1947　Child Welfare Act enacted

Based on the basic principles of the Constitution of Japan promulgated in 1946, the Child Welfare Act was enacted in 1947. The measures under the act are intended for persons under the age of 18. Although enacted during the chaotic postwar period, it was not enacted solely for the protection of war orphans or repatriated orphans, but for the welfare of all children.

Article 1 of the law stipulates that all children must be born and raised healthy in mind and body, and that all citizens must make every effort to achieve this. It was also stipulated that the national and local governments, together with parents and guardians, are responsible for the healthy upbringing of children, both mentally and physically. Today's Child Welfare Act is based on the principles of the Child Welfare Act at the time of its enactment, and significantly incorporates the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Specifically, the Law provides for prohibitions on the protection of children's rights (e.g., allowing a child to be a child molester, making a show of the child's disability, and allowing a child to be entertained at a bar), as well as provisions on measures to be taken by child consultation centers and social care for children.