underage drinking in Japan
 

I'm going to Japan this October. I'm 18 adn will be attending a university in Kofu.
My questions are these::
1. What's the penalty for being caught drinking underage in Japan?
I'm guessing deportation, but does anybody here have a
link to the law?
2. Anybody here who's been drinking in Japan underage and if so, were you carded?, where did you go? etc,etc,.

Hey, here's an idea... rather than trying to figure out how you can break the law, and possibly jeopardize this great opportunity to study in Japan, why don't you try not drinking alcohol until you're old enough? It's crazy, but it just might work...

Stocking up on duty free ftw!

on a serious note though, I'm pretty sure that it's not actually a crime to drink under the age of 20. The crime is selling alcohol to an underage person so if you are caught, other people will pay the price (though I guess they should do their job properly and avoid that situation lol)

well considering beer is available from vending machine, he can just settle for beer and hide in his room to get drunk, probably will never be cuaght.

But I do agree, why are you looking for ways to break the law already? (IF there is such law)

My understanding is that it is illegal, but it's rarely enforced. However, it has been stepped up recently. If you look older, you orobably won't have a problem. If you have a baby face though, well, beware.

hey

actually i dont have any clue about the situation in japan ..
i googled for a sec and found these links:

Legal Drinking Age
http://www.grsproadsafety.org/themes...e%20Limits.pdf

i didnt really check them .. on the first one you might find something at the links on the side

and here my comment to samurai and godwine:
its not about breaking the law .. its about drinking alcohol
its only that the law is in the way, no ?

There is a reason why rules/law/regulations are in place and imposed on us. The same reason why there are ESRB rating and similars

You come in my house and you play by my rule. I think its unethical to be thinking of "How can I break this law without penalities to gain personal pleasure"

I side with the previous posters when they say just don`t do it to begin with.

If you`re worried about the possible penalties, etc, the easiest way to avoid them is to just not drink during that time. You have the chance to go to Japan to study... But are willing to risk that for a couple drinks? Sounds like you have priority issues.

Oh, and by the way - they won`t deport you. You`ll just likely be booted from your university program. They don`t like to have international students who break the law. But in the end, it amounts to the same thing - if you`re not attending university, you lose your visa and can no longer stay in the country.

Just wait until you`re legal. It won`t kill you.

Hmm well,

First of all use some common sense. Youre 18 and here (Sweden) that would make you an adult (how bout where you're all from?). As such, for me, I dont see why you cant drink some from time to time. Just don't be an asshole during, please.

Anyways, when I was in Japan (Tokyo) at age 19, I went to bars/clubs/restaurants all over town (alot), and _NOT ONCE_ had any problems because of my age. So in that department, you should be home free.

Again, I'm not telling you what to do. You should be old enough to decide for yourself.

But to the previous poster; for me it's laughable to throw someone out of a university program for drinking. I mean come on. University = alot of partying. That's just life.

But again, check the rules. Would suck to be thrown out because of some pansy-ass rule.

Also, It was my understanding that you are underage for bars - not for drinking. Clarify that someone, please.

The drinking and smoking age in Japan is 20. Many young people who don't have driver's licenses don't have IDs, but now at least the cig machines will require an ID pass card to operate sometime this year or next year.

It may sound silly to eject someone from a program for getting caught drinking, but Japan doesn't like trouble-makers. If you are not going to be respectful enough to your host to not break the rules, there is surely someone else who will. People that run the very costly and time-consuming programs that bring students from all over the world tend not to share the opinion that "university= a lot of partying".

Funny, my university would kick you out in America if caught drinking underage and they found out about it. Did it happen all the time? Sure, but most people were rather careful.

I drank underage, but I did it in private residences with friends who were of age. I went to few parties. I wasn't stupid. That's essentially the name of the game whatever you do and wherever you are. Don't be stupid.

When I hit 21, I stopped drinking altogether. Now I have a drink once or twice a month, and only in a social setting at get togethers or functions, etc.

Pretty sure many already have it - the one near my place needs id to get cigarettes now (I don't smoke but was curious when I saw it)

It might be city by city, as they didn't have them in Kansai in March, and my friend who smoked was reading the paperwork on getting the Pass Card.

good point... this was in Nakano where there are a lot of students so might be the reason?

