The 67-year-old ban in Japan refers to the law restricting dancing after midnight, which came into effect after World War II.
This law, often described as a "Footloose"-type ban, stemmed from the Allied Occupation period. Dance halls, at the time, were frequently used as fronts for prostitution and other illicit activities. To control these activities, regulations were implemented that effectively prohibited dancing in licensed establishments after midnight.
While the law was technically in place for decades, its enforcement varied. In recent years, there was increasing criticism that the law was outdated and stifled the nightlife and music scene. Following years of campaigning by industry professionals and advocates, the law was amended in 2015, relaxing the restrictions on dancing. While complete deregulation didn't occur, it allowed dancing in licensed establishments after midnight, provided they met certain lighting requirements.
Therefore, while the original ban existed for approximately 67 years, it has since been reformed. It is important to note that the timeframe may vary slightly depending on specific start and end dates considered.
