THE Japanese government today approved a bill on reforming sexual offence charges and raising the age of sexual consent from 13 years old to 16, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported.

The amendments come as part of reforms to Japan’s penal code that will define the circumstances for a violation and get rid of vague explanations, making it possible to take effective criminal action, the report said.

In addition, the changes will criminalise sexual intercourse with a person under age 16. However, the bill provides for an exception in cases when the age difference is less than five years, according to the news agency.

Sputnik reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s cabinet aims to pass the bill during the current parliamentary session, and the amendments will go into effect 20 days after publication. – Bernama, March 14, 2023.