Regarding the reduction of adult age

From April 1, 2022 (Reiwa 4), the adult age will be 18 years old due to the revision of the Civil Code.

• Contracts without the consent of the parent (legal representative)

[Example] Contracting a mobile phone, making a loan, making a credit card, renting a room for living alone, etc.

• Obtain a passport valid for 10 years
• Acquisition of national qualifications such as certified public accountants, judicial scriveners, doctor's licenses, pharmacist licenses, etc.
• Marriage
• A person with gender identity disorder undergoes a decision to change the treatment of gender.
• Acquisition of a vehicles license (same as before)

• Drinking
• Smoking
• Purchase of horse racing betting tickets, bicycle races, auto races, and boat racing voting tickets
• Welcome an adopted child
• Acquisition of a large and medium-sized car driver's license

Quotation from "Government Public Relations Online"

In the case of minors, the contract requires the consent of the parent or guardian (legal representative), but if the minor enters into a contract without the consent of the parent, the contract can be canceled (*). It is intended to protect minors and plays a role in deterring consumer damage to minors.

When you grow up, you will be able to contract on your own, but at the same time you will not be able to cancel your minor's contract. Consultations from new adults who lose protection are more common than minors.

In order to avoid consumer troubles, it is important to know various rules and acquire the ability to carefully consider whether a contract is necessary.

※In some cases, contracts made by minors, such as contracts with the consent of legal representative or disposal of free goods, may not be revoked (Article 5, paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of the Civil Code).

Please consult the Yokohama City Consumer Affairs Center, which is the contact point for consumer life consultation.
Consumer life consultation counter (link in city page)

・Reference site
From 18 years old to "adult"! It will not change or change with an adult age reduction. (Government Public Relations Online) (external site)
"Is your child okay? Consumer trouble aimed at “18 years old” (Kanagawa Prefecture) (outside site)

・Reference link
Gathering to celebrate 20-year-old citizens (City of Yokohama, Board of Education Secretariat Secretariat Lifelong Learning and Cultural Properties Division)