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B1 noun 9 min read

親権

shinken

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 親権 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 親権 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '親権' (shinken) yourself, but you should know it relates to 'parents' (親 - oya) and 'rights' (権 - ken). It is a very serious word used when parents separate. Think of it as the 'boss power' a parent has to take care of a child. In simple Japanese, we usually just say 'who the child lives with' (どちらと住むか). If you see this word in a book, just remember: 親 = parent, 権 = right. It is about the legal connection between a parent and a child. You might hear it in news stories about families. It is not a word for daily fun talk.

At the A2 level, you can recognize '親権' (shinken) as a formal term for 'parental rights.' You might see it on official forms or in news headlines. It is important to know that Japan has a rule where usually only one parent keeps this 'right' after a divorce. This is called '単独親権' (tandoku shinken). You should understand that this word is a noun. You can use it in simple sentences like '親権を争う' (to fight for parental rights). It is much more formal than '子育て' (raising a child). If you are talking to a Japanese friend about a TV drama, you might hear them say the characters are fighting over 'shinken.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '親権' (shinken) in discussions about social issues or legal topics. You should understand that it includes two parts: the right to care for the child (身上監護権) and the right to manage the child's money (財産管理権). You should also be aware of the social context in Japan, specifically that 'joint custody' (共同親権) has not been the standard but is currently being introduced or discussed. You can use the word with various verbs like '放棄する' (to waive) or '取得する' (to acquire). This word is essential for reading news articles about family law changes in Japan, which is a common topic for B1-level reading practice.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '親権' (shinken) and the legal debates surrounding it. You should be able to explain the difference between '親権' and '監護権' (physical custody) and discuss the pros and cons of the 'sole custody' system. You should be comfortable using the word in formal writing or debates. For example, you might discuss how '親権' is viewed as a duty rather than just a right in the Japanese Civil Code. You should also recognize fixed expressions like '親権の剥奪' (stripping of parental rights) and understand the legal threshold required for such an action. Your vocabulary should include related terms like '親権者' (the person with parental authority).

At the C1 level, you can engage in complex legal and philosophical discussions regarding '親権' (shinken). You should understand its historical roots in the 'ie' (house) system of the Meiji era and how it has evolved into a modern legal concept. You can analyze court precedents where '親権' was a central issue and discuss the 'best interests of the child' (子の利益) as a standard for granting it. You should be able to read academic papers or legal briefs that use the term and understand the subtle implications of phrases like '親権の行使' (the exercise of parental authority). You should also be able to compare the Japanese 'shinken' system with international treaties like the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native understanding of the legal technicalities and sociopolitical ramifications of '親権' (shinken). You can masterfully use the term in high-level legal discourse, legislative analysis, or academic research. You understand the intricate relationship between '親権,' '居所指定権' (right to designate residence), and other specific sub-rights. You can critique the Japanese government's legislative process regarding the amendment of the Civil Code to include '共同親権.' You are aware of the international pressure from the UN and other bodies regarding Japan's 'shinken' system and can articulate these complex issues fluently in Japanese, using appropriate legal register and terminology.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

親権 in 30 Seconds

親権 (shinken) means parental authority or rights in a legal context.
It involves both daily care (custody) and managing the child's legal affairs.
In Japan, divorce usually results in one parent having sole parental authority.
The term is central to family law disputes and current social debates.

The Japanese word 親権 (shinken) is a legal and social term of immense importance in Japan, primarily translated as parental authority or parental rights. Unlike the English concept of 'custody,' which often focuses on physical care and legal decision-making separately, 親権 is a comprehensive bundle of rights and obligations that a parent holds over a minor child. It is composed of two main pillars: 身上監護権 (shinjō kango-ken), which refers to the right and duty to care for and educate the child, and 財産管理権 (zaisan kanri-ken), which involves the right to manage the child's property and act as their legal representative in financial matters.

Legal Context: In the Japanese Civil Code, 親権 is exercised by both parents while they are married. However, historically, Japan has operated under a 'sole custody' system after divorce, meaning only one parent can hold 親権 once the marriage is dissolved. This makes the term a central point of contention in family court disputes.

