Japanese gender equality

Japan introduces shared custody in divorce

For the first time, it is now possible for divorced Japanese couples to obtain shared custody of their children, international media reports.

Parents have had the opportunity to agree on other arrangements themselves, but in the event of a legal dispute over the matter, custody has always been awarded to one parent, in most cases the mother, writes the BBC.

The change in law also means new requirements to pay maintenance to the parent who lives with the child.

Father Takeshi: "A big step in the right direction"

That Japan introduces shared custody is seen by advocates as a way to strengthen parents', and not least fathers', relationship with their children after a divorce, writes AFP.

In recent years, Japan has had several high-profile cases in which parents accused their ex-partner of exploiting the law to "kidnap" the children. One of them is 48-year-old Takeshi Hirano, who in an interview with the news agency described the change as “a big step in the right direction.”

At the same time, there are opponents, who argue that shared custody can have a negative effect on people trying to leave abusive relationships. Although the court takes physical violence into account, critics say that psychological and financial violence risk being overlooked.