In Japan, over 70% of single-parent households do not receive child support (according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "2021 National Survey of Single-Parent Households"). Currently, much of the claiming and collection is left to negotiations and handling between individual parents, creating a structure where non-payment continues unresolved. Some countries have introduced systems where child support is positioned as a social cost for children's healthy development, with the government or third-party organizations handling advances and collections.

Based on this reality, Good Neighbors Japan (Headquarters: Ota Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director: Tomo Koizumi), a certified non-profit organization, is launching a 15-second video and a special page titled "#OurChildSupport" on the same day to expand awareness, viewing the securing of child support in Japan not just as a family issue but as a problem related to societal structures.

Background and Objectives The Wall of "Negotiations Between Individuals" That Remains Unchanged Despite Legal Reforms

Child support is money necessary for a child's upbringing, which parents living apart are obligated to pay. However, the reality is that many single-parent households cannot receive it due to various reasons such as the mental and financial burden of agreements and claims, safety risks like DV, and difficulty in communicating with the other party.

With the civil code revision in April 2026, there have been advancements in the system, including the establishment of a "statutory child support system" allowing claims for a certain amount even without an agreement, and the introduction of "legal privilege" to facilitate seizure. On the other hand, the structure where procedures for claiming and collection are still left to individuals remains, raising concerns that money essential for children is not being stably delivered.

Our organization views this issue not as a problem for individual families, but as a theme that society as a whole should address, aiming to expand social awareness.

Overview of Initiatives

Digital Signage Video

【Screening Start Date】 June 30, 2026 (Tue)~ 【Screening Locations】 ・Tokyo: Shibuya 109 Forum Vision (once per hour) ・Osaka: Amerikamura AMEMURA.VISION (four times per hour)

Special Page "#OurChildSupport" 【URL】 https://www.gnjp.org/bokura-no-youikuhi/

【Main Contents】

・Current status of child support non-payment issues and voices of those involved

・Circumstances faced by both payers and recipients

・System challenges and future directions

・Information on consultation services and reference materials

Expanding Interest - Actions Starting with "#OurChildSupport"

To broaden interest on social media, we are calling for shares using the hashtag "#OurChildSupport."

Even starting with the realization of "I didn't know about this reality," it can lead to visualizing the issue and spreading understanding.

The issue of child support is not merely a financial transaction between parents, but a significant societal issue concerning children's growth and future. That is why we want to create an opportunity for people to realize, "Is this really the reality?"

We hope that as many people as possible will learn about this issue, and that dialogue will expand towards realizing a society where child support is stably delivered to children.

About the Organization

Good Neighbors Japan, as a member of the international organization Good Neighbors International, was established in 2004. Aiming for "a society where children's smiles abound and everyone can live with dignity," we support children both domestically and internationally. We are certified as a "Certified Non-Profit Organization" by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, an organization of high public interest.

Official Website: https://www.gnjp.org/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gnjapan

X: https://x.com/GNJapan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gn_japan/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 社会問題