Japan needs to sign U.N. treaty optional protocols

The approach described here would probably be more effective for left-behind parents instead of Japan signing the Hague Convention.

http://4rionandlaurenandjulia.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/japan-needs-to-ratify-the-optional-protocols-on-the-un-treaties-it-has-signed/?mid=516

Masako Akeo’s case

Here is a perspective of a Japanese mother being denied access to her child by the Japanese system:

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201006220385.html

Kyodo News article suggests shift in Japanese government

According to this article, attitudes towards the international child abduction issue are beginning to shift within the Japanese government.  The solution is not obvious yet, but at least the Japanese government seems to be trying to constructively engage with the U.S. on this.  It sounds hopeful.

http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=487403

New Japanese & English Abduction Info on State Dept. Website

It is extremely encouraging to see that the U.S. State Department is providing this information on their website.  The first link below is the Japanese language “American View” Winter 2010 newsletter published by the U.S. State Department which  provides a range of Japanese language information on U.S. custody law, the Hague Convention, and left-behind parents.   The second link provides a good overview of all the various organizations now involved in these issues from the point of view of a left-behind parent (LBP), Steve Christi.

Both of these are great resources with a lot of credibility, especially since they’re now on the U.S. State Department website!

Japanese language “American View” Winter 2010 newsletter:

wwwf-american-view201001

Steve Christi’s article:

japan-usembassy-gov_e_p_tp-20100122-84

Street Rally in Tokyo on October 24

Below is a downloadable flier with details for the street rally being held in Tokyo on October 24.  A lot of media, especially Japanese media, is expected at this event, so please try to attend.

Street Rally (Oct. 24, 2009)

The Seoul Times-the Randy Collins’ case

A big THANK YOU to The Seoul Times for helping cover Randy’s case.

The Seoul Times-Randy Collins

International community sits back as Japan steals children

We thank The Seoul Times for publishing this article by Shane Clarke:

The Seoul Times