In a move to safe their youth, Japan raises age of consent from 13 to 16 years old and redefines rape in milestone law change

The amendments to the Penal Code change the term for the crime of “forced sexual intercourse” to “non-consensual sexual intercourse”. - PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO, June 16, 2023 (Agencies): In a move for the sake of their youths, Japan has passed a landmark sex-crime Bill, in a long fought-for bid to make a range of sexual offences, including rape, photo voyeurism and online child-grooming, more easily punishable.

The amendments to the Penal Code change the term for the crime of “forced sexual intercourse” to “non-consensual sexual intercourse”, widening the scope of cases that can be treated as an offence, said Bloomberg.