No. of reported child abuse cases exceeds 70,000 in 2013

Tip of the ice berg. More needs to be done and people should report when they see or hear abuse ( through the thin walls).

What good does reporting the crime do if there is no consequence?

@sensei258 - and, yes, there is that.

Sadly, one child dies every week in Japan as a result of maltreatment.Those who died, most of them under the age of 5, were harmed by the same people who were responsible for their care.

10,000 children go missing every year, it's a good sign that people are reporting mistreatment more. Positive news from a negative happening.

202 cases a day. And that's only the reported cases. Appalling.

People are saying this is terrible, which of course it is, then people are marking those comments down. Can someone who marks such comments down please explain why rather than just hiding behind their keyboard?

140,000 too many! Using the 50% reported rate.

Children are precious and child abuse is unspeakable and truly unacceptable. Abuse can occur in any cultural, ethnic, and income group at any age and from any background. Child abuse causes a long-term, sometimes permanent damage and children who are abused may show their distress in many ways such as appearing angry or withdrawn. Unfortunately, in many cases the abuse is carried out by adults known and trusted by the child like someone within the family. Abuse can take place anywhere in the community or on the internet. I believe firmly that all children have potential and that every child matters. Children have the right to be protected from all forms of harm or abuse. Although you might feel uneasy about reporting concerns, just try and think what life must be like for that child or young person. It is much worse to ignore the problem as it will not go away. Child protection is everybody's responsibility and our actions as a private citizen could help save a child from further harm.

The definition of child abuse is quite loose in Japan. Child abuse is mostly only considered to be violence in Japan, but there are many other forms of abuse that are considered to be discipline. I've seen many school teachers using ridicule and demoralising as a form of discipline, but it is abuse. These is also the buzz cut given to unruly boys as punishment, which is assault. That's without mentioning the bullying and intimidation. I've also heard of many people refusing to give their kids meals as punishment, which is also child abuse. Japan has a long way to go to stop child abuse. The first thing they have to do is respect kids and stop treating them like a burden or fashion accessory. Many pet dogs are given better treatment than kids in Japan.

It is a real concern; the government must act now before it is getting out of hands.

Tip of the ice berg. More needs to be done and people should report when they see or hear abuse ( through the thin walls).

100% agree.

I think part of the issue here is if you call the cops or report anything, the cops come to your house in plain view so everyone knows who called. I am dealing with a neighbor who allows her two/three year old daughter to scream and cry endlessly. Seriously, goes on for about 45 - 60 mins at a time at least a few times a week. It seems, from what I hear, that mom is ignoring the child when said screamer has fits. To me, that is neglect and abuse. However, when I mentioned this to my husband and I suggested calling someone the question was who on earth do we call? Will they see it as abuse? And will they keep their trap shut that it was us that called or will they drive up, chat to us and then head over to the house. Or will they do nothing at all? I don't doubt this is nothing but the "terrible twos" but allowing your child to scream endless many times a week? Not okay in my books.

I actually suspect my neighbors of abusing their children. However, no way I, as a dirty 'gaijin', am going to the "police" about it though; I'd probably end up being charged with breaching the peace or some other trumped-up charges....

I've seen many school teachers using ridicule and demoralising as a form of discipline, but it is abuse.

@Disillusioned When its discipline, its discipline. When its abuse, its abuse. The only alternative is to led students run rampant and turn a blind eye as the students abuse other students.

Oh, yes. Its not only adults and teachers abusing children. They abuse each other too. And teachers cannot so much as boot them from class or school anymore, not even temporarily. And no more bamboo sword treatment. All the teachers have left are their mouths, and they don't have time to calmly rationally discuss everything that comes up cause that never works the first time, or even the second.

Properly timed and considered ridicule is discipline. Without it, teachers would be helpless and school even more useless than it already is.

Pathetic! Happening in one of the riches nation on earth. We have no record of this in third world countries.

@Crush Them - When its discipline, its discipline. When its abuse, its abuse. The only alternative is to led students run rampant and turn a blind eye as the students abuse other students.

Are you serious? Teachers or parents who use ridicule, intimidation, starvation and assault as discipline are abusing children. Plain and simple! The only form of discipline that is truly effective against kids and teenagers is punishment by deprivation. Take their bloody phones and PSPs off them. Don't let them watch TV. Don't let them attend sporting clubs. Make them attend detention halls at school. And, one thing that is missing, teach them to respect themselves!

The ministry said in a report that the figure referred to cases concerning children aged 18 and under, who were beaten or sexually abused by parents, siblings or other relatives, TV Asahi reported Tuesday.

OK, so "children" (in the eyes of Japanese Law) who are 19 can be abused all 365 days of the year, but they'll never show on the report? Either 19 year-olds are minors, Japan, or they're not. Make a freaking decision!

Are you serious? Teachers or parents who use ridicule, intimidation, starvation and assault as discipline are abusing children. Plain and simple!

@Disillusioned Are YOU serious? Starvation? Assault? I never said anything like that! You move the goalposts on your own time. I have none left for you.

the higher number is more a result of society’s understanding of child abuse, and the growing acceptance of it as a problem in modern Japanese society, TV Asahi reported.

Wow!!!!! Does this surprise ANYONE??? This sounds like a case of graduating from "Bully STATUS" It appears the bullies are just older and now can be called abusers that has grown up to adults who are now older!!!! The quote from TV Asahi should should have said "the higher number is more a result of society’s understanding of childhood bullying, and the growing acceptance of it as a problem in modern Japanese society", twisted words!!!

As with most things in Japan in the last few years.... it is highly doubtful that abuses, rapes, wife beating or any other type of abuse is on the actual increase.... the only thing on the increase is people actually coming forward and reporting them. And those figures actually getting reported to the public too.

Glad more people are reporting it, but what's being done in response? All we ever hear about is cousellors sending kids, if they are taken by social services, back home sooner or later.