The current situation in which parents are allowed to refuse to return their children is problematic. It’s necessary to consider improving the system to enhance the effectiveness of the treaty while paying attention to the mental and physical condition of children.

Of course it failed here. That is a given. Vague and a lot of sucking wind. I feel for the parents and kids.

At least I can see my kids. I made out well with my split.

This is all part of the bigger failing of gender relations in Japan, I'm afraid. Plenty of Japanese fathers are estranged from their children too. If Japan did divorce, or even just more diverse family situations, better, perhaps more people would be willing to start a family.

In the case of international abductions, the Japanese government could easily stop them by contacting both parents before issuing a passport to a child. They is clearly no will to do so, however.

Finally JT has posted someone speaking about this disgraceful situation - there are literally thousands of left behind foreign fathers victims of Japanese inhumane laws. I have written to President Trump imploring him not to discuss the alleged DPRK abductions of Japanese citizens until Japan solves its own track record of abductions. Let's hope we get some action this time.

Becoming a signatory nation to the Hague convention was a big step. Laws without enforcement do little to help the victims. All procedures have so far failed. Where is the teeth?

No point signing a treaty if you have no intention of honouring it.