When you hear this word in Japanese society, it is almost always in the context of family law, divorce proceedings, or news reports regarding child welfare. It carries a weight that suggests not just a 'right' to see a child, but a legally binding responsibility to provide for their upbringing. For many, the word evokes the emotional struggle of divorce, as losing 親権 can often lead to a total loss of contact between the non-custodial parent and the child due to the lack of strong visitation enforcement laws in Japan.

離婚届を出す前に、どちらが子供の親権を持つか決めなければならない。

The term is also used when discussing the protection of children's rights. For example, if a parent is found to be abusive, the court may order a suspension (停止) or loss (喪失) of 親権. This shows that the 'authority' is conditional upon the welfare of the child, though historically, the threshold for removing these rights in Japan has been quite high compared to some Western nations.

Culturally, the concept is evolving. With recent legislative changes moving toward allowing joint parental authority (共同親権) after divorce, the word is currently at the center of a national debate regarding family structure and children's best interests. Understanding 親権 is essential for anyone looking to understand Japanese family dynamics or follow legal news in Japan.

Social Implication: In Japanese television dramas (often called 'getsu9' or soap operas), 親権争い (shinken arasoi) or 'custody battles' are a common trope used to heighten emotional tension, reflecting the real-world anxiety associated with the term.

Using 親権 (shinken) correctly requires understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it is a legal 'right' or 'authority,' it is often paired with verbs like 持つ (motsu - to have), 得る (eru - to obtain), 争う (arasou - to fight for), and 放棄する (hōki suru - to waive/renounce).

Common Verb Pairings

親権を主張する (shinken o shuchō suru): To claim parental authority.
親権を認める (shinken o mitomeru): To grant/recognize parental authority (usually by a court).
親権を剥奪する (shinken o hakudatsu suru): To strip someone of their parental rights.

When constructing a sentence, 親権 usually acts as the direct object. For example, if a couple is divorcing and the mother is likely to get the rights, you would say, 「母親が親権を持つことになった」 (It was decided that the mother would have parental authority). In more formal or legal contexts, the passive voice is frequently used to describe court rulings: 「父親に親権が認められた」 (Parental rights were granted to the father).

裁判所は子供の福祉を最優先に考え、母親に親権を認める判決を下した。

It is also important to note the compound forms. 共同親権 (kyōdō shinken) means joint parental authority, while 単独親権 (tandoku shinken) means sole parental authority. As Japan transitions its legal system, you will increasingly see these terms in comparative sentences, such as 「日本でも共同親権の導入が議論されている」 (The introduction of joint parental authority is being discussed in Japan as well).

In academic or journalistic writing, 親権 is often the subject of sentences discussing social policy. For instance: 「親権の在り方が問われている」 (The nature of parental authority is being questioned). This suggests a broader societal debate rather than a single case. Using the particle に関する (ni kansuru - regarding) is also common, as in 「親権に関する法改正」 (Legal revisions regarding parental rights).

Sentence Structure Tip: Always remember that 親権 is a 'right' (権). Therefore, you use it with words like 行使する (kōshi suru - to exercise). Example: 親権を行使するのは親の義務でもある。 (Exercising parental authority is also a parent's duty.)

You are most likely to encounter 親権 (shinken) in three specific environments: the news, legal settings (including consultations with lawyers), and fictional media like dramas or novels. Because Japan's legal stance on 親権 has been internationally controversial (particularly regarding the lack of joint custody), it frequently appears in international news reports and domestic political debates.

1. News and Documentaries: Broadcasters like NHK often run segments on 「共同親権」. You will hear phrases like 「親権をめぐる議論」 (discussions surrounding parental rights) or 「法務省が親権制度の見直しを検討」 (The Ministry of Justice is considering a review of the parental rights system).

