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Why is the age of consent in some countries such as Japan and Mexico so low compared to countries like the US?

Sarah Jenkins
Sarah Jenkins
Lead Content Curator · Feb 20, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

In Japan, the national government leaves it up to municipalities, who enforce higher ages such as 17. To some degree this also happens at a state level in Mexico. However, to answer your question more broadly: historically many societies have felt that sexual activity is permissible after puberty.

87
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1 min
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#152
of 500 in General Knowledge

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The Short Answer

In Japan, the national government leaves it up to municipalities, who enforce higher ages such as 17. To some degree this also happens at a state level in Mexico. However, to answer your question more broadly: historically many societies have felt that sexual activity is permissible after puberty. It's only in the last century or so that many countries (such as the USA) have decided otherwise, based on ideas of *emotional maturity* or the need to get an education before parenting; these were not considered important factors historically.

Analysis

Key Concepts: Historically, japan, national

This explanation focuses on historically, japan, national and spans 87 words across 4 sentences. At 28% above the average General Knowledge explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “In Japan, the national government leaves it up to municipalities, who enforce higher ages such as 17.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.

How This Compares in General Knowledge

Ranked #152 of 500 General Knowledge questions by answer depth (top 31%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why the age of consent in some countries such as japan and mexico so low compared to countries like the us?

In Japan, the national government leaves it up to municipalities, who enforce higher ages such as 17. To some degree this also happens at a state level in Mexico. However, to answer your question more broadly: historically many societies have felt…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar General Knowledge questions?

This is an above-average answer at 87 words, ranked #152 of 500 General Knowledge questions by depth. The key concepts covered are historically, japan, national.

What approach does this answer take to explain the age of consent in some countries such as japan and mexic?

The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 87 words. It is categorized under General Knowledge and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.