Civil Code

Japan's Civil Code is the body of law that governs civil matters in Japan. It is newsworthy because it recently underwent a significant revision regarding child custody arrangements for divorced couples. Prior to this amendment, which took effect on Wednesday, Japan's Civil Code mandated that only one parent, typically the mother, be granted custody after a divorce. This made Japan the only G7 nation without provisions for joint custody. The recent change allows divorced couples to negotiate joint custody of their children, marking the first major alteration to the country's child-rearing laws in over a century. This revision is significant because it addresses criticisms that the previous system created conflict between parents and negatively impacted children. The amendment reflects a shift towards recognizing the importance of both parents' involvement in a child's life post-divorce.