Japan’s Approach to Religious Abuse and Child Protection
Japan has established guidance to help protect children from psychological abuse and neglect connected to religious beliefs and activities. The measures address situations in which children may be threatened, frightened or pressured into following religious practices against their wishes.
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The guidance was issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in December 2022, following growing public attention to the experiences of people known as religious second-generation children. These are individuals who grow up in families where religious beliefs and activities strongly influence their daily lives and personal decisions.
The guidance explains that religious beliefs cannot be used as a justification for conduct that harms a child’s safety, emotional well-being or development.
Threats and Fear-Based Pressure May Constitute Psychological Abuse
The government’s guidance identifies several forms of conduct that may amount to psychological abuse or neglect.
These include threatening children with punishment or frightening consequences to force participation in religious activities. Using words, images or other materials to repeatedly create fear can also be considered psychological abuse.
Other examples include:
● Pressuring children to participate in religious activities against their wishes.
● Restricting their freedom to make decisions about education, employment or marriage because of religious teachings.
● Repeatedly ignoring, humiliating or rejecting children to make them follow particular beliefs.
● Denying necessary medical treatment on religious grounds, which may amount to neglect.
The guidance makes clear that authorities should consider the impact of the conduct on the child rather than dismissing concerns simply because they arise within a religious household.
Child Consultation Centres Can Investigate Suspected Cases
Japan’s child consultation centres and other relevant authorities are responsible for responding to suspected cases of child abuse. Schools and educators are also expected to identify possible signs of abuse and report concerns to the appropriate agencies.
Depending on the circumstances, authorities can assess a child’s situation and arrange protective intervention. Where a child faces serious risks to their safety or development, temporary protective custody may be considered under Japan’s child welfare framework.
The guidance also encourages schools to work with counsellors and social workers to provide support to children experiencing emotional distress or difficulties connected to religious pressure.
The Debate Around Religious Second-Generation Children
Public discussion about religiously influenced family environments gained renewed attention following the July 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The incident brought greater scrutiny to the Unification Church and allegations concerning financial pressure, family difficulties and the experiences of children raised in religious households. It also encouraged more people who identify as religious second-generation individuals to speak about their experiences.
The issue has prompted discussions about how authorities can protect children while respecting freedom of religion and the rights of families and religious communities.
Balancing Religious Freedom with Children’s Rights
Japan’s Constitution protects freedom of religion. The government’s approach therefore distinguishes between the practice of religious beliefs and actions that may harm children.
The guidance does not classify religious belief or ordinary religious activities as child abuse. Instead, it focuses on specific behaviour, including threats, coercion, neglect and restrictions that may seriously affect a child’s well-being or ability to make personal decisions.
International discussion has also highlighted the importance of applying the guidance carefully. In 2025, United Nations human rights experts raised concerns about the possible stigmatisation of religious minorities and the need to ensure that legitimate religious activities are not wrongly treated as abuse.
Japan’s guidance highlights the importance of protecting children from emotional harm, coercion and neglect, regardless of the environment in which they occur. It also reflects the challenge of balancing children’s rights with constitutionally protected religious freedom.
By encouraging schools, child consultation centres and welfare authorities to recognise warning signs and respond appropriately, the framework aims to ensure that children can grow up safely and develop their own identities and future choices.
