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apfseditor 
Date and time Saturday, September 17, 2011 13:00-16:00
Location: JR Shinagawa Station Konan Exit
On Saturday, September 17, 2011, APFS and five foreign fathers gave a microphone talk and collected signatures at the Konan exit of Shinagawa Station to gain understanding and support from many people about the "right to see their children" of foreign fathers.
The five foreign fathers who participated in this activity have divorced their Japanese wives, and have not been able to see their children even once since the women took custody of their children. This is because the women have refused to let the fathers see their children, and the Japanese legal system tolerates this. The five foreign fathers cannot accept that they cannot see their children. They live every day worrying about whether their children are doing well. One of the fathers who participated in the activity has not seen his child for over 15 years.
In order to improve the circumstances of these foreign fathers, APFS has decided to ask many people living in Japan to understand this issue, sign a petition, and submit the petition to the Minister of Justice.
On the day, we received understanding from many people, and we were able to collect a total of 147 signatures. However, considering that the event was held in front of Shinagawa Station, where there is a fair amount of foot traffic, 147 signatures is not a lot. Not only were there no interests, but many people were also opposed to the signatures. Their reasons for being opposed were that divorce is a matter between a husband and wife, and that the woman must have a good reason for not wanting her child to meet the father. It was also pointed out that this issue is due to the Japanese legal system regarding divorce, and does not only apply to foreign parents.
I understand the thoughts of those who are opposed. However, as a member of APFS who participated in this activity, I felt that in the future, we need to appeal to the public about this issue with a more persuasive explanation so that those who were opposed can be convinced and sign the petition.