Japan
Asia
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for Japan. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
Japan maintains a "Heavily Regulated" approach to age-restricted content. This classification indicates strict compliance requirements including mandatory age verification, specific technical implementations, regular audits, and substantial penalties for non-compliance. Businesses operating in this jurisdiction must implement comprehensive age assurance systems and maintain detailed compliance records. Legal consultation is strongly recommended before entering this market.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Minimum Age
18+ years
Required age for platform access
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/11/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Heavily Regulated
Act on the Establishment of an Environment for Youth to Safely and Securely Use the Internet amended: The Act on the Establishment of an Environment for Youth to Safely and Securely Use the Internet was amended.
- Heavily Regulated
Penalties for simple possession of child pornography applicable: Penalties for simple possession of child pornography, introduced by the 2014 amendment, became applicable.
- Heavily Regulated
Act on the Establishment of an Environment for Youth to Safely and Securely Use the Internet enforced: The law requiring mobile carrier filtering for minors came into effect.
- Heavily Regulated
Internet Dating Site Regulation Law amended: The Internet Dating Site Regulation Law was amended to strengthen regulations against child enticement.
- Heavily Regulated
Act on the Establishment of an Environment for Youth to Safely and Securely Use the Internet promulgated: The law obligating mobile carriers to provide filtering services for minors was promulgated.
- Heavily Regulated
Act on Punishment of Activities Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the Protection of Children enforced: The law prohibiting child pornography and related activities came into effect.
- Heavily Regulated
Act on Punishment of Activities Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the Protection of Children promulgated: The law prohibiting child pornography and related activities was promulgated.
- Heavily Regulated
Penal Code enacted: The Penal Code, including Article 175 which prohibits the distribution of obscene materials, was enacted.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 18 sources
cfa.go.jpinternet_torikumi_hourei
elaws.e-gov.go.jpdocument
elaws.e-gov.go.jpdocument
elaws.e-gov.go.jpdocument
elaws.e-gov.go.jpdocument
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
Related Countries
Countries with similar regulatory frameworks
Regulatory Authorities
- Website
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
Tokyo, Japan
Email: info@soumu.go.jp
Phone: +81-3-5253-5111