Japan’s Drinking Age: How It’s Viewed by Expats

Japan’s legal drinking age is one of the lowest in the developed world, set at 20 years old. For many expats, especially those coming from countries where the drinking age is 21 (like the U.S.), this difference sparks curiosity, debate, and sometimes even culture shock. But how do foreigners living in Japan really perceive this law? Does it feel liberating, problematic, or just another quirk of Japanese society?

The Legal Drinking Age in Japan vs. the World

Japan’s drinking age of 20 is lower than in many Western countries. In the U.S., the legal age is 21, while in most of Europe, it ranges from 16 to 18. This discrepancy often surprises expats, especially Americans, who are used to stricter enforcement of underage drinking laws.

Why Is Japan’s Drinking Age 20?

The age of 20 holds cultural significance in Japan—it’s the age of adulthood (seijin). Historically, this was when individuals gained full legal rights, including voting, smoking, and drinking. While the voting age was lowered to 18 in 2016, the drinking age remained at 20, creating an odd gap where 18-year-olds can vote but can’t legally buy alcohol.

For expats, this inconsistency is puzzling. In many Western countries, legal adulthood and drinking privileges align more closely. The Japanese system seems to reflect a cultural belief that alcohol consumption requires a higher level of maturity than other adult responsibilities.

Expats’ Reactions: Freedom vs. Responsibility

The "Wow, I Can Drink Earlier!" Crowd

Young expats, especially students and working holiday visa holders, often celebrate Japan’s lower drinking age. For Americans fresh out of high school, the ability to drink legally at 20 feels like a privilege. Many say it makes socializing easier, especially in izakayas (Japanese pubs) where alcohol is central to bonding.

"I turned 20 in Japan, and suddenly I could buy beer without worrying about fake IDs," says Mark, an American English teacher. "It felt like a rite of passage, but also weird because back home, my friends still had to wait another year."

The "But Enforcement Is Lax" Debate

While the legal age is 20, enforcement is notoriously relaxed compared to the U.S. Convenience stores (konbini) rarely ID customers, and vending machines selling alcohol (though increasingly rare) historically didn’t require age verification. Some expats argue this sends mixed messages—if the law isn’t strictly enforced, does it really matter?

Sarah, a British expat, notes: "In the UK, underage drinking is a huge issue because teens find ways around it. In Japan, the culture around drinking is more about moderation, so even if enforcement is loose, excessive underage drinking isn’t as rampant."

The Cultural Divide: Drinking as Social Etiquette

In Japan, drinking isn’t just about getting drunk—it’s deeply tied to social and business culture. Nomikai (work drinking parties) are common, and refusing a drink can be seen as rude. For expats, this creates a unique dynamic: even if they’re legally allowed to drink, navigating the unspoken rules of Japanese drinking culture can be tricky.

"I once turned down a drink from my boss, and the whole table went silent," recalls James, an Australian consultant. "I didn’t realize how much alcohol is tied to hierarchy here."

The Darker Side: Alcoholism and Social Pressure

While Japan’s drinking culture is often seen as fun and communal, it has a darker side. The country has a high rate of alcoholism, and workplace drinking culture can enable unhealthy habits. Expats from cultures with stricter attitudes toward alcohol sometimes find Japan’s normalization of heavy drinking unsettling.

The "No Refusal" Culture

In many Japanese workplaces, saying no to alcohol is difficult. This pressure can be overwhelming for expats, especially those from cultures where drinking is more optional. Some report feeling forced to drink to fit in, leading to uncomfortable or even dangerous situations.

The Lack of Public Drunkenness Stigma

Unlike in some Western countries, public drunkenness isn’t heavily stigmatized in Japan. It’s common to see salarymen passed out on trains after a night of drinking. For expats, this can be shocking—both in how normalized it is and how little intervention there is.

How Expats Navigate Japan’s Drinking Culture

Learning the Unwritten Rules

Many expats adapt by learning the subtle rules of Japanese drinking etiquette:
- Never pour your own drink—always pour for others.
- Wait for the kanpai (cheers) before sipping.
- Know when to politely decline (without offending).

Finding a Balance

Some expats choose to drink lightly or avoid alcohol altogether, but this can make social integration harder. Others embrace the culture but set personal limits to avoid overindulgence.

The Role of Foreigner Bars

Many expats find comfort in bars catering to foreigners, where drinking norms are more relaxed. These spaces offer a middle ground—Japanese drinking culture without the strict social expectations.

The Future: Will Japan’s Drinking Age Change?

With Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population, some argue that lowering the drinking age to 18 (to match the voting age) could boost youth engagement in the economy. However, others worry it might exacerbate alcohol-related issues among teens.

For now, Japan’s drinking age remains at 20—a fascinating cultural quirk that continues to shape expat experiences in the country. Whether seen as liberating, confusing, or just another part of life in Japan, it’s a topic that sparks plenty of discussion among foreigners living there.