The Alarming Rise of Child Labor in Japan: Trafficking and Unsafe Work Conditions

In recent reports, Japan’s troubling relationship with child labor has surfaced, raising urgent concerns among human rights organizations and communities. On September 30, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at a demolition site in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, where a 17-year-old worker fell from a height of 12 meters, resulting in his untimely death. Although officially categorized as a labor accident, this event exposed the grim reality of dangerous work associated with child labor under international treaties.

Furthermore, a shocking case came to light on November 6, when a 12-year-old Thai girl was arrested for working at a massage parlor in Bunkyo, Tokyo. It was reported that the girl was employed in violation of labor laws prohibiting the employment of minors under 15 years. Her involvement in sexual services categorically classifies this situation as one of the 'worst forms of child labor' according to international standards.

ACE, an NGO dedicated to eradicating child labor both domestically and globally, has been actively addressing this issue. Despite these efforts, child labor remains a glaring violation of children's rights, largely ignored by society. The rise of precarious jobs, coupled with poverty, family issues, isolation, and the evolution of social media, has led to a surge in exploitation, danger, and human trafficking of vulnerable minors.

Japan has ratified ILO Convention No. 138 concerning the minimum age for employment and No. 182 regarding the worst forms of child labor, committing to international standards to eliminate child labor. However, identifying and defining child labor within Japanese laws remains inadequately addressed, with minimal statistical data available. The reality of child labor’s existence in Japan is undeniable; it is crucial to transition from denial to action by establishing appropriate legal frameworks and conducting rigorous investigations to gather accurate data.

Recommendations:

1. Legal Definition of Child Labor and Data Collection: Current Japanese law lacks specific legal definitions of child labor, which hinders comprehensive understanding and corrective measures. According to the final report from the UN Human Rights Council’s working group on business and human rights, this absence is a significant impediment.

2. Cross-Ministry Cooperation to Combat Child Labor: Child labor cannot be effectively addressed by a single ministry due to its intricate links with poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and crime. Therefore, establishing an inter-ministry committee would be essential in formulating comprehensive strategies that encompass various aspects of this social issue.

3. Formulation of a National Action Plan (NAP): Japan has international obligations to create and implement action plans for eliminating the worst forms of child labor. This includes improving the legal framework and ensuring adequate funding.

4. Awareness and Education for Society: Preventing child labor requires more than just legal reforms; societal understanding and awareness must shift. It is crucial for children and adults to recognize the signs of child labor and understand how to take action against it.

5. Addressing Root Causes and Strengthening Support Systems: Child labor is a multifaceted issue rooted in poverty and social isolation. To prevent it, comprehensive social policies addressing these foundational issues must be implemented, alongside a network of support covering educational opportunities and welfare services.

In conclusion, child labor represents a crucial issue that demands urgent attention both domestically and internationally. Collaborative efforts from the government, businesses, and civil society are vital for creating a society where children's rights are protected, and all forms of exploitation are eradicated.

ACE continues to produce reports and educational materials to raise awareness about child labor in Japan. To learn more, visit ACE’s website.

About ACE

ACE (Action Against Child Exploitation) is a certified NPO focused on protecting children's rights and working to eliminate child labor. We advocate for improved conditions for children in cocoa production in Ghana, educate about child labor issues in Japan, and collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Established in 1997 by a group of students in response to a call from Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, ACE has made strides in raising awareness and securing recognition for the critical issue of child labor in Japan.