OK, so it looks like this is for real. Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has said Japan will sign the Hague in their next legislative session (2011)
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/169740/japan-says-willing-to-sign-treaty-on-child-abductionNow is NOT THE TIME to let up the pressure, but instead to increase the pressure. Remember, no child has ever been returned and even if Japan did sign and ratify the treaty, they have enormous obstacles to overcome if they are ever to actually COMPLY with the Hague.
Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, a solution MUST BE FOUND to resolve existing child abduction cases. My biggest fear is now that Japan has officially committed to signing the Hague, that international pressure will abate and the issue will "go away," and we cannot let that happen. The Hague provides the framework for providing a long-term strategic solution for abductions cases that do not yet exist, but does nothing for the hundreds and perhaps thousands of children currently being held in Japan.
Now is the time to ratchet up the pressure rather than sit back on our laurels and celebrate. However, no matter which way you slice it, this is progress. Paul Toland
