Survey shows dire financial straits of single mothers

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bobbafett at 01:19 AM JST - 1st August

is the father not allowed to see his kids in these situations? if the father is forbidden to see his kids by the mother then she will get no assistance from him and fair enough.

In these situations I can almost bet its the case especially knowing how most divorces end in Japan. I am divorced but have equal access to my child mainly because I never hit or cheated on my ex plus she is very reasonable. Just we did not really get a long as a couple. I spring for tuition fees and my ex wife can survive happily on her very cheap income.

I also provide clothing and toys etc.

This does not count for deadbeat dads. they are just losers and I feel sorry for their ex wives and kids.
dishdash at 03:10 AM JST - 1st August

I have to say some of the comments here are very immature. Being a single mum whether in dire financial straits or not is hard. Being a single mum in Asia is 2xs as hard than in the West and then in Japan add another layer on top of that. I agree with the earlier the comment that these women are taking responsibility - Japan really needs to help this part of society out.
Sarge at 05:52 AM JST - 1st August

What about the dire financial straits of single fathers?
sfjp330 at 07:00 AM JST - 1st August

90 percent has problems. The Japanese Govenment should pass a law for increase tax deduction and assistance on single working mothers. Also, maybe more affordable child care centers and counseling in large metropolitan areas. These people probably have low self esteem and feeling of helplessness. No wonder women in Japan between 30-40, almost half do not want to get married and have children. Problem is that govenment does not have much money, especially with aging population in Japan.
apecNetworks at 07:21 AM JST - 1st August

From a corporate perspective, a solution may be possible. It may take an exceptional person w/ extensive personal contacts, but Japan already has a tradition of "arranged marriages (omiai)". Using a system already in place, matches can be made to enhance the living conditions of all parties involved. Things like compatibility, attraction, complimentary jobs, social contact strengthening, child care/education. The Govt. could supplement the situation by providing the couple a reduced rate on available resources (empty govt. affiliated housing). With the shortage of children, businesses could take in some children as possible apprentices, with help from local govts. The "omiai" system exists, so it may be possible to expand its capabilities in modern times. Just a thought........
sfjp330 at 08:13 AM JST - 1st August

apecNetworks

Good suggestions on corporate perspective

Question, Since most of the single mothers have money problem, if mother gets awarded a full custody of a child in a divorce proceedings in Japanese court system, how is this enforced if the court awards certain amount of monthy payment for child support from a father? If father does not pay and you report this, is there a legal enforced proceedings by the law (govenment agency)? Such as warnings of detaching from their wages or by means of government contacting the father regarding the legal obligations? If they refuse, possible jail time or some type of penalty enforced? Or they just look the other way?
bobbafett at 08:38 PM JST - 1st August

sfjp330

you question is wrong, your question should be "when the court gives full custody to the mother and allows the father no rights what so ever, why in the hell should he pay?"
sfjp330 at 04:37 AM JST - 2nd August

bobbafett

when the court gives full custody to the mother and allows the father no rights what so ever, why in the hell should he pay?"

Usually in the U.S., if mother is a responsible, stable individual, in most cases, mother takes a full custody of the child. If the father stable, he has visitation rights and responsiblity for child support regarding montly payment that is determined by the court. This is very common and you're not aware of this? Father has full responsibility on raising this kid until 18. Why not? You're the other half that made the baby and this is part of your responsibilty. You want to just walk away and don't give a damm?
bamboohat at 12:17 AM JST - 3rd August

the draw to a life of crime can be a strong one in situations like these.
bobbafett at 12:29 AM JST - 3rd August

sfjp330,

nope, just saying that this is how it most often is in Japan. The father is shut out by the mother and the courts give him no rights.
sfjp330 at 02:49 AM JST - 3rd August

bamboohat & bobbafett

There is a difference being a responsible man to a boy that never grows up. Good thing you don't live in U.S. because they will detact from your wages.
Fadamor at 02:53 AM JST - 4th August

The "dire financial straits of single fathers" is probably not as much of an issue because the number of them actually raising the children is likely to be much smaller, and the jobs for men usually pay more.

There's one catagory of single mothers that have no recourse from the fathers... those where the father has died. Please keep that possibility in mind before looking down on any of these women or the men who fathered the children.
Spanishwoman at 10:24 AM JST - 4th August

As far as I know, there are no divorce laws in Japan that give custody to one or another parent nor laws forcing a parent to pay expenses for the child. That is, it is a "family problem" and court normaly lets it up to them to decide what to do with the children. It this correct? I wish I am wrong.
Den Den at 11:58 AM JST - 4th August

How many scholarships can you buy with the cost of refueling "coalition" military operations around the Indian Ocean? At least give the future generation hope...
helloklitty at 07:27 PM JST - 6th August

We have life insurance; why not divorce insurance?