In Japan, divorce splits parents from children. Could a law change end sole custody?

In Japan, only one parent held legal rights over children after separation, often resulting in the other parent being forced to disappear from their life. This sole custody system was in place for decades, with custody typically going to the parent who left with the children first. However, a landmark revision to Japan's Civil Code has taken effect, allowing divorced couples to share custody of their children, bringing Japan in line with other G7 countries.