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Japan Adopts Joint Custody Law Amid Concerns for Abuse Survivors

4/4/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Japan will implement a law effective April 1, 2026 permitting divorced couples to negotiate joint custody.
The change follows a 2024 parliamentary vote criticizing the sole-custody system.
Parents may petition family courts to modify custody.
Critics warn joint custody could endanger abuse survivors and enable exploitation.
Mothers still hold custody in 85% of cases, about 200,000 children.

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Story summary

Japan will implement a law effective April 1, 2026 permitting divorced couples to negotiate joint custody.
The change follows a 2024 parliamentary vote criticizing the sole-custody system.
Parents may petition family courts to modify custody.
Critics warn joint custody could endanger abuse survivors and enable exploitation.
Mothers still hold custody in 85% of cases, about 200,000 children.