New Laws Against Sexual Harassment and Violence Here

Japan recently passed laws that broadened the definition of rape and raised the age of consent.

“Nationwide learning and educational effort is essential for this norm to be embedded in the society. This is [the] only way to prevent actual sexual violence along with ending culture of impunity,” says Kazuko Ito, vice-president of the Toyko-based Human Rights Now.

The new legal definition of rape in Japan was expanded to “non-consensual sexual intercourse” from the previous “forcible sexual intercourse.” The legal age of consent was also raised from 13 to 16 years old. Before the new laws were passed, Japan had one of the lowest ages of consent among developed nations. An additional law that prohibits “photo voyeurism” – such as secretly taking photos up someone’s skirt – was also passed, and the legal window to report rape was extended to 15 years from the previous 10.