This paper asks: How have prefectural youth protection ordinances adapted to the new age of majority, and what legal and social consequences arise from the mismatch?

Even though they are adults, 18 and 19-year-olds are still classified as "Youth" ( Seishōnen ) under protection ordinances. Restrictions often remain on:

On April 1, 2022, Japan’s Civil Code was amended to lower the age of majority from 20 to 18. This reform, aimed at energizing youth participation in the economy and politics, marked the first change to the age of adulthood in over 140 years. Overnight, 18- and 19-year-olds gained the capacity to sign apartment leases, take out loans, and marry without parental consent.

Under the revised Civil Code, They can sign contracts, get married, and apply for credit cards without parental consent.

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