Foreigners who have divorced their Japanese spouses are often denied access to their children.
This is because Article 819 of the Civil Code stipulates that only one of the parents can have parental rights following a divorce, causing family courts to rule against dual custody of children.
Thierry Consigny, an elected member of the Assembly for French Overseas Nationals for Japan and North Asia, promised Monday in Tokyoto "raise awareness of the issue among lawmakers, the government and media."