Japan expands scope of background checks amid child safety concerns

by Karin Kaneko - The Japan Times

Amid heightened concerns over child safety, the government is expanding the scope of its planned background check system designed to protect children from sexual offenders.

A new system, commonly referred to as the “Japanese version of the U.K.’s Disclosure and Barring Service,” is set to go into effect in December 2026. It aims to ensure a safe learning environment for minors by facilitating background checks on individuals seeking work that involves interacting with children.

Read more: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/01/japan/crime-legal/japan-version-dbs/

Japan OKs bill on background checks for work involving children

by Yukana Inoue - The Japan Times

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a bill that aims to protect young children from sexual assault by requiring those seeking employment in fields involving children to undergo background checks that go back 20 years.

The widely discussed system has been called the Japanese version of the U.K.’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Read more: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/19/japan/politics/japanese-dbs/

‘DBS’ Background Checks Likely to Cover All School, Childcare Staff

by The Yomiuri Shimbun - The Japan News

A policy requiring background checks for employment in education and childcare is likely to apply to all staff employed by schools, daycare centers and kindergartens, it has been learned.

The government is expected to submit a related bill in autumn that includes the establishment of a planned Japanese version of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), according to government officials.

Read more: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20230803-127295/