A 15-year-old in Japan is typically in their third year of Junior High School (JHS 3) if their birthday falls before April 1st of that school year, or starting High School Year 1 (HS 1) if their birthday is April 1st or later, as the Japanese school year starts in April. So, they'd be finishing compulsory education or beginning the next phase, often around ages 15-16 in High School.
On April 1, 2022, the age of adulthood in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18. It was the first time in over 140 years to revise the definition of adulthood in Japan.
The "Japan 5-minute rule" refers to extreme punctuality, meaning you should arrive 5 minutes before a scheduled time (e.g., 9:55 AM for a 10:00 AM meeting) to be considered "on time," as being exactly on time is seen as late, showing respect and reliability; it's part of the Japanese concept of go-fun-mae koudou (five-minute prior action). This emphasis on being early is deeply cultural, contrasting with many Western norms, and applies to business, appointments, and even trains, where delays over 5 minutes warrant apologies and certificates.
Student Age in High School
10th Grade: 15 years old – Sophomore; 11th Grade: 16 years old – Junior; 12th Grade: 17 to 18 years old – Senior.
In fact, the legal age of adulthood in Japan has been lowered to 18 as of April 1st, 2022.
The "3 Date Rule" in Japan refers to the cultural tendency to make a formal love confession (kokuhaku) on or around the third date, marking the transition from casual dating to an official couple, often after building trust with lighter activities like meals or walks, and it's considered a crucial step for clarifying relationship status before deeper intimacy, though it's a guideline, not a strict law.
From age 7 (turning 7 by next 1st of April as the educational year in Japan is from April to March of next year) to age 12 in elementary school, from age 13 to age 15 in junior high school, from age 16 to age 18 in high school and from age 19 to age 22 in university if you go to university straight from high school.
kokuhaku 告白 こくはく , literally means "confession", and it is done when a man or a woman declares their love to another, and hopes to begin dating that person.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan explained the meaning of Reiwa to be "beautiful harmony".
Yes, $5,000 is generally more than enough for a single person for a week in Japan, even covering flights from North America/Europe, allowing for comfortable mid-range travel with nice meals and experiences, but it might be tight for a couple or if you're aiming for extreme luxury or extensive shopping; budget travelers can do it for much less, while luxury travelers could easily spend more. Your biggest variables will be your flight cost, accommodation choices (business hotels, ryokans, or hostels), and dining habits (convenience stores vs. high-end sushi).
Article 731 to 737 of the Japanese Civil Code stipulates the following requirements: The male partner must be 18 years of age or older and the female partner must be 18 years of age or older. Most people related closely by blood, by adoption or through other marriages cannot get married in Japan.
Even something as small as kissing somebody on a first date may be seen as indecent by some Japanese. For many, kissing is only acceptable between people who are in a committed relationship—and never in public.
Why enroll in a gap year program in Tokyo? Imagine spending a gap year in Tokyo with students from around the world. You'll attend classes, eat meals and practice Japanese with one and other. During your free time you'll explore Tokyo and the surrounding areas.
The answer is: through their actions. In Japanese culture, love words are considered empty if they are not accompanied by behavior that reflects those feelings. Like in other cultures, it can mean complimenting your partner, sending texts, or making presents.
Under the Penal Code of Japan (Article 41), it is ruled that an act of a person under 14 years of age is not punishable. Therefore, the penal institutions such as Detention Houses and Juvenile Prisons accommodate only those who are 14 years of age or older.
In the United States, a minor is any individual under the specified “age of majority” for their state or territory., All states define an age of majority, which is usually set at 18, but states like Indiana and Mississippi set it at 21, while in Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, or Nebraska, the age of majority is 19.
Welcoming Young People Into Adulthood
For many years, the legal age of adulthood in Japan was set at 20. However, a revision to the Civil Code lowered the age to 18 as of April 1, 2022.
A score of 70 is typically considered a C- in the standard American grading system. However, the specific letter equivalent can vary based on individual school and university policies, so it would be a good idea to check with your particular institution. Generally, a 70 is considered a passing grade at most schools.