Traditionally, the importance placed on blood relations and family in Japanese culture made adoption a rarity. Today, it is more common, but not as widespread as in other countries. To adopt in Japan, you must be a long-term resident. If you are looking to adopt from outside Japan, you will need to consider the adoption laws in Japan, those of the country you wish to adopt from, and those of your home country. In general, the Japanese authorities will not consider the adoption until the adoption eligibility requirements have been met in the child’s home country. The Family Court and the Child Guidance Center (CGC) of your local ward office can give you information about the procedure as well as listings of children’s homes and adoption agencies (all agencies are privately owned). Adoption can also be arranged though missionaries. Adoption begins with the filing of a petition in family court; wherein the child is determined to be eligible for adoption in Japan, and in their home country. The judge then appoints a date for the next hearing. This is followed by a six-month trial period, when the family and child will be visited by a court-appointed observer (usually three times). The family, child, and observer must all be present at the next hearing, and as long as no further hearings are deemed necessary by the judge, a decision will be made within two to three weeks. If the adoption is approved, the court issues a certificate and the adoption must be registered at the family’s ward office. If no objections are made in the next two weeks, the adoption is final. Adoption fees vary with each agency, and can run into millions of yen. The time needed to complete the adoption procedure can be nine months or more and it is wise to seek the advice of a lawyer (see Law Firms table on p.67). For more information, see also Certificates on p.58.