15/09/2026
In Japan, guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in late 2022 address child abuse cases involving religious beliefs, particularly those affecting second-generation followers of certain groups.
These official documents clarify that actions rooted in faith are not exempt from standard child protection standards under the Child Abuse Prevention Law.
Specifically, using religious teachings to instill fear, such as warning a child that failure to participate in activities or adhere to doctrines will result in going to hell, is classified as psychological abuse.
This determination arises when such threats compel involvement in religious practices, restrict personal decisions regarding education, friendships, or future paths, or create ongoing emotional distress through fear-inducing language or materials.
Authorities emphasize that the presence of religious motivation does not alter the assessment; any behavior meeting the legal criteria for emotional harm warrants intervention, including potential temporary custody by child consultation centers to safeguard the minor’s well-being.
The approach prioritizes the child’s mental health and autonomy, recognizing that prolonged exposure to fear-based indoctrination can impair development and free choice.
While parents retain rights to share beliefs, coercive methods employing concepts like eternal punishment to enforce compliance cross into prohibited territory.
These measures emerged amid heightened awareness following public concerns over family dynamics in certain religious communities, aiming to ensure consistent application of abuse protections without discriminating against faith itself.
Child welfare professionals are guided to evaluate overall circumstances comprehensively, focusing on the impact on the young person rather than the doctrinal content alone.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, “Q&A on Handling Child Abuse and Similar Cases Related to Religious and Similar Beliefs."
