Record number of child abuse, domestic violence cases reported in 2021

0.27% sexual abuse. That certainly is better than the impression one might get from reading Japan Today daily... Verbal abuse? I would like to see what the definition of that is. Maybe I can sue my USMC Drill Instructor because I was 'underage' in boot camp...in any case, the wisdom of the kotowaza "Genki de, rusu ga ii" seems affirmed by these stats...

Covid did no such thing. Failed govt policies that encouraged families to stay home and businesses to shut down did this.

Man, if you can’t be around the person you supposedly love without beating them senseless, that’s a YOU problem, not a lockdown problem. If your marriage can only work if you have to spend 40+ hours a week away from each other, then you were doomed to fail from the beginning.

Everyone who blames lockdowns for domestic violence are basically admitting “I love my wife and kids, but if I’m forced to spend time around them, I will definitely beat them to death”. And that ain’t on Covid

Fully agree with any single word you wrote here.

I am just wondering about real numbers as I believe much more cases are hidden or not even reported/thanks to japanese people mind setting/...

Heartbreaking news. We see new kids admitted almost every month to the care homes where JOEE.jp works to bring active English lessons. These children need every possible advantage in Japan where the deck is stacked against them. Learning to speak English is one advantage that can help them land jobs when they exit the care system at age 18.

Inside the homes where I have volunteered, at least, I see committed caregivers who treat the children gently and with consistent care. Of course, the situation is less than ideal, but they do form a family and establish connections with trustworthy adults who love them.

Several of my friends have adopted kids and are foster parents. Most are from diverse backgrounds, so even though it may be difficult to adopt or become a foster parent, it is possible. Being able to speak Japanese, is still, I believe, a requirement. One friend, a single female, had to move outside of Tokyo proper into Saitama in order to adopt her Japanese daughter from an orphanage. This was many years ago. Perhaps the system has changed, but I know that it has many problems. Children need to be given more rights and more assistance when they lack a loving, dedicated family to support them.

@Cricky - I hope that you will be able to foster kids in the future. The world needs more people like you!

This has been increasing every year for the last five years or so. Many justify it by stating more cases are being reported. It makes one wonder just how many more cases go unreported. I witnessed many callous acts against children during my time in Japan. On trains, in restaurants and in the street. Sadly, many parents consider their children a burden and not a blessing.

Child abuse is despicable .

Physical , mental and sexual abuse against children needs to stop !

And why does Japan dress up the school girls as little sailors in costumes .

The girls are not in the military.

Every convenience store has magazines for any age to look at that has school girls in sailor school uniforms being used as sex symbols.

It certainly doesn't help the sexual abuse issue , and going to school everyday in any costume is entirely inappropriate and unprofessional.

Hate crimes against foreigners and children and women and girls in Japan is a serious issue and proves that Japan is not the advanced nation it thinks it is.

Only COWARDS take out their miserable life on the weak and helpless.

30% of the population takes some kind of antidepressant. People are stressed out and are taking out their frustration on their kids. its cowardly but I am pretty sure child abuse has been endemic even before covid. This is a tough society to have kids and if I were to advise someone, I would tell them to refrain from having kids over here.

...the coronavirus pandemic continued to reduce opportunities for welfare workers to intervene, a police report showed Thursday.

This is a pathetic excuse and completely unethical. The sky could be raining down fire and brimstone while the biblical plagues run rampant across continents but this should not stop a WELFARE worker from doing their damndest to rescue a child, woman, or man from an abusive environment. I hope these agencies realize how much blood and suffering is on their hands because they used Covid as a convenient excuse not to help members of their society. Maybe they should try to take a leaf out of the US postal office's motto of "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." A worthy creed to subscribe to and their job is to deliver mail.

@ Finally Rich

Most people aren't as privileged to say "I made a point of working more than half a week from home". Most companies don't allow their employees to make their own work schedules. Perhaps you may own your own business, and its great that your kid is happy and your wife is relieved. I hope it stays that way, because if it doesn't your case of logic of a perfect family and home will make become that monster parent we will be reading about!!

When my son was born last year I made a point of working more than half a week from home, my kid is happy, my wife was very relieved, my son never fails to smile whenever I look at him.If you blame the acts of monster parents on the government, please dont ever procreate.

When my son was born last year I made a point of working more than half a week from home, my kid is happy, my wife was very relieved, my son never fails to smile whenever I look at him.

Thats called a totally unrelated personal anecdote that has nothing to do with the issue.

If you blame the acts of monster parents on the government, please dont ever procreate.

Thats called a painfully distorted summary of my opinion.

Do better.

Be better.

Covid did no such thing. Failed govt policies that encouraged families to stay home and businesses to shut down did this.

When my son was born last year I made a point of working more than half a week from home, my kid is happy, my wife was very relieved, my son never fails to smile whenever I look at him.

If you blame the acts of monster parents on the government, please dont ever procreate.

Correction to @7:01pm above: “..often read about…” - Regards.

Another significantly alarming continued issue other read about in the daily “Crime” stories but tucked in here with the ‘property’ crimes stats is:

Among them, 1,811 minors were victimized via social media, the report said.” -

Was encouraged by changes in the welfare policies regarding ‘children & minors’ UNTIL read @Cricky 5:00-5:49pm’s account of dealing with “the Japanese system” (PLEASE READ). Please continue your efforts.

congratulations, lockdown fanatics.

Heres a hard lesson learned in unintended consequences

Covid just brought out the worst in these people. These people have always been animals, but now turned into Demons.

Covid did no such thing. Failed govt policies that encouraged families to stay home and businesses to shut down did this.

Cowardice did this.

I'm willing to bet the sad excuses for parents and guardians were terrible people BEFORE the pandemic. hopefully these kids can get the counselling and support they deserve

Never happen, that was made clear. Three adult daughters, grandchildren, nice house, stable environment…but teeth sucking you aren’t Japanese and might cause confusion. Yes for them not a teenager.

Well said, Cricky.

I hope you'll be able to foster in future!

Such a dumb stupid system.

The current limit is 18 years old in principle but under some circumstances some can stay until they are 22. The envisaged revision to the child welfare law will allow such children to continue to receive support until orphanages or local governments determine that they are capable of becoming independent.

Have you seen how these children are treated?

kick them out at a set age, after a life of regimentation, no don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Human contact don’t need that who does?

my wife and I tried to foster a child but as I’m not Japanese they felt it best to continue to contain the child for its own good until release.

such a stupid system.