Press Releases
Seminar on Japan's Implementation of the 1980 Hague Convention for Diplomatic Missions in Tokyo
March 5, 2026
On March 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan held a seminar on Japan’s implementation of the 1980 Hague Convention for embassies and delegations in Tokyo. The overview of the seminar is as follows:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan held this seminar for embassies and delegations in Tokyo, as it recognizes the importance of informing relevant stakeholders abroad that Japan is steadily implementing the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980 Hague Convention). In view of the strong interest from overseas, the seminar also served as an opportunity to explain the latest amendment to the Civil Code and other related legislation of Japan in the field of family law, which will take effect on April 1, 2026.
- The seminar was attended by 31 officials from the diplomatic missions including the embassies of 16 contracting states of the Convention.
- During the seminar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as the Japanese Central Authority under the Convention, explained Japan’s implementation of the Convention, including its solid record on the return of children. Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice provided a briefing on the main points of the latest family law reform.
- It is expected that the seminar promoted greater understanding among embassies and delegations in Tokyo regarding the implementation of the 1980 Hague Convention and the Civil Code reform in Japan, and that this enhanced understanding will facilitate the work of relevant countries and regions on Hague Convention related matters.