Unmarried persons under the age of 20 are considered minors in Japan. Minors may not enter into contractual relationships without a parent’s (or guardian’s) permission. Therefore, a contract may be rescinded after-the-fact if a court finds that one of the parties was a minor without parental permission. Due to this requirement, idol groups and sports teams must secure the parental permission of their youngest recruits before having them sign an employment contract.
When contracting with a minor it is always best to consult with the parents as well. It is also always advisable to consult with a lawyer whenever signing or drafting a contract of any type.
If you have any questions about contracting in Japan, please contact our office to set up a legal consultation.