Japan Ministry of Justice Proposes ¥20,000 Monthly Child Support in Draft Ordinance With Public Comment Period

Japan's Ministry of Justice has proposed a draft ordinance establishing a legally mandated child support payment of 20,000 yen (approximately $136) per child per month for cases where divorced parents have not agreed on child support arrangements. This measure allows the parent who has custody of the child to claim this fixed amount from the non-custodial parent. The draft ordinance was announced on August 29, 2025, and will undergo a one-month public comment period starting in September before being finalized. The proposal aims to address issues related to unpaid child support and provide a temporary standard until formal agreements are reached.