Japanese ministry's child abduction pamphlet shows white father hitting child

Rights activists criticise cartoon from Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs after country signs child abduction convention.

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Screenshot of Japanese Foreign Ministry publication. MOFA JAPAN.

A Japanese Foreign Ministry pamphlet depicting white fathers abusing children has drawn criticism from human rights activists who say it perpetuates racist stereotypes.

The pamphlet reportedly was sent to Japanese embassies and consulates to explain the implications of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The booklet features manga-style cartoons and is also available in English via the ministry's website.

Japan's years of refusal to sign the Hague Convention drew significant pressure from critics in the US and Europe, who argued that Japan had become a "safe haven" for parental child abductors.

View the story "Japanese ministry's child abduction pamphlet shows white father beating child" on StorifyJapanese ministry's child abduction pamphlet shows white father beating childRights activists criticise cartoon issued by Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs after country signs child abduction convention.Storified by The Stream· Thu, Sep 18 2014 16:55:04 Aljazeera

The Hague Convention states children taken out of their country of primary residence by one parent without consent from the other parent should be returned.

One image drew particular ire, as many interpreted it as depicting a blonde-haired father striking a half-Japanese child while she dreams of Japan and her mother.

ScmpSome on Twitter said the pamphlet promoted xenophobia.Japans Hague Conv. booklet in English: http://t.co/WdoAKXCpX6 When I saw the "racism" cries I thought "it can't be that bad" It kinda is...AmandaJapan's MOFA's description of the Hague Convention tweaking propaganda and racial/gender stigma: pity and imbecile. http://t.co/IE0XJySGgkKen WatanabeOne Twitter user pointed out a case where a child was abducted by the mother, not a foreign father.@JapanTrends yep! Irony; first child returned under the treaty was abducted by its Japanese mother - not abusive gaijin dad! #hague #japanfreyaOthers were grateful Japan has adopted the Hague Convention and was making an attempt to explain its implications.@DavidMcNeill3 @JapanFocus I was distressed by foot dragging on Hague, but this booklet is fine. Explained the treaty implications wellAndrew HallAnother observer criticised the use of a cartoon to explain the implications of the treaty. Perhaps ultimately, more than actual discrimination, the truly offensive thing here is that the bureaucrats took a very serious issue and belittled it with a visual style that made it all seem silly.japantrends.comAn English version of the pamphlet can be viewed in full below.