Abe tells Obama Japan will join child abduction treaty

However, Abe did not set a timeframe... That says it all.

Joining is one thing, adhering to, and putting some teeth into enforcement is another. Only time will tell!

Actions speak louder than words I'd like to see how this unravels.

Unfortunately... even if Japan follows through this time, it will not address the 1000s of existing cases.

Nothing will really change until they address the problems with the domestic Japanese custody system.

This is a good time for the US to make demands of Japan - the DPJ so badly damaged relations, and the LDP is so desperate to patch things up that the US will likely get its way on pretty much anything it asks for during this summit. Futenma relocation - done! Osprey deployment issue - what issue?! Negotiations for lowering of agricultural subsidies to join the TPP - we're still figuring out how to break that one to the folks back home, but consider it done!

All Japan wants in return is a reaffirmation of the US security commitment to Japan, in the face of rising Chinese aggression. And a good thing too - because frankly, the US, democratic presidents in particular, tend to have no stomach for confronting China, especially in favor of Japan.

But the US should favor Japan. It is America's most loyal ally, it is democratic, PRC unilateral actions against its neighbors are disturbing and unacceptable, and number three economy ain't number 2, but it is still pretty damned important.

I suppose a pat on the back is in order. One more step closer to laws that should have been past in the 1950's!

Disillusioned: Nor did he state to what degree Japan would acknowledge and respect the agreement. They have already stated they will not look into any prior cases of kidnapping. It is just 'lip service'!

Sorry mate - I know you've been put through the wringer on this issue, but you can't expect Japan to pass ex post facto legislation. As with most countries, it's against the constitution. Governments can't pass a new law to criminalize past actions.

You might be able to use the treaty as a new negotiation point, though.

Hokkaidoguy - my issues have nothing to do with international kidnapping. My issues are strictly domestic and because I know the domestic situation so well I know that even if Japan does agree to joining, it will mean bugger all because of the lack of joint custody legislation within Japan. As I said before, it is purely 'lip service'. You can bet your donkey that future cases will be ignored and follow the same pattern as present. All the woman has to do is say, "he is abusive" and the father will be denied any access to their kids. They do not need any proof or evidence to support their claim. Abe knows this very well and it is because of this he is happy to join, thus 'lip service'!

Steve ChristianFeb. 23, 2013 - 03:55PM JST

We will join the Hague Convention if the U.S. will move toward support clear support of our Senkaku island claims.

Glad to hear someone else is thinking like I do. Japan is not really good at "I do that if you do that" in International diplomacy.

We will join the Hague Convention if the U.S. will move toward support clear support of our Senkaku island claims. I will throw in a visit to Arlington to sweeten the deal.

Shake.

Done deal.

Its not even about custody. Its about people being half decent and letting a good loving parent see their child/children.

This is a relatively low cost concession for Abe to make and one which will give some appearance (illusion) of Japan keeping up with modern mores. In monetary terms it may increase the number of non Japanese speaking children moving to Japan as adults a little. However, it will also decrease the number of solo mums claiming state benefits in Japan.

For the past 5 years I've read a similar story about how they are considering to join the Hague Treaty, but there was no solid time frame as to when; hence, it's been all mouth. We will have to wait another 10 years plus before that happens.

bh Will Japan change it's laws so american fathers can have their children visit in the US and possibly get custody or is it the same old crap, mother gets all. I understand if the Hague us signed then abduction is considered a crime in Japan as well as in the US,

Having giving it some thought am all for the agreement. It would mean that spouses living in a foreign country can not flee back to their own countries and get custody. So it makes it possible for half Japanese children to visit their parent in either America or Japan without the worry of them being awarded custody in a foreign court. This does not affect the laws of each country but it is a start. About existing cases that needs to be worked out like could their be a "reset" in which the non custodial parent can return them to the custodial parent in a foreign country without the risk of arrest and a chance of visitation? Anyhow why does my thoughts bother you, am a single person and have zero influence?

This is excellent news, but we need a time frame. I know of too many sad parents who cannot see their kids as the Japanese spouse kidnaps them and hides them away from their other parent. It takes 2 people to make and raise a child, weather they are married or not, or in the same country or not. One parent does not have a right to take the kids away from the other unless abuse can be proven.

Number of days since the Japanese Government's May 2011 annnouncement that it would sign the Hague = 653 days. Number of kidnapped children Japanese Government has helped return since that announcement = ZERO Children Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. Enough said.

How can a get an e-mail address for PM Abe? I want to ask a serious question regarding child abduction as it relates to our son (who is a US citizen) and his wife who are in the process of divorce. I am a grandfather who has never seen our one granchild and she will be 6 yers old this fall. Please advise how I can get through to this gentlemen to ask a very serious question. Thanks, BH

However, Abe did not set a timeframe

Nor did he state to what degree Japan would acknowledge and respect the agreement. They have already stated they will not look into any prior cases of kidnapping. It is just 'lip service'!

We will join the Hague Convention if the U.S. will move toward support clear support of our Senkaku island claims.

The US has already clearly stated that it recognizes the Japanese control of the Senkakus.

This is a good step - better late than ever. I applaud him for it.

Even if they sign the treaty, they will do what they usually do, NOT enforce it and things will be as per usual. Abe is just trying to score points with Obama. 'Lapdog'

Governments can't pass a new law to criminalize past actions.

HGuy,

I guess by that line of "reasoning" Japan cant say much about NKorea & kidnapped Japanese, since no laws were drawn up what happened in the past, stays in the past.......................