From my understanding, an 18 year old having sex or a relationship with a 14 year old would be legal and okay in the eyes of the law. However, I think that unless they were married, it would be illegal for a 19 year old to have sex with a 14 year old. I do know that 20 is considered "adulthood" in Japan, though people are legal before that (age 18).
Personally, I would say that he wouldn't be freaking out about the age if he's 18/19. We are talking about a culture that has Enjo-kōsai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enjo_k%C5%8Dsai), Shotacon and Lolicon" (http://www.mangaupdates.com/genres.html) manga genres, among other things.
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Personally, I would say that he wouldn't be freaking out about the age if he's 18/19. We are talking about a culture that has Enjo-kōsai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enjo_k%C5%8Dsai),
Shotacon and Lolicon" (http://www.mangaupdates.com/genres.html) manga genres, among other things.
BTW: What fandom is this for?