Things Okay in Japan but Illegal Around the World

Summary

This video explores surprising Japanese laws that are legal in Japan but illegal globally. It highlights Japan's low age of consent at 13, the legality of marrying first cousins since 1898, and the unique defamation law allowing suits even if the damaging statements are true. The video also touches on the controversial legality of whale and dolphin hunting, and the consumption of certain marine animals. Additionally, it mentions the relative laxity in cigarette regulations, such as buying cigarettes from vending machines and smoking in certain indoor spaces. The video serves as an intriguing insight into Japanese legal peculiarities, sparking debate and curiosity.

Takeaways

• 🇯🇵 The legal age of consent in Japan is 13 years old, which is one of the lowest in the world and has been unchanged since 1907.
• 🧍‍♂️ It is legal in Japan to marry your first cousin, a practice dating back to the Meiji period and still common with a specific term 'Itokokon'.
• 🐋 Hunting whales and dolphins, as well as eating seal and sea lion, is legal in Japan, despite being illegal in many parts of the world.
• 🚬 In Japan, it is still legal to buy cigarettes from vending machines and smoke in certain indoor spaces, such as hotel rooms and some restaurants and bars.
• 🦈 Eating shark fin is legal in Japan, and it is considered a delicacy that is commonly found in Chinese restaurants.
• 📖 Defamation law in Japan allows individuals to sue for damage to their honor, even if the damaging statements are true.
• 🤝 The criteria for defamation in Japan include the statement being false, causing damage, and being communicated to a third party.
• 👥 There are exceptions to defamation laws in Japan, such as stating facts about public interest or whistleblowing to expose company fraud.
• 💼 There have been real cases in Japan where people have successfully sued for defamation, even when the damaging statements were true.
• 🎁 The video features a sponsored shout-out to Bokksu, a service providing a gourmet experience of Japanese snacks and tea.
• 📺 The video aims to inform and entertain, not to encourage any of the actions mentioned, and is not intended as legal advice.

Q & A

What is the legal age of consent in Japan and why is it significant?

The legal age of consent in Japan is 13 years old, which is one of the lowest in the world. It signifies the minimum age at which a person is considered capable of giving consent to sexual acts. This law has been part of the Japan penal code since 1907 and has not changed for over a hundred years.

Is it legal to marry your first cousin in Japan and what is the historical background of this law?

Yes, it is legal to marry your first cousin in Japan. This law dates back to the Meiji period in 1898. The reason behind this law was to allow families to keep their wealth within the family.

What is the term used in Japan for marrying one's first cousin and are there any notable examples?

The term used in Japan for marrying one's first cousin is 'Itokokon'. Notable examples include Japan's 56th Prime Minister, who was married to his first cousin, and two subsequent Prime Ministers who also married their first cousins.

How does Japan's defamation law differ from the understanding of defamation in the U.S.?

In Japan, you can sue someone for defamation even if the statements are true, as long as they damage your honor or public image. This differs from the U.S. where defamation typically requires false statements that are damaging to a person's reputation.

What are the main criteria for defamation in Japan?

The main criteria for defamation in Japan include: the statement must be false, it must be communicated to a third party, and it must cause damage to the honor of the person or company.

Can you provide examples of defamation cases in Japan mentioned in the script?

Two examples are given: Case 1 involves a person who sued a third party for posting about their affair on social media, resulting in a 100,000 yen award. Case 2 involves a magazine publishing an anonymous report about a quasi-rape incident, where the subject was awarded 4.4 million yen despite the incident being true and the subject being anonymous.

Why is it legal to hunt whales and dolphins in Japan?

Hunting whales and dolphins, as well as eating seal and sea lion, is legal in Japan as it is part of the diet for some Japanese people. It is easily found in shops and restaurants, and is also available online.

What is the situation regarding the consumption of shark meat in Japan?

The consumption of shark meat is legal in Japan and is probably more commonly eaten than whale or dolphin meat. It is considered a delicacy and is often found in Chinese restaurants throughout the country.

What are some of the legal activities related to cigarettes in Japan that may not be legal in other parts of the world?

In Japan, it is still legal to buy cigarettes from vending machines with a Taspo photo ID card, and to smoke in certain indoor areas such as hotel rooms, cigar bars, and some small restaurants and bars that were open before April 2020.

How has Japan's approach to smoking in indoor public places evolved over the years?

Japan has come a long way from a few years ago when smoking was allowed almost everywhere indoors. As of 2020, most indoor smoking has been prohibited, but there are still exceptions for certain establishments.

What is the purpose of the video and what type of content does the creator provide?

The purpose of the video is to inform and entertain by highlighting laws in Japan that are legal there but illegal in the rest of the world. The creator provides content related to Japanese culture, laws, and travel advice.