Bridging the Gap: Donna Tilbrook Visits Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

At Best Solicitors, we believe that the best legal advice comes from a global perspective. This week, our CEO, Donna Tilbrook, has been putting that principle into practice in the heart of Tokyo. While visiting Japan, Donna took the opportunity to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for a high-level meeting with Ebata Yasuyuki, the Director of the Hague Convention Division.

This wasn’t their first meeting. Donna and Mr. Ebata previously connected during a Hague Convention presentation in London hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a proud regional member of CALA, Donna felt it was the perfect time to reconnect and discuss the evolving landscape of international family law.

A New Era for Child Dispute Resolution in Japan

You may have heard that the legal world is watching Japan closely right now. For decades, Japan’s family law system operated on a “sole custody” model. However, 2026 marks the beginning of a historic transition toward joint custody reforms.

With these changes comes a brand-new focus on child dispute resolution. In the past, disputes were often binary, but the new framework encourages mediation and structured resolution—concepts that are “new” to the Japanese statutory system but are second nature to us here in the UK.

During her chat with Mr. Ebata, Donna discussed how these international standards under the Hague Convention will integrate with Japan’s moving legal landscape. It was an informal but incredibly insightful exchange between two professionals dedicated to the protection of children across borders.

Why Donna’s Visit Matters for Our Clients

You might wonder why a solicitor from Sheffield is meeting with government directors in Tokyo. The answer is simple: expertise. International child abduction and cross-border custody cases are among the most complex areas of law.

By maintaining a direct relationship with the Director of the Hague Convention Division in Japan, Donna ensures that Best Solicitors remains at the forefront of international developments. When we represent a client in an international child abduction case, we aren’t just reading from a textbook, we are utilising a global network of professional contacts.

Key Takeaways from the Tokyo Visit:

• Strengthened Relations: Reaffirming the bond between Practitioner and the Japanese Central Authority.
• Insight into Reform: Gaining first-hand knowledge of how Japan will handle dispute resolution under its new joint custody laws.
• Global Advocacy: Ensuring that the “Best Interests of the Child” remains a universal standard, regardless of the jurisdiction.

Expert Support for International Families

Whether it is a relocation dispute or a complex Hague Convention proceeding, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Donna’s visit to Tokyo highlights our commitment to being more than just a local firm; we are a firm with a truly international reach.

If you are navigating the complexities of international family law or need advice on how new global reforms might affect your situation, our team is here to help. Donna’s experience with CALA and her recent insights from Tokyo provide our clients with a level of representation that is truly world-class.

“Meeting Mr. Ebata again was a fantastic opportunity,” says Donna. “It’s vital that as the world becomes smaller and families move between borders, our legal systems grow closer together. Seeing Japan embrace new forms of dispute resolution is a huge step forward for the welfare of children globally.”