Justice Department official Yusuke Asanuma said my new proposal is not intended to “make it easier or harder” for victims to win rape cases, but should make decisions “more consistent.”
PEOPLE’S CRITICISM
On the other hand, the revision of Japan’s sex crimes laws came after massive demonstrations in 2019 after dozens of rape suspects were acquitted. In one case, a man accused of having sexual relations with his underage daughter was released even though the court admitted it was against the will. The man was later sent to prison on the objections of prosecutors. In another case, a man was found not guilty of raping a drunk woman.
On the other hand, the Japanese government is expected to enact the bill this summer. However, despite the possible change in age of consent, the exception will remain for sexual intercourse between persons who are at least 13 years old and whose age difference is less than five years.
