Guardianship in Japan

In the wake of increasing the number of people aged 65 and over, Japan is facing an aging society and struggling with issues regarding people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or mental illness.

Amid such concerns, Japanese guardianship system, by which (professional) guardians are able to protect fundamental human rights and dignity of above vulnerable people and prevent elder abuse: physical abuse and exploitation which are committed by third parties (sometimes family members), garners much attention from the public.

As a practical matter, we, shiho-shoshi lawyer, play an important role as a professional guardian, with the result that the number of shiho-shoshi lawyer appointed by family courts continues to increase year by year.

To tell the truth, this system can be applied not only to a Japanese citizen but also to a foreign national who has the domicile in Japan and is a respondent who is alleged to be incapacitated.

If you have any questions related to guardianship in Japan, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Chika Toyoda at toyoda.kizugawabuero@gmail.com