International Child Abduction

1. Did Japan sign the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the Hague Convention 1980)?

Yes. The convention will enter into force from April 1, 2014.

2. My husband/wife has taken the children without my consent.

Let us make every effort to seek a prompt return of the children.

We get the first return order after the ratification in July 2014. Her Honour Judge Finnerty in the High Court of Justice famiy Division in London orderd, “The child R will return to Japan” for the child and our client on 22 July 2014. (In Re R (A Child)[2014] EWHC 2802 (Fam) INCADAT HC/E/UKe 1289).

We are cooperating with experienced lawyers in other jurisdictions in international child abduction cases.

Hirotaka Honda is a member of Reunite International and is listed in the lawyers list of MiKK e.V.

3. I am living outside of Japan. Can I get legal aid to have my children returned or to access them?

If your case is in the scope of Hague Convention 1980 case, you can get it from Japan Legal Support Center. We undertake public funded cases.

4. I am a lawyer practicing in a signatory country. Would you introduce me some useful sites on the implementation of the convention in Japan?

I have written a short note. Please read it at your risk.

5. I would like to know how international relocation is handled in Japan?

I have written an overview of international relocation of children law in Japan at Practical Law of Thomson Reuters.

6. What are the rights and responsibilities of parents of Japanese children law? What is Shinken? What is Kangosha?

I have briefly explained “Rights and responsibilities of parents” in an overview of international relocation of children law in Japan at Practical Law of Thomson Reuters.