The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. This has been the case since 1920, when the National Prohibition Act was passed. The act was repealed in 1945, but the drinking age remained at 20.

In recent years, there have been calls to lower the drinking age in Japan. Some people argue that the current age is too high, and that it prevents young people from learning how to drink responsibly. Others argue that lowering the drinking age would lead to an increase in underage drinking and alcohol-related problems.

The Japanese government has not yet decided whether to lower the drinking age. However, the age of adulthood in Japan was recently changed from 20 to 18. This means that 18-year-olds are now legally allowed to vote, marry, and enter into contracts. However, the drinking age remains at 20.

First time visitors to Japan should be aware of the legal drinking age. If you are under 20, you will not be able to purchase alcohol in stores or bars. You may also be asked to show your ID if you are drinking in a public place.

Here are some tips for first time visitors to Japan who are under 20:

If you want to drink alcohol, be sure to do so in a restaurant or bar that is known to be lenient with underage drinking.
Bring your passport or other form of ID with you when you go out drinking.
Be aware of the signs that a bar or restaurant is not welcoming to underage drinkers. These signs may include a sign that says "20 and over only" or a bouncer who asks for ID at the door.
If you are caught drinking underage, you may be fined or arrested.
It is important to be respectful of the legal drinking age in Japan. By following these tips, you can enjoy your trip to Japan without getting into trouble.

Here is an additional resource that you may find helpful:
https://www.jluggage.com/blog/law/legal-drinking-age-in-japan/

Some people argue that the current age is too high, and that it prevents young people from learning how to drink responsibly.

This is true. I learned to drink at sixteen. Many of my peers learned since fourteen. In the two year gap, they were already responsible drinkers. It was weird to see undergrads who just learned to drink acting foolish due to waiting so long. As adults now, everybody knows his/her limit and drinks accordingly.

The age to drink should be set to fourteen. The age of consent is already lower at thirteen. I remember a few people who tried drinking at fourteen and fifteen then decided to become teetotalers. Many decades later and they remain the same.

Parents should encourage their teenaged children to consume alcohol around them. It speeds up their responsibility when it comes to beverages.