[Nao]

Frankly both sides have a point. On one hand I can see the majority's point that you shouldn't try and risk this if you're in danger of losing your opportunity at the University. However, I also see your point, being an underage person that occasionally likes a drink myself. Hell, I just had a couple rum & cokes (don't go calling me a drunk now; I have a drink or two every few months on average... only been tipsy/buzzed, never flat out drunk, either). It's something to do in a social setting though, so if you're planning on holing up in your room and drinking... I'd say you have a problem.

Otherwise, my view on it is that if you're old enough to die for your country you're old enough to have a drink. Luckily that view is held in my family, and my mother doesn't flip when I have a drink (I'm nineteen years of age). However, I am aware that it is twenty in Japan, and that I'm not at home, and that it's not my rules there. Whether I have any alcohol or not when I go, I cannot be sure of at this time. Frankly now I'm interested in this law as well... I've heard it is not heavily enforced, and they usually don't bother if you're a foreigner, but I can't be sure.

Either way I can probably pass for twenty (not in my home country maybe, as some people tell me I look younger than I am). Especially if I let my facial hair grow a little -- that might even fool the people here. I've heard (but cannot support) that the Japanese often mistake people of Caucasian descent for being older than they actually are, but I could be way off mark there.

If you're going to try it anyway though, all I can say is be careful. Would hate to see you fall flat on your face over something as meaningless as a beer or two.

Have a good one.

-Nao