Hello everyone,
Today, I’d like to explain a strange button you must press when buying alcohol or cigarettes in Japan.
If you don’t press it, you cannot complete the purchase.
If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ve probably heard a store clerk say something like:
“Please press the ‘YES’ button.”
This is what we call the age verification button.
What Is This Button?
In Japan, you must be 20 years or older to buy alcohol and cigarettes.
At the register, a screen appears asking the customer to confirm that they are over 20.
The customer must press “YES” to proceed with the purchase.
Why Does This System Exist?
The main reason is legal responsibility.
In Japan, if a store sells alcohol or cigarettes to a minor, the store (or staff) can be punished.
Penalties may include:
- Fines
- Police investigation
- Suspension or loss of the license to sell alcohol or tobacco
Because of this, stores must be extremely careful about age verification.
So, Does the Button Actually Work?
Not really.
Even if a customer presses “YES,” it does not fully protect the store from responsibility.
If there is any doubt, staff are still required to check ID.
In reality, this button works more as:
- A formal confirmation from the customer
- A psychological warning
- A visible action showing the store is following the rules
From a Worker’s Perspective
From the point of view of convenience store workers, this system can feel a bit strange.
Even though the customer presses the button,
the final responsibility still lies with the store and the staff.
In other words, the button shifts the process—but not the risk.
Final Thoughts
This small “YES” button is something many visitors to Japan notice, but few truly understand.
It may seem unnecessary at first,
but it reflects how seriously Japan treats age restrictions—and how much responsibility is placed on the seller.
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