But that is how it is. If you get in trouble, companies fire you, schools kick you out, etc. You`re not a citizen, and you`re technically a *guest* of the university. They don`t HAVE to allow you to attend their classes.

ETA;

I know of several people who were kicked out of their university for simply hanging around bars with friends, or for smoking outside the campus. They didn`t even have to be charged with something, just caught by faculty. And yes, it was in university.
Would this happen to a Japanese student? Chances are no - but you`re not a Japanese citizen. Why take the risk? It seems like such an INCREDIBLE waste to me. Who cares what your feelings are about the law itself - the fact is that it will be illegal until you`re 20.

If you want to spend your college years partying, then feel free to do so at a university in your home country. Just don`t look for ways to get around the laws in another.

sound like you have a drinking problem

I think we scared him off...

Good?

:rolleyes:

I try not to put too much effort into people that start a new thread as their first post. They tend to disappear.

Why do people always assume that if someone asks a question about law, they are actually planning to break the law? Does that mean all lawyers are studying law to find loop holes to get away with things or something???:rolleyes:

Yes, it does... but that's lawyers for ya! ;)

Seriously though, why would you ask about underage drinking, how easy is it to do, whether they card people, and the penalties of getting caught, if you will not be drinking (or trying to drink) in Japan? It was really quite easy to read between the lines on the OP.

lol, perhaps that is what he/she wanted, but perhaps not... I once posted a thread on here about illegal work in Japan. ie, little undeclared jobs such as personal tuition etc, and someone "read between the lines" as you have, and assumed that I was looking for a way to get away with breaking the law.

I think it's a legitimate question. Asking a question like this is fair because one should know the differences between their home country and Japan. If for example, you're english, the legal age for drinking is 18, but it's a known fact that most people that drink start at an earlier age... The punishment is rarely applied, so if an english person goes to Japan, they might assume its the same as England, and therefore risk losing one of their greatest experiences!!

If he was asking "What is the legal drinking age, because in my home country it's 18, and I wanted to know if it's the same in Japan", that's different than specifically asking about the penalties and punishments for underage drinking, and how have people gotten away with underage drinking before. The former is asking for basic knowledge and doesn't suggest he's going to try and break the law, he just wants to know what the law is. The latter specifically calls it "underage drinking", meaning he knows he isn't of legal age, but is looking for ways around it and what are the penalties if he gets caught.

Frankly both sides have a point. On one hand I can see the majority's point that you shouldn't try and risk this if you're in danger of losing your opportunity at the University. However, I also see your point, being an underage person that occasionally likes a drink myself. Hell, I just had a couple rum & cokes (don't go calling me a drunk now; I have a drink or two every few months on average... only been tipsy/buzzed, never flat out drunk, either). It's something to do in a social setting though, so if you're planning on holing up in your room and drinking... I'd say you have a problem.

Otherwise, my view on it is that if you're old enough to die for your country you're old enough to have a drink. Luckily that view is held in my family, and my mother doesn't flip when I have a drink (I'm nineteen years of age). However, I am aware that it is twenty in Japan, and that I'm not at home, and that it's not my rules there. Whether I have any alcohol or not when I go, I cannot be sure of at this time. Frankly now I'm interested in this law as well... I've heard it is not heavily enforced, and they usually don't bother if you're a foreigner, but I can't be sure.

Either way I can probably pass for twenty (not in my home country maybe, as some people tell me I look younger than I am). Especially if I let my facial hair grow a little -- that might even fool the people here. I've heard (but cannot support) that the Japanese often mistake people of Caucasian descent for being older than they actually are, but I could be way off mark there.

If you're going to try it anyway though, all I can say is be careful. Would hate to see you fall flat on your face over something as meaningless as a beer or two.

Have a good one.

-Nao

Wow... a lot of parental figures in here. I think most of y'all need to lighten up.

I say it's important to know the rules... but that doesn't mean you can't break them. It's important to know what the consequences are though.

For example I went to work in the United States when I was 19 at a summer camp. On my time off I had a drink because here in NZ I could drink since I was 18. I did not feel guilty AT ALL by breaking this American Law. I understood that if I had been caught I would be deported... however that just made me extra careful about not being caught.

So I say have a drink and enjoy yourself in Japan... but be smart about it.

