The legal age of sexual consent in Japan is 13, the lowest of all developed nations in the world. New legislation would raise that age to 16, and tighten laws regarding sex crimes to make it easier for the courts to hold perpetrators accountable in cases involving both children and adults. But as Thisanka Siripala reports from Tokyo, many feel the new legislation doesn’t go far enough to protect victims of sexual abuse.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help. Make a gift today to help us raise $25,000 by the end of the month and keep The World going strong. Every gift will be matched 2:1!