Japan Moves to Join Child-Custody Accord
In a move aimed at resolving a longstanding diplomatic squabble with the U.S., Japanese lawmakers have taken a significant step toward joining an international child-custody agreement—one of the most contentious issues at stake between the two countries.
Japan, which is the only member of the Group of Seven leading nations not to be a part of the treaty, has faced renewed international pressure over its solitary stance against the international pact, known as the Hague Convention.
Chief government spokesman Yukio Edano said Friday the cabinet approved the policy to start preparing draft bills that would clear the way for Japan to sign the 1980 treaty, which would extend custody rights to non-Japanese parents whose children are moved to Japan by a former spouse. At a Thursday meeting led by Mr. Edano, officials including Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto agreed on domestic arrangements and other legal conditions that were necessary to cue cabinet consent Friday.