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stREFERENCE: CERD/91 /FU/GH/SK/ks

22 December 2016
Excellency,
I wish to inform you that the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, in the course of its 91st session, considered the follow-up report submittedby the Government of Japan, pursuant to Rule 65 (1) of the Rules of Procedure of theCommittee.
The Committee welcomes the submission of the report, in response to its request toreceive information within one year on the implementation of the recommendations
contained in paragraphs 17, 18 and 22 of the Concluding Observations(CERD/C/JPN/CO/7-9), adopted following the consideration of the State party’s combined
7th to 9th periodic reports, at its 85th session in August/September 2014.
The Committee appreciates the opportunity provided to continue its dialogue with
the State party, and would like to draw the State party’s attention to the observationsmentioned below. The Committee requests that comments and responses on actions takenby the State party on these issues be included in its 10th and 11th periodic reports to besubmitted in a single document by 14 January 2017.
Paragraph 17 of the Concluding Observations: The Committee thanks the State
party for the information provided on measures to address the issue of violence against
women. While appreciating steps taken to disseminate information in foreign languages tomigrant women, the Committee regrets the lack of targeted measures to prevent and deter
domestic violence against migrant, minority and indigenous women. The Committee
therefore requests the State party to provide in its next periodic report detailed information
on such measures and their impact also on increasing reporting rates by these women to thepolice. The Committee notes the State party’s explanation that foreign spouses can apply
for an extension of their stay in the State party upon divorce or repudiation provided thatthey have a justifiable reason. It, however, remains concerned that in reality foreign
spouses victims of domestic violence remain reluctant to report to the police due to fear ofresidence permit revocation. The Committee therefore requires the State Party to provide
pertinent information in its next periodic report on measures to address this issue andinform on any plans to revise the legislation concerning residence status, as previously
recommended by the Committee.

His Excellency Mr. Junichi Ihara
Permanent Representative of Japanto the United Nations OfficeGeneva
Email: mission@gv.mofa.go.jp

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Paragraph 18 of the Concluding Observations: The Committee thanks theState party for the additional information provided on measures taken to implement
paragraph 18 of its Concluding Observations. The Committee notes the steps taken
concerning the issue of ‘comfort women’. The Committee is, however, concerned atdevelopments that run counter to those efforts. For example, it is reported that allcomplaints brought by victims to Japanese national courts have been dismissed; and thatreference to the issue of ‘comfort women’ has been deleted from some school
textbooks. The Committee therefore reiterates its recommendation contained in para 18,and urges the State party to take all measures necessary to comply with, and report of all
such steps taken in its next periodic report.
Paragraph 22 of the Concluding Observations: The Committee thanks theState party for the information provided on measures taken following the termination ofDowa Special Measures. It however regrets that the State party has not revisited its
position regarding the definition of Burakumin nor has it carried out consultations withthe concerned communities, as previously recommended by the Committee. The
Committee also regrets the lack of information on improvement in the socioeconomic
situation of the Burakumin and on the impact of any measures taken that may contributeto that. The Committee therefore requests the State party to provide detailed informationin its next periodic report on measures taken to eliminate discrimination against theBurakumin. Finally, while taking note of the amended Family Register Act, theCommittee would appreciate receiving information on measures taken to investigate
incidents relating to illegal abuses of family registration, and the results of suchinvestigations.
Rest assured, Excellency, that the Committee looks forward to continuing its
constructive dialogue with the Government of Japan, with a view to providing it withassistance in its efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the Convention.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Anastasia Crickley
Chair
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination