20 to 18

The lowering of the age of adulthood in Japan from 20 to 18 years old can be summarized as follows:

1. Background: There was a global trend to increase political participation and social responsibility among the younger population. Japan followed this trend in considering the change.

2. Legal Amendments: In 2015, the Public Offices Election Law was revised to grant voting rights to those aged 18 and over. This was followed by the amendment of the Civil Code in 2018, which decided to lower the age of adulthood to 18, effective from April 1, 2022.

3. Purpose: The main objectives are to promote the independence of young people and expand their participation in society, as well as to narrow the gap in consciousness between generations. This is expected to enhance the political awareness and social contributions of the youth.

4. Impact: The lowering of the age of adulthood significantly affects the legal responsibilities of 18 and 19-year-olds in terms of contracts, marriage, and credit agreements.

This change is significant as part of a reevaluation of the status and role of young people in Japanese society.