Forbidden Cultural Norms: Japan vs the World

Forbidden Cultural Norms: Japan vs the World

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Age of Consent in Japan
3. Marrying Cousins in Japan
4. Defamation Laws in Japan
5. Hunting Whales and Dolphins in Japan
6. Smoking Laws in Japan
7. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Japan is known for its unique culture and traditions, and it's no surprise that the country has its fair share of unusual laws. While some laws in Japan are well-known for being strict, there are also a few surprising laws that are actually legal in Japan but illegal in other parts of the world. In this article, we'll explore some of these shocking laws and Delve into the reasons behind their existence.

Age of Consent in Japan

One of the most debated topics in Japan is the age of consent, which is surprisingly low at 13 years old. This is one of the lowest ages of consent in the world, referring to the minimum age at which a person is considered capable of giving consent to sexual acts. Although this law has been a part of the Japan penal code since 1907, it still raises eyebrows internationally. While there are some gray areas and specific cases that may complicate the matter, the national age of consent remains 13 years old in Japan.

Marrying Cousins in Japan

In Japan, it is legal to marry your first cousin, which may come as a surprise to many people outside the country. While marrying first cousins might be legal in some countries or states, it is still illegal in many parts of the world. This law dates back to Japan's Meiji period and was passed in 1898. The practice of marrying cousins, known as "Itokokon," is common enough in Japan that there is even a word for it. This law was originally intended to allow families to preserve their wealth within their family. Although controversial, marrying first cousins is entirely legal in Japan.

Defamation Laws in Japan

In Japan, You can sue someone for defamation even if the statements made about you are true. This concept may seem perplexing to individuals from countries where defamation is understood to involve false statements. However, in Japan, the law protects both an individual's honor and a company's honor, regardless of the truthfulness of the statements. While there are certain exceptions, the main criteria for defamation include false statements, public disclosure, and intention to harm one's honor or image. It is important to note that Japanese laws often leave room for interpretation, but the intention behind these laws is to safeguard individuals and companies from malicious actors.

Hunting Whales and Dolphins in Japan

Hunting whales and dolphins and consuming seal and sea lion meat is completely legal in Japan, whereas it is considered illegal or highly controversial in other parts of the world. While these practices may be part of the diet for some Japanese individuals, it is not a widely accepted or commonly practiced tradition. Nevertheless, products from these animals can still be found in certain shops and restaurants. Additionally, shark fin is legal to eat in Japan and is considered a delicacy in some regions. However, due to its expense, it is not commonly consumed by the general population.

Smoking Laws in Japan

While smoking is known to be harmful to health, Japan still has some aspects of its smoking laws that differ from other countries. For example, cigarettes can still be purchased from vending machines in Japan under certain conditions, such as obtaining a Taspo photo ID card and meeting the legal age requirements. Although indoor smoking has been largely prohibited in recent years, some exceptions remain for hotel rooms, cigar bars, and small-sized restaurants and bars that were open before April 2020. However, it is worth noting that Japan has made significant progress in reducing indoor smoking, indicating a shift towards stricter regulations.

Conclusion

Japan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a unique set of laws. While some laws in Japan may seem perplexing or even controversial to individuals from other countries, they are deeply ingrained in Japanese society. This article has explored a few examples of legal practices in Japan that may be considered illegal or unusual in other parts of the world. It is important to understand and respect these cultural differences while appreciating the diversity that exists among different legal systems. Japan's laws, shocking as they may seem, reflect the intricacies of its history, traditions, and values.

Highlights

• Japan has shockingly low age of consent at 13 years old.
• Marrying first cousins is legal in Japan, originating from the Meiji period.
• True statements can be considered defamation in Japan, which protects an individual's honor.
• Hunting whales and dolphins, and consuming seal and sea lion meat, is legal in Japan.
• Certain smoking laws in Japan differ from global norms, allowing vending machine sales and exceptions for specific establishments before April 2020.

FAQs Q: Is it true that the age of consent in Japan is 13 years old? A: Yes, that is correct. The age of consent in Japan is surprisingly low compared to other countries.

Q: How did the law allowing first cousin marriage come about in Japan? A: The law permitting first cousin marriage in Japan was enacted during the Meiji period in 1898. It was intended to preserve wealth within families.

Q: Can you clarify the defamation laws in Japan? A: Defamation laws in Japan protect an individual's honor and company reputation, even if the statements made are true. There are certain exceptions, but the intention is to prevent harm to an individual or company's image.

Q: What is the status of whaling and dolphin hunting in Japan? A: Hunting whales and dolphins is legal in Japan, although it is not a widely accepted or common practice. Consumption of seal and sea lion meat is also legal.

Q: Are there any unique aspects of smoking laws in Japan? A: In Japan, cigarettes can still be purchased from vending machines under specific conditions. Some indoor smoking exceptions exist for hotel rooms, cigar bars, and certain restaurants and bars that existed before April 2020.