00:00 It's a landmark move from a country which hasn't changed its legal age of consent since 1907.
00:05 On Friday, Japan passed new laws that raise the age of consent from 13 to 16
00:11 and change the legal definition of rape.
00:13 Previously, Japanese law defined rape as forcible sexual intercourse.
00:18 Importantly, the new legislation broadens that definition to non-consensual sexual intercourse.
00:24 Some locals said they were in favour of the overhaul.
00:29 "If I was asked whether or not minors can make clear judgments,
00:33 I doubt that they can do so until they're 16 years old.
00:36 So I think I'm in favour of this law."
00:39 Others, however, were sceptical about whether the reforms,
00:43 which also criminalise voyeurism, would bring about change.
00:46 "I'm not sure, but I wonder whether voyeurism will end, even with a law against it."
00:58 Campaigners, who have been lobbying for years, have broadly welcomed the move,
01:02 which aligns Japan's sex crime laws with those of other countries.
01:05 Multiple rape acquittals in 2019 sparked a nationwide campaign,
01:10 called the Flower Demo, against sexual violence.
01:12 The new law also extends the legal window for reporting rape from 10 to 15 years.
01:19 But there is more work to be done, since survivors of sexual assault in Japan
01:23 are often hesitant to report attacks due to shame and stigma.
01:27 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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