Question from a reader:
I have an acquaintance who went to a hotel with a woman he met on a dating site, gave her money, and engaged in sexual activity. The woman was over 18 and approached him through the app. Is this legally problematic?

Legal Issues Regarding Dating Sites and Sexual Activity

Hello! Today, I would like to discuss a somewhat
delicate topic. There has been a story about a friend’s acquaintance who engaged in sexual activity with a woman he met on a dating site, and many might wonder about the legal implications of this. Drawing from my experience in the entertainment industry, I would like to provide a detailed explanation from a legal perspective.

Age Restrictions on Dating Sites

First and foremost, the most important aspect of using dating sites is age restrictions. Japanese law has strict regulations regarding commercial activities involving sexual acts. For example, in Tokyo, the “Youth Protection and Development Ordinance” prohibits prostitution for individuals under 18. It is essential to verify whether the woman this acquaintance met is genuinely over 18. Since it is possible to falsify age on dating sites, the responsibility to confirm the other person’s age lies with the user. Measures such as checking identification before meeting in person are necessary. If the other party is a minor, even if the user was unaware, they could still face legal consequences.

The Legal Implications of Giving Money

Now, let’s discuss the act of giving money. This is a nuanced issue. In Japanese law, there is the Anti-Prostitution Law, which prohibits “engaging in sexual acts with others for compensation.” In other words, giving money in exchange for sexual activity could potentially be classified as prostitution. In this case, if the acquaintance gave money to the woman specifically for the purpose of sexual activity, it is likely to be considered prostitution. The key point here is how the exchange of money was conducted and whether the purpose was clear.

Risks from the Acquaintance’s Perspective

Let’s consider the situation from the acquaintance’s perspective. If he believed the woman was over 18 and could be charged with prostitution for giving her money, it would be quite shocking. This could significantly impact his future life and career, so caution is necessary. Additionally, if the woman reports him to the police, he could find himself in legal trouble. If the police get involved, they will seek to confirm the facts of the sexual activity and gather evidence regarding the monetary exchange. This could lead to a loss of credibility or social condemnation, even if he is innocent.

How to Avoid Legal Troubles?

So, how can one avoid such legal troubles? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Confirm the other person’s age: Make sure to verify the age of anyone you meet on a dating site by checking their identification. This can help reduce your own risks. 2. Avoid monetary exchanges: Be particularly cautious if money is involved. Payments made for sexual activity could be considered prostitution, so if you decide to engage in a physical relationship, it should be done with careful consideration. 3. Seek legal advice: If you have concerns, I strongly recommend consulting a legal expert. Speaking with a lawyer can provide you with specific advice and help you understand how to protect your position.

Lessons from the Acquaintance’s Actions

Through this story, I feel it is crucial to think carefully about the risks and legal aspects of using dating sites. Especially for younger generations, I hope they acquire the knowledge to protect themselves. As demonstrated by the acquaintance’s actions, a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to significant future problems. I have also come to realize how important it is to be aware of legal and ethical considerations while working in the entertainment industry. The world of entertainment has not only appealing aspects but also risks of getting involved in trouble. The same can be said for dating sites.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when using dating sites, it is essential to be cautious about age verification and monetary exchanges. Cases like that of the acquaintance increase the risk of legal issues. However, with the right knowledge and actions, it is possible to avoid trouble. Let’s all strive to protect ourselves by being informed and making wise choices. If you have any questions, please do consult a legal expert. Remember that there may be unexpected pitfalls in our lives.