An ombudsman program for children's human rights in Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture, marked its 15th anniversary this year as Japan's first independent public organ to address problems involving children.
To date, some 8,800 requests for advice have been placed with the city's Ombudspersons for Children's Human Rights, while more than 20 local governments have established similar bodies modeled on Kawanishi's.
The Kawanishi Municipal Government started the program in April 1999 after Japan ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It addresses problems children face on a daily basis, including bullying, punishment and family problems.