What are adoption requirements?

What the Law Says

Japanese adoption law distinguishes between ordinary adoption and special adoption, each with distinct statutory requirements. The Civil Code governs eligibility, consent, and procedural steps.

To adopt in Japan, the adoptive parent must be at least 25 years old. If married, only one spouse needs to meet this age requirement — the other must be at least 20.

For ordinary adoption, the child must be under 18 years old. For special adoption (which severs legal ties with birth parents), the child must be under 20 — but must also have been under 6 months old at the time of placement with the adoptive family.

Consent is required from the child if they are 15 years or older. Birth parents must also consent unless their parental rights have been legally terminated or they are deemed unable to give consent.

All adoptions require approval by the Family Court. The court examines whether the adoption serves the child’s best interests and confirms all statutory conditions are met.

Statutory Text

An adoptive parent must be twenty-five years of age or older.

— Civil Code, s. 792 — Requirements for Adoption

Statutory Text

A person who wishes to adopt a minor must obtain the consent of the minor if the minor has attained the age of fifteen years.

— Civil Code, s. 793 — Consent of Minor

Statutory Text

In the case of special adoption, the adoptive parent must have continuously cared for the adopted child for not less than six months prior to filing the petition.

— Civil Code, s. 817-2 — Special Adoption Requirements

What to Do

Sources