[English/Japanese] Japanese law will change drastically from April, and those who come to Japan to study at the age of 18 need to be well informed about the new law. So what are the major changes? Do you know? 1 Change in the age of adulthood Until now, the age of adulthood in Japan has been 20. However, as of April 1, the age will change to 18. With the age of adulthood at 18, people will be able to sign contracts for apartments, credit cards, and other agreements that were previously allowed only from age 20. In addition, women were previously allowed to marry at 16, but that age has also been changed to 18. 2 Things to be aware of Some things do not change when the age of adulthood becomes 18. These are smoking, drinking, and gambling. In Japan, the minimum age for smoking, drinking, and gambling remains 20, even though the age of majority has changed. Even if you do not smoke or drink yourself, you cannot purchase such items. Please be careful. The rush of foreign students entering Japan will start in April. International students should make sure to understand Japan’s rules. Japanese people, these are international students who have been waiting up to two years to study in Japan. We would appreciate it if you could watch over them warmly. From April, Japanese law will change significantly. Those who come to Japan to study at 18 must be well informed about the new law. So what will change greatly? Do you know? ① Change in the age of adulthood Until now, Japan’s age of adulthood was 20. However, from April 1 it will change to 18. With the age of adulthood at 18, contracts for apartments, credit cards, and other agreements that were previously allowed only from age 20 will become possible. Also, women, who could marry from 16 until now, will now be able to marry from 18. ② Things to be careful about Some things will not change even when the age of adulthood becomes 18. These are smoking, drinking, and gambling. In Japan, smoking, drinking, and gambling are allowed from age 20, and that remains unchanged even though the age of majority has changed. Even if you do not smoke or drink, you cannot purchase these items. Please be careful. From April there will be a rush of international students entering the country. International students should make sure to understand Japan’s rules thoroughly. Japanese people, these students have waited up to two years to study in Japan. We would be grateful if you would watch over them warmly.