necessary for the youth's welfare, and where the youth does not fall under hikō shonen (above). (Juvenile Activities, Police Regulations Article 2.8) Usage as a demographic term The term is also used as a demographic term describing media whose target audience consists primarily of adolescent or pre-adolescent boys. Shōnen manga is a popular demographic of Japanese manga, and often features a teenage cast as well as a combat based plot while exploring themes of protecting loved ones, mutual understanding and development of friendship/camaraderie. See also Boy Adolescence Shōjo Bishōnen Seinen Juvenile delinquency Minor (law) Reform school Education Nursery school Kindergarten Elementary school Gymnasium (school) Middle school High school References External links Shonen-in, reformatory (Ministry of Justice site, in Japanese) Childhood in Japan Japanese words and phrases Law of Japan Juvenile law