#Japan #Tokyo #Child Violence Prevention #Komamorou #Dandy Sakano

Launch of the 'Komamorou' Mark

On December 25, 2025, exactly one year before the enactment of the Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act, the Children's Agency held a launch event for the 'Komamorou' mark, aimed at promoting a safe environment for children. This law, officially titled 'Measures for the Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Children by Educational and Care Providers,' is set to take effect on December 25, 2026. It seeks to prevent sexual violence within institutions that provide education and care for children, including schools, daycare centers, and extracurricular activities.

During the event, the Director of the Children's Agency, Watanabe, presented the 'Komamorou' mark, which serves as a logo for certified and legally mandated service providers committed to implementing proper measures to protect children from sexual violence. There are two types of marks: the 'certified service provider mark' for tutoring centers and sports clubs, and the 'legally mandated service provider mark' for schools and licensed childcare facilities. By displaying these marks on their premises or advertisements, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to preventing sexual violence, thereby assuring children and parents of their safety.

The name 'Komamorou' encompasses the intention to 'protect children,' inspired by an owl—symbolizing vigilant protection—with large eyes representing the watchful eye over children. The design, featuring warm orange tones complemented by blue and pink backgrounds, aims to be welcoming and easily recognizable for both children and parents.

Call to Action for Collective Responsibility

Watanabe stressed the critical nature of cooperation among government bodies and those involved in child education and care. He expressed the hope that the 'Komamorou' mark becomes a symbol of societal commitment to protecting children from sexual violence, encouraging everyone to take action. 'Through this mark, we want to foster a culture of awareness and action surrounding children's safety not only among parents and educators but within the broader community,' he stated.

Guest Appearance by Dandy Sakano

The event featured a talk session with Dandy Sakano, a comedian and father of two, who served as a 'one-day ambassador' for 'Komamorou.' In addition to him, the session included lawyer Sakuya Uetani and Jun Maruyama, Executive Director of the Japan Private Childcare Federation. Uetani, drawing from experience in handling reports of sexual violence, noted that many incidents go unreported, denoting the necessity for these preventive measures in educational settings.

Sakano shared personal insights about the gravity of these issues as a parent, emphasizing that discussions about safety should start early within families. 'I have a high school daughter and an elementary school son, so I understand that this is a serious topic that cannot be ignored,' he asserted. He underscored the importance of regular family communication, encouraging open dialogues about safety in their daily lives.

Maruyama praised the new guidelines defined by the law, stating that they clarify acceptable behaviors and precautions for children and educators alike. He affirmed that these regulations are designed to safeguard both children and caregivers rather than restrain their actions.

When discussing how to notice changes in children's behavior, Sakano emphasized the importance of family engagement, such as having meals together and spending quality time to facilitate discussion. He remarked that the 'Komamorou' mark is visually appealing and conveys trust, making it easier for parents to choose safe venues for their children’s activities.

As the session wrapped up, both Uetani and Maruyama echoed the sentiment of collective responsibility, stating that the motto 'Let's all protect our children' extends beyond educators to involve all adults interacting with children. Uetani closed with a heartfelt wish for the establishment of an environment in which children can grow up safely and without fear, and Sakano humorously exclaimed, 'Let’s get the children’s protection mark!' bringing the event to a warm conclusion.

About the Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act

The Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act, scheduled to begin in December 2026, aims to implement necessary measures across institutions providing education or care to children, including schools, daycare centers, tutoring facilities, and sports clubs. The law mandates that these establishments undertake essential actions, including background checks on staff for sexual offenses, establishing consultation hotlines, conducting surveys in cases of suspected violence, protecting and supporting affected children, and training staff to prevent such incidents. All public educational facilities will be required to adhere to these guidelines, while private providers can opt to become certified by fulfilling national standards, thus displaying the 'Komamorou' mark to indicate their commitment to child protection.