The Japanese parliament has approved a new law to prohibit the sexual exploitation of children. It prohibits commercial sexual relations with persons under 18 years of age and prevents Japanese tour operators from organising sex tours abroad. The unanimous vote of the parliament on 18 May addresses the criticism which has been made that Japan was ‘soft’ on child pornography and sex tourism. The new law means that Japanese law is now in conformity to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
