Things Okay in Japan but Illegal Around the World

Practices Highlighted in the Video

The video highlights five practices that the presenter says are legal in Japan but restricted or illegal in some other places. The presenter cautions that the video is for entertainment, not legal advice, and that laws can vary by region.

Age of Consent

The video says Japan’s national Penal Code sets the age of consent at 13, a provision it says dates to 1907. It notes that prefectural ordinances often raise the effective age to between 16 and 18, with some gray areas.

Marriage Between First Cousins

The presenter says first cousins may legally marry in Japan under a law dating to 1898. He notes that cousin marriage is prohibited in some other jurisdictions and has occurred among prominent Japanese figures.

Defamation

The video says a statement can qualify as defamation in Japan even if it is true, if it is shared publicly, states specific facts, and harms someone’s reputation or “honor.” It describes exceptions related to matters of public interest and whistleblowing, then recounts two court cases in which people received damages after true allegations were publicized.

Food

The presenter says hunting whales and dolphins, and eating seal, sea lion, and shark fin, are legal in Japan. He notes that these foods are not necessarily eaten regularly by most people. He quotes Joji Morishita, who characterized the whale-eating debate as a matter of respecting different food cultures.

Cigarettes

The video says cigarettes can still be bought from vending machines using an age-verified Taspo card. Although most indoor smoking has been prohibited since 2020, the video says smoking remains allowed in some settings, including hotel rooms, cigar bars, and certain smaller restaurants and bars.

People Mentioned

• Presenter: Paolo (Paolo fromTOKYO)
• Contributor quoted: Joji Morishita