When is visitation denied?

Art. 820
Civil Code
Art. 27
Child Welfare Act
Best interest
Legal standard
Court order
Required for denial
The Short Answer

Visitation may be denied in Japan if it harms the child’s welfare, such as in cases of abuse, neglect, or serious risk to the child’s physical or mental health.

What the Law Says

Japanese law prioritizes the child’s best interests when determining visitation rights. Courts may restrict or deny visitation only when necessary to protect the child’s welfare.

Under Article 820 of the Civil Code, a parent with parental authority has the right and duty to supervise and educate their child. However, this includes the obligation to act in the child’s best interest — and visitation by the non-custodial parent may be limited if it conflicts with that duty.

Article 27 of the Child Welfare Act states that 'no person shall harm the life or body of a child, or impair the child’s physical or mental development.' If visitation poses such a risk, authorities or courts may intervene.

The Family Court has discretion to suspend or deny visitation after reviewing evidence — but only through a formal court order, not unilaterally by the custodial parent.

Statutory Text

A father or mother who exercises parental authority shall have the right and duty to supervise and educate the child.

— Civil Code, Art. 820 — Right and duty of parental authority
Statutory Text

No person shall harm the life or body of a child, or impair the child’s physical or mental development.

— Child Welfare Act, Art. 27 — Prohibition of harm to children

What to Do

1

File a petition with the Family Court requesting restriction or denial of visitation.

2

Submit evidence (e.g., medical reports, police records, witness statements) showing risk to the child’s welfare.

3

Attend court hearings and cooperate with court-appointed investigators or mediators.

4

Comply strictly with any court order — unilateral denial of visitation without a ruling may result in legal consequences.

Sources

statuteCivil Code, Art. 820 — Right and duty of parental authoritystatuteChild Welfare Act, Art. 27 — Prohibition of harm to children

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

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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: 2026-06-09.