Japan Divorce Guide: Laws, Process & Costs
Everything you need to know about divorce in Japan.10 in-depth guides covering your rights, costs, and options.
Legal System
Civil law
Divorce Type
Mutual consent (kyōgi rikon) — 90% of divorces; or judicial
Waiting Period
None for mutual consent
Average Cost
¥0–¥1,000,000+
Property System
Equal division of marital property acquired during marriage
Residency
Residence in Japan (or Japanese national)
Divorce Law in Japan: Overview
Japan has one of the world's most unique divorce systems. Approximately 87% of divorces are 'kyōgi rikon' (divorce by mutual agreement) — the couple simply fills out a one-page form at the local ward office (yakusho), stamps it with their personal seals (hanko), and they are divorced. No court. No lawyer. No judge. No cost beyond a few hundred yen for the form. The flip side is that Japan was the last major developed economy to have sole custody only — one parent gets all custody rights, and the other may have no legal right to see the children. Historic joint custody reforms began in 2024.
Key Legislation
Civil Code (Minpō) Articles 763-771
Divorce provisions: agreement, mediation, and judicial divorce.
Civil Code Article 819
Sole custody rule — only one parent can have parental authority. (Reform underway)
Family Court Act
Governs family court mediation (chōtei) and adjudication.
2024 Custody Reform Bill
Introduces option for joint custody — the most significant family law reform in decades.
Grounds for Divorce
- ●Kyōgi rikon (agreement): no grounds needed — both sign the form
- ●Chōtei rikon (mediation): mandatory step before litigation
- ●Saiban rikon (judicial): adultery, malicious abandonment, 3+ years missing, severe mental illness, or 'grave reasons'
How to Divorce in Japan: Step-by-Step
Kyōgi rikon (mutual agreement)
Both spouses sign divorce notification (rikon todoke). Submit at ward office. Done in 5 minutes.
If no agreement: chōtei (mediation)
Mandatory family court mediation. Mediators help negotiate terms.
If mediation fails: shinpan (adjudication)
Family court judge decides. Rare — used when mediation nearly succeeded.
Last resort: saiban (trial)
Full litigation in family court. Must prove statutory grounds. Can take years.
Recent Legal Reforms
Joint custody reform bill passed — first time in Japanese history joint parental authority will be available.
Online submission of divorce notifications piloted.
Japan signed (but ratification pending) Hague Convention on child abduction — international pressure on custody practices.
What Makes Japan Divorce Unique
- →87% of divorces completed by filling out a one-page form — no court, no lawyer, no cost
- →Sole custody only (until 2024 reform): one parent gets all rights, other may lose all contact
- →Isharyō: 'consolation money' paid by the spouse at fault — a form of damages, not alimony
- →Hanko (personal seal): required on divorce documents instead of signature
- →International child abduction cases have been a major diplomatic issue due to sole custody system
Japan Divorce Statistics
~35% of marriages
Divorce rate
~87% of all divorces
Agreement divorces
~10%
Mediation divorces
~2-3%
Judicial divorces
~84% of cases
Mother gets custody
Japan Divorce Guides
Japan Property Division
How assets and debts are divided
Japan Spousal Support
Maintenance and alimony
Japan Child Custody
Custody and parenting arrangements
Japan Divorce Process & Timeline
Steps and how long it takes
Japan Divorce Costs
Fees, costs, and legal aid
Japan Child Support
Financial support for children
Japan Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree
Japan Divorce Mediation
Alternative dispute resolution
Japan Divorce & Taxes
Tax implications of divorce
Japan Domestic Violence & Divorce
Safety and legal protections
Every situation is different
Our AI advisor can help you understand divorce in Japan. Tell us about your situation for personalized guidance.
Talk to AI Advisor →Was this helpful? Help us keep it free.
divorce911.ai is funded entirely by donations. Every dollar keeps the AI assistant and 1,700+ guides free for people in crisis.
Know someone going through a divorce? This could help them.
Legal Disclaimer: This article covers Japan divorce law for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified family law attorney or solicitor in Japan for advice specific to your situation.