In Japan, divorce splits parents from children. Could a law change end sole custody?

Japan’s Civil Code is undergoing an amendment that, if passed, will introduce the concept of shared parenting, a significant departure from the country’s current sole custody system. For decades, when a couple divorces, one parent is granted exclusive custody of any children. This has often led to estranged relationships between children and the non-custodial parent. The proposed legislative change aims to alter this by permitting both parents to share legal and physical responsibility for their children post-divorce. Proponents argue this reform is crucial for the well-being of children, promoting continued involvement from both parents and mitigating the emotional distress often associated with divorce-induced separation. The move reflects a growing discussion in Japan about modernizing family law to better align with international practices and evolving societal views on parental roles.