The english use to say "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".
Simple common sense.

I LOVE what you said. You play by the rule

"parental figures"... have YOU been drinking while writing this? :p You are stereotyping etiquettes behavior....

You are basically telling the kid to "Break rules if you are smart enough to not get caught"

I am not suggesting that I don't break any rules (Driving faster than the speed limit IS breaking the rule, so yes I admit I do it too), but encouraging it is another thing.

My government teacher always said "It's not illegal unless you get caught; so don't get caught. For some of you that will mean never doing it."

Nice.. Bring a whole new meaning to "Responsible Adults"

I love the future of this planet.....

I'm pretty sure murder is still illegal, even if you don't get caught...

However, if your government teacher is Japanese, that expression explains the attitudes of many people in power over here hahahaha

He was explaining the justice system (at least in America). His argument that you must be prosecuted and proven guilty. Therefore if there is not enough evidence for you to be "caught" (not just arrested or stopped, but actually convicted) then it doesn't matter.

What's practically illegal is committing a crime and then leaving evidence. Some people are just sloppy, whether it's speeding, taxes, or murder. Best for them not to commit a crime at all if they want to avoid the consequences.

I haven't sped in three years, because every time I did, I got caught. So now I just don't speed.

Hmm.. agree.. and good for you.. .but thats what makes thing scary though, while we have laws/rules in place, we keep reminding ourselves and others that "Its not a crime, not unless you get caught doing it"

Totally forgot this thread. Anyways.

First of all, like I said, It's up to HIM, and we can't and shouldn't try and make decisions for an adult (which I consider people over 18 to be).

Yes you are a guest of the Univ. And you also represent your home Univ. if you're an exchange student. I get all that. But for a guy over 18 to drink a few beers now and then, common sense tells me that is OK as long as he doesn't act a fool, neglects his studies, etc.

Therefore _I_ think that its kinda bs to say "if you drink at all, we'll kick you out". That may or may not be a reality over there, but to me it's wrong.

Also, about my statement that university=partying.. You can preach all you want, but you know it's true. Sure you learn stuff, but a large part of it is having a good time. That's true in all universities all over the world (Japan no exception). I met quite a few of univ. students when I was in Tokyo, which were partying even harder than I was (I was not a univ. student back then).

Anyways, whatever really. I'd say like others here; "be smart about it". Personally I think you'll be fine as long as you keep it on a good level, i.e. don't get mad wasted, instead chill with a few cold ones...

I respect your opinion, and think it valid, and mostly agree with it, but in this kind of situation your opinion and my opinion mean nothing compared to the opinion of the hosts that invited and brought you to Japan.

So the reality is that no, it isn't about HIM and what kind of experience he wants to have, because if his hosts thought that he shared your opinion that university=partying I guarantee they wouldn't have given him a ticket.

People often make the mistake of thinking that "being invited" to be a part of something in Japan means that you are a "guest", and get this Westernized thinking that "the customer is always right". A university student invited to participate in a program in Japan shouldn't think of himself as a guest, but as an employee. It's a two-way street. The university offers things to him, and in turn, he offers things to the university.

You may consider an 18-year-old to be an adult, but in Japan, the age is 20.

And you aren't representing your home university. You are representing your Japanese university. That's how it works over there. If you don't like that system, then Japan isn't the place to party your university days through.

I know Japanese university students party, but when you are a international student, you might be held to a different standard. This "I'll do whatever I wanna do" attitude doesn't fly, and you figure that out week 1. Be cool, be sly, and be smart.

Getting back to the topic, I've found that at least in my area, Japanese are extremely lenient when it comes to drinking. I personally don't drink myself, but I've walked into to bars and nomikai places and noone has ever asked a question. I was basically told by a university person that they're relaxed with alcohol but extremely kick-you-out-of-the-country strict with stuff like Marajuana.

Hope it helps. Try not to get carried away though.

You are very right. Alcohol consumption isn't seriously restricted in terms of age by the police. The main reason is that people under 20 don't drive, for the most part. The legat B.A. limit in Japan is 0.0, so people that want to drink do not drive.

There is no tolerance for illegal drugs.

But the police will be less strict than your hosts. It doesn't require polive intervention for you to be in trouble.

I agree. Hopefully the person who is going will be responsible.