JapanWho must report child abuse?
In Japan, doctors, teachers, childcare workers, and other professionals who regularly interact with children are legally required to report suspected child abuse to local child guidance centers.
What the Law Says
Japan’s Child Abuse Prevention Act imposes a legal duty to report suspected child abuse on certain professionals. The law defines who must report, when, and to whom — with penalties for failure.
Under the Child Abuse Prevention Act, specific professionals who work with children — including physicians, nurses, teachers, childcare providers, social workers, and police officers — must report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse.
The report must be made immediately, and no later than 48 hours after becoming aware of the suspicion. Reports go directly to the nearest child guidance center (jidō sōdan shisetsu), which is operated by each prefectural government.
Failure to report without justifiable reason may result in a fine of up to 500,000 yen. This duty applies nationwide across all 47 prefectures.
Statutory TextA person who, in the course of his or her duties, discovers a case of child abuse shall, without delay, report the matter to the head of the child guidance center.
— Child Abuse Prevention Act, Art. 25 — Reporting Duty
Statutory TextIf a person required to make a report under the preceding Article fails to do so without justifiable reason, the person shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand yen.
— Child Abuse Prevention Act, Art. 31 — Penalty for Failure to Report
What to Do
Recognize signs of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, or neglect.
Immediately contact your local child guidance center (or call #189, Japan’s national child abuse hotline).
Submit a written report within 48 hours if required by your workplace policy (though oral reports are legally sufficient).
Cooperate with follow-up investigations conducted by the child guidance center or welfare authorities.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.