I am currently in the military and I have seen this in action. In Japan they lowered the drinking age to 20, and with in three months underage drinking was reduced dramatically but the alcohol related crime went through the roof. Rape, assault, theft, and destruction of property were the highest. I agree that lowering the age so that kids can learn better drinking habits would be an improvement, but there needs to also be stricter laws and much harsher penalties for public drunkenness, and other alcohol related crimes. With a lower drinking age and better laws/punishments I would say that in about 10 years are kids would be more responsible drinkers, as well it might help give them a little more responsibility and make them feel like they are more adults.