Japan has passed a law that changed the definition of rape to non-consensual sexual intercourse" from "forcible sexual intercourse", aligning its definition with those of other countries. The nation also raised the age for legal consent from 13 to 16. The previous laws dissuaded people from reporting cases where victims were coerced into having sex.
This led to inconsistent court rulings, fuelling calls for change. The new laws, which were passed by the upper house of the National Diet - Japan's parliament - on Friday outline eight scenarios where it is difficult for a victim to "form, express, or fulfil an intention not to consent" to sex.
A few of the scenarios include where the victim is intoxicated, or subject to violence or threats; or is "frightened or astonished". It also includes the situation where it might be an abuse of power, where the victim is "worried" about the consequences of refusal.
This is the first time Japan has changed the age of consent since its enactment in 1907.
In another move, the nation also increased the statute of limitations to report rape from 10 to 15 years, giving victims more time to come forward.
"Distorted ideas" about sex and consent that have pervaded for generations must be addressed, Kazuko Ito, vice-president of the Tokyo-based Human Rights Now told BBC.
One of the changes also bans photo voyeurism or shooting sexual acts among other things.
