Here is something I learned about Japan that I didn’t know before:

With the installation of Japan’s new government last week came fresh hope for a growing movement of American parents whose Japanese-American children have been spirited away here.Known as a haven for parents who abscond with their children, Japan is the only major industrial nation not party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction of 1980. The treaty, signed by 81 countries, prevents parents from fleeing with their children to or within those countries before a court can determine custody.

The issue was raised last week during the first official talks between the two nations since the Democratic Party of Japan took power after a resounding victory in August elections. Since the treaty was adopted, Japan has continuously said it was considering acceding. Now, activists and officials contend action is imminent.

“We were pleased with the initial discussions we had,” Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell said Friday after two days of talks with new Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry declined requests for comment on the new government’s stance on the issue.

But in July, before he was elected, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told the Japan Times Herald blog that he supports ratifying the Hague treaty “and involved in this is a sweeping change to allow divorced fathers visitation of their children. That issue affects not just foreign national fathers, but Japanese fathers as well. I believe in this change.”  [Stars & Stripes]