underage drinking in Japan

[godwine]

Nice.. Bring a whole new meaning to "Responsible Adults"

I love the future of this planet.....

[Fooflowers]

Originally Posted by Tsuwabuki

My government teacher always said "It's not illegal unless you get caught; so don't get caught.

Says the serial killer with 23 dead bodies under his patio O_O

[chachava]

Originally Posted by Tsuwabuki

My government teacher always said "It's not illegal unless you get caught; so don't get caught. For some of you that will mean never doing it."

I'm pretty sure murder is still illegal, even if you don't get caught...

However, if your government teacher is Japanese, that expression explains the attitudes of many people in power over here hahahaha

[Tsuwabuki]

He was explaining the justice system (at least in America). His argument that you must be prosecuted and proven guilty. Therefore if there is not enough evidence for you to be "caught" (not just arrested or stopped, but actually convicted) then it doesn't matter.

What's practically illegal is committing a crime and then leaving evidence. Some people are just sloppy, whether it's speeding, taxes, or murder. Best for them not to commit a crime at all if they want to avoid the consequences.

I haven't sped in three years, because every time I did, I got caught. So now I just don't speed.

[godwine]

Originally Posted by Tsuwabuki

He was explaining the justice system (at least in America). His argument that you must be prosecuted and proven guilty. Therefore if there is not enough evidence for you to be "caught" (not just arrested or stopped, but actually convicted) then it doesn't matter.

What's practically illegal is committing a crime and then leaving evidence. Some people are just sloppy, whether it's speeding, taxes, or murder. Best for them not to commit a crime at all if they want to avoid the consequences.

I haven't sped in three years, because every time I did, I got caught. So now I just don't speed.

Hmm.. agree.. and good for you.. .but thats what makes thing scary though, while we have laws/rules in place, we keep reminding ourselves and others that "Its not a crime, not unless you get caught doing it"

[Henbaka]

Totally forgot this thread. Anyways.

First of all, like I said, It's up to HIM, and we can't and shouldn't try and make decisions for an adult (which I consider people over 18 to be).

Yes you are a guest of the Univ. And you also represent your home Univ. if you're an exchange student. I get all that. But for a guy over 18 to drink a few beers now and then, common sense tells me that is OK as long as he doesn't act a fool, neglects his studies, etc.

Therefore _I_ think that its kinda bs to say "if you drink at all, we'll kick you out". That may or may not be a reality over there, but to me it's wrong.

Also, about my statement that university=partying.. You can preach all you want, but you know it's true. Sure you learn stuff, but a large part of it is having a good time. That's true in all universities all over the world (Japan no exception). I met quite a few of univ. students when I was in Tokyo, which were partying even harder than I was (I was not a univ. student back then).

Anyways, whatever really. I'd say like others here; "be smart about it". Personally I think you'll be fine as long as you keep it on a good level, i.e. don't get mad wasted, instead chill with a few cold ones...

Originally Posted by Nyororin

But that is how it is. If you get in trouble, companies fire you, schools kick you out, etc. You`re not a citizen, and you`re technically a *guest* of the university. They don`t HAVE to allow you to attend their classes.

ETA;

I know of several people who were kicked out of their university for simply hanging around bars with friends, or for smoking outside the campus. They didn`t even have to be charged with something, just caught by faculty. And yes, it was in university.
Would this happen to a Japanese student? Chances are no - but you`re not a Japanese citizen. Why take the risk? It seems like such an INCREDIBLE waste to me. Who cares what your feelings are about the law itself - the fact is that it will be illegal until you`re 20.

If you want to spend your college years partying, then feel free to do so at a university in your home country. Just don`t look for ways to get around the laws in another.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Henbaka

Totally forgot this thread. Anyways.

First of all, like I said, It's up to HIM, and we can't and shouldn't try and make decisions for an adult (which I consider people over 18 to be).

Yes you are a guest of the Univ. And you also represent your home Univ. if you're an exchange student. I get all that. But for a guy over 18 to drink a few beers now and then, common sense tells me that is OK as long as he doesn't act a fool, neglects his studies, etc.

Therefore _I_ think that its kinda bs to say "if you drink at all, we'll kick you out". That may or may not be a reality over there, but to me it's wrong.

Also, about my statement that university=partying.. You can preach all you want, but you know it's true. Sure you learn stuff, but a large part of it is having a good time. That's true in all universities all over the world (Japan no exception). I met quite a few of univ. students when I was in Tokyo, which were partying even harder than I was (I was not a univ. student back then).

Anyways, whatever really. I'd say like others here; "be smart about it". Personally I think you'll be fine as long as you keep it on a good level, i.e. don't get mad wasted, instead chill with a few cold ones...

I respect your opinion, and think it valid, and mostly agree with it, but in this kind of situation your opinion and my opinion mean nothing compared to the opinion of the hosts that invited and brought you to Japan.

So the reality is that no, it isn't about HIM and what kind of experience he wants to have, because if his hosts thought that he shared your opinion that university=partying I guarantee they wouldn't have given him a ticket.

People often make the mistake of thinking that "being invited" to be a part of something in Japan means that you are a "guest", and get this Westernized thinking that "the customer is always right". A university student invited to participate in a program in Japan shouldn't think of himself as a guest, but as an employee. It's a two-way street. The university offers things to him, and in turn, he offers things to the university.

You may consider an 18-year-old to be an adult, but in Japan, the age is 20.

And you aren't representing your home university. You are representing your Japanese university. That's how it works over there. If you don't like that system, then Japan isn't the place to party your university days through.

I know Japanese university students party, but when you are a international student, you might be held to a different standard. This "I'll do whatever I wanna do" attitude doesn't fly, and you figure that out week 1. Be cool, be sly, and be smart.

[Leekun]

Getting back to the topic, I've found that at least in my area, Japanese are extremely lenient when it comes to drinking. I personally don't drink myself, but I've walked into to bars and nomikai places and noone has ever asked a question. I was basically told by a university person that they're relaxed with alcohol but extremely kick-you-out-of-the-country strict with stuff like Marajuana.

Hope it helps. Try not to get carried away though.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Leekun

Getting back to the topic, I've found that at least in my area, Japanese are extremely lenient when it comes to drinking. I personally don't drink myself, but I've walked into to bars and nomikai places and noone has ever asked a question. I was basically told by a university person that they're relaxed with alcohol but extremely kick-you-out-of-the-country strict with stuff like Marajuana.

Hope it helps. Try not to get carried away though.

You are very right. Alcohol consumption isn't seriously restricted in terms of age by the police. The main reason is that people under 20 don't drive, for the most part. The legat B.A. limit in Japan is 0.0, so people that want to drink do not drive.

There is no tolerance for illegal drugs.

But the police will be less strict than your hosts. It doesn't require polive intervention for you to be in trouble.

[Leekun]

Originally Posted by MMM

You are very right. Alcohol consumption isn't seriously restricted in terms of age by the police. The main reason is that people under 20 don't drive, for the most part. The legat B.A. limit in Japan is 0.0, so people that want to drink do not drive.

There is no tolerance for illegal drugs.

But the police will be less strict than your hosts. It doesn't require polive intervention for you to be in trouble.

I agree. Hopefully the person who is going will be responsible.