The Japanese parliament will debate legislation in March that, if passed, will transition the country from one of the world’s last sole-custody systems to joint custody.

Under Japanese law, sole custody is granted to whoever was physically last with the child, triggering a race to snatch children as relationships break down.

The letter said that while each of the coalition’s nine family law models had similarities and differences, they all allowed children to benefit from meaningful relationships with both parents, their extended families, language, and culture.

“The proposed reforms currently under consideration, to move away from sole custody after divorce, would bring Japan further into line with these international obligations as a state party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,” the letter said.

“Where it is safe, we believe shared parenting is in a child’s best interests so that they can continue to develop and grow with the love, care and support of both parents.”

The century-old Japanese legislation was designed to help women fleeing violent relationships but is now being used by both fathers and mothers to legally abduct their children and change their names, addresses, health and education details to hide them from the other parent.

Loading

Japanese police have refused to enforce Interpol missing persons notices for Australian children, and local courts have often regarded visitation rights as a private family matter. At the same time, police and domestic violence support services have been stretched by a growing caseload as the country’s divorce rate climbs.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly defended the country’s family law system and said it was meeting its international obligations.

“There are various opinions both domestically and internationally regarding the custody system after parents divorce,” said ministry spokeswoman Maki Kobayashi. “It is important to listen to a wide variety of opinions and have thorough discussions.”

Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here.