The start of Japan's version of the DBS scheme, which checks the sex-offense records of people who work with children, is a month away, and the Children and Families Agency held a briefing for employers in Tokyo on November 6.
The law on preventing sexual violence against children takes effect on December 25. It makes the screening compulsory for schools and licensed nurseries, which must check employees' sex-offense records. Cram schools and after-school children's clubs take part on a voluntary basis.
Around 400 operators attended the briefing in Minato Ward, and around 20,000 more took part online, according to the agency.
Attendees described the practical work the scheme demands. One said physical preparations were straightforward but that the softer side takes time, and that is where the effort is going. Another said the way each child is helped to settle at bedtime differs, making it hard to decide how far the checks should reach.
The agency urged operators to keep preparing, asking them to check the content through the archived stream of the briefing and to contact a dedicated help desk with any questions.