Japan's government has lowered the age which people become adults. It is the first time since 1876 that this has happened. the year 2022, teenagers will become adults the age 18, which is two years earlier than the age which adulthood currently legally happens. However, even though the age has been lowered, there are still certain things that will not change. The legal age drinking alcohol, smoking and gambling will remain fixed 20. The new law will enable 18-year-olds to get married parental consent, and allow them to apply loans and credit cards. Transgender men and women aged 18 and will be able to apply to courts to have their gender officially recognized.
The new law has been passed an effort to bring social and economic change Japan. The government hopes to see an increase the number of young people getting married and starting families. This will help to address the nation's dwindling birth rate and ageing population. Greater financial freedoms could be a boost to the economy and provide more tax revenue. This is vital a government struggling to cope increasing pension and healthcare payments. Many Japan's young people were more concerned how the law would affect the traditional Coming of Age Day. This is a national holiday held January in which 20-year-olds dress in traditional kimonos to celebrate adulthood.
