Historical Study of the Child Welfare Law in Japan based on the Child Protection Theory by Syuntai Kikuchi

Abstract

  This paper examines the historical characteristics of the Child Welfare Law in Japan by focusing on the child protection theory of Syuntai Kikuchi (1875-1972). As director of Musashino Gakuin, Kikuchi became renowned for his work on juvenile delinquency from the perspective of education and child protection. He openly criticized the principle of punishment, and effectively organized child protection rights, especially for those in poor educational environments. In the early 1930s, Kikuchi requested that the Child Welfare Law be created to protect children's rights and prevent an increase in juvenile delinquency. By the onset of World War II, he had become especially concerned since governmental policies required that children become involved in the war. Although Kikuchi's efforts were silenced during the war, his achievements ultimately led to the creation of the post-war Child Welfare Law in Japan.