Japan is set to implement a groundbreaking legal reform that establishes minimum child support payments for divorced parents, addressing a longstanding gap in family law that has left many children without adequate financial support. Justice Minister Hiraguchi announced that the new "statutory child support" system will take effect on April 1, 2026, setting a baseline payment of 20,000 yen per month per child. The reform comes as part of broader amendments to Japan's Civil Code and represents a significant shift in how the country handles post-divorce financial obligations. According to NHK, the statutory child support system specifically targets cases where divorcing couples fail to establish formal child support arrangements before finalizing their separation—a situation that has been surprisingly common in Japan. Under the current system, many divorced parents, particularly mothers who typically retain custody in Japan, struggle to secure consistent financial support from their former partners. Without pre-established agreements, pursuing child support through courts can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining. The new legislation aims to eliminate this uncertainty by automatically establishing a minimum payment obligation. The 20,000 yen monthly minimum per child applies when parents divorce without having negotiated and formalized their own child support agreement. This amount serves as a legal baseline that the non-custodial parent must pay, regardless of whether a formal arrangement was made during divorce proceedings. Parents remain free to negotiate higher amounts that better reflect their specific circumstances, income levels, and children's needs, but they cannot agree to less than the statutory minimum. For foreign residents navigating Japan's family law system, this reform offers important new protections. Expats going through divorce in Japan have often found the country's approach to child support less structured than systems in Western countries, where support calculations typically follow established formulas based on parental income. The statutory minimum provides a safety net, though 20,000 yen per month—approximately 130 to 150 US dollars depending on exchange rates—may seem modest compared to support levels in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia. The practical implications for expat parents are significant. Custodial parents can now claim this minimum amount without needing to prove their former partner's income or engage in lengthy negotiations. This is particularly valuable for foreign residents who may face language barriers or limited familiarity with Japanese legal procedures. Conversely, non-custodial parents should understand that this payment obligation is legally enforceable and will apply automatically to divorces finalized after April 1, 2026, unless a different arrangement is formally established. It's important to note that the statutory support system applies specifically to divorces processed under Japanese law. International couples should consult with legal professionals familiar with both Japanese family law and their home country's regulations, as cross-border custody and support arrangements can involve complex jurisdictional questions. The reform reflects growing recognition in Japan of the financial challenges faced by single-parent households. Government statistics have consistently shown that single-parent families, particularly those headed by women, experience significantly higher poverty rates than two-parent households. While critics argue that 20,000 yen per month falls short of children's actual needs, supporters view the measure as an important first step toward more comprehensive child support enforcement. Foreign residents should also be aware that this minimum applies per child, meaning parents with multiple children would owe 20,000 yen monthly for each child. The law does not appear to include provisions for adjusting payments based on the non-custodial parent's income, though courts may still consider financial circumstances in cases where parents seek to establish higher support amounts through formal agreements. As implementation approaches, expats considering divorce or currently navigating custody arrangements should consult with bilingual legal professionals to understand how these changes affect their specific situations and ensure their children receive appropriate financial support.