Joint child custody now possible for divorced parents in Japan

Divorced couples in Japan are now allowed to share custody of their children, after a landmark revision to Japan’s Civil Code took effect on Wednesday, the BBC writes.

Before the amendment was approved by parliament in 2024, Japan was the only G7 country that did not recognise the legal concept of joint custody.

Custody was typically granted to one parent – in most cases the mother – who had power to cut off the other parent’s access to their children.

Under the new law, a family court can decide whether to grant sole or joint custody to divorcing couples.

Parents who divorced under the old system are also now eligible to have their custody arrangement reviewed by the family court.

Some are hopeful that the changes will help prevent cases of parental abduction, which have come into the spotlight in recent years.