#Japan #Tokyo #New Zealand #ACE #Children's Rights

Symposium on Children’s Rights: An Essential Discussion in Japan

On November 11, 2025, a significant symposium titled "Ensuring Children's Rights as a Standard for All Children" will take place in Tokyo. Organized by the certified NPO ACE and supported by various organizations, this event seeks to explore the landscape of children's rights protection in Japan. This discussion comes in light of the Child Basic Law that was enacted in June 2022 and put into effect in April 2023, along with the establishment of the Child Affairs Agency.
The symposium falls under the broader campaign, "Let's Expand the Convention on the Rights of the Child Campaign," which aims to promote awareness and strengthen the advocacy of children's rights across Japan. One of the notable highlights of the event will be the insights shared by Dr. Claire Akmad, New Zealand’s Children’s Commissioner. Renowned for her leadership in promoting children's participation worldwide, Dr. Akmad has been at the forefront of independent advocacy efforts for over 1.23 million children in New Zealand.
The agenda for the event will include a designated speech by Professor Takashi Nomura from Tokyo University, who will discuss international trends and Japan's approaches to children's rights. Additionally, Dr. Akmad will deliver a keynote address focused on New Zealand's Children’s Commissioner system. A panel discussion featuring experts such as Eriko Takahashi from the Nippon Foundation will engage attendees in vital conversations about the potential and challenges for establishing a Children's Commissioner system in Japan.
The timing of this symposium aligns perfectly with the "Autumn Month of Children’s Centered Activities" and the upcoming International Children’s Day on November 20. The discussions aim not only to reflect on the current situation but also to inspire public opinion and encourage advocacy for children’s rights in Japan.
Participating media representatives are encouraged to join and contribute to this pressing discourse surrounding children's protection rights. Please refrain from video recording during the event, and kindly request an interview slot in advance through the provided registration form.

Event Details:

• - Date: November 11, 2025
• - Time: 16:00 - 18:00 (Doors open at 15:30)
• - Venue: Nippon Foundation Building 2F Conference Room, Akasaka, Tokyo
• - Capacity: 120 participants
• - Organizers: Let's Expand the Convention on the Rights of the Child Campaign Executive Committee
• - Co-organizers: Nippon Foundation, Everybeing, certified NPO ACE
• - Participation Fee: Free

To read more about the speakers and the full agenda, please visit the event page.

About the Campaign

The Let's Expand the Convention on the Rights of the Child Campaign was established in April 2019, marking the 30th anniversary of the UN adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 25th anniversary of Japan's ratification. The campaign involves a network of over 230 organizations and individuals committed to raising awareness, networking, and policy advocacy for the rights of children across the nation.
The campaign is represented by notable leaders including Shigeto Aramaki, Machiko Kaida, and Akito Kita. This initiative promotes a multi-faceted approach to empowering children’s rights within Japan.
For further inquiries about the event and interviews, please contact us at the campaign’s headquarters.
Together, let’s ensure that the rights of every child are recognized and upheld as a standard for all.