In the context of 'true crime' or social issues, the word appears when a child is taken into protective custody by a 児童相談所 (jidō sōdansho - child consultation center). News reports might state that the parents' 親権 has been temporarily suspended due to neglect or abuse. This is a high-stakes usage of the word that highlights its role in child protection.

ニュース速報：政府は親権制度の改正案を閣議決定しました。

In the realm of entertainment, legal dramas (リーガルドラマ) such as '99.9 Criminal Lawyer' or 'Legal High' might feature episodes centered on a 親権訴訟 (shinken soshō - parental rights lawsuit). These shows often depict the emotional toll on the child and the strategic battles between lawyers. The word is used here to create a sense of 'all or nothing' because, in the drama of Japanese law, winning 親権 is often portrayed as the ultimate victory in a divorce.

Finally, if you ever find yourself in a Japanese city hall (役所) or a legal aid office, you will see brochures titled 「離婚と親権について」 (About Divorce and Parental Rights). These documents explain the difference between the 'rights' and the 'actual care' of the child, providing a more clinical and administrative view of the term.

2. Administrative Settings: When applying for a child's passport in Japan, the 親権者 (shinkensha - person with parental authority) must sign the application form. This is a practical, everyday instance where the word is used as a formal identifier for a legal guardian.

For English speakers, the biggest mistake is equating 親権 (shinken) exactly with 'custody.' While they overlap, 親権 specifically emphasizes the 'authority' and 'legal right' aspect. In English, we often say 'I have custody of my kids,' but in Japanese, saying 「私は親権を持っています」 in a casual conversation sounds overly legalistic and stiff. Instead, people usually say 「子供と一緒に住んでいます」 (I live with my child).

Mistake 1: Misusing the Particle: Learners often say 「親権に争う」 (Incorrect). The correct form is 「親権を争う」 (Correct). Since 親権 is the object of the dispute, you must use the direct object particle を (o).

Another common error is confusing 親権 with 養育費 (yōyukuhi - child support). While they are related, they are legally distinct. A parent might lose 親権 but still have the obligation to pay 養育費. Using the words interchangeably in a legal or serious discussion can lead to significant confusion regarding responsibilities.

Incorrect: 彼は親権を払っています。
Correct: 彼は養育費を払っています。

A subtle but important mistake is forgetting that 親権 is only for minors. Once a child reaches the age of majority (18 in Japan as of 2022), the concept of 親権 no longer applies. You cannot have 親権 over a 25-year-old. For adults who cannot care for themselves, the term used is 成年後見 (seinen kōken - adult guardianship).

Finally, avoid the mistake of assuming 親権 automatically includes the right to block the other parent from seeing the child. While this happens in practice in Japan, legally, visitation (面会交流 - menkai kōryū) is a separate right of the child. Confusing these two can make a speaker sound uninformed about the current legal efforts to prioritize the child's right to see both parents.

Mistake 2: Overusing the Word: Avoid using 親権 to describe simple babysitting or daily parenting tasks. It is a 'meta' term for the legal status, not the act of parenting itself.

To truly master 親権 (shinken), you should understand how it differs from similar terms. The most important distinction is between 親権 and 監護権 (kangoken). While 親権 is the overarching legal authority, 監護権 specifically refers to the physical custody and daily care of the child. In rare cases, one parent may hold 親権 (legal authority) while the other holds 監護権 (physical care).

Comparison: 親権 vs. 監護権

親権 (Shinken): Full legal rights, including property management and legal representation.
監護権 (Kangoken): The right to live with and provide daily care for the child.

Another related term is 後見権 (kōkenken), which means 'guardianship rights.' This is used when someone other than a parent (like a grandparent or a court-appointed official) is given legal authority over a minor. If the parents are deceased or unfit, the court appoints a 未成年後見人 (miseinen kōkennin - guardian of a minor).

「親権」は親としての権利であり、「監護権」は実際に子供を育てる権利です。

In casual settings, you will hear 養育 (yōyuku), which means 'nurturing' or 'bringing up.' If you want to say 'I am raising my child,' you would use 「子育て (kosodate)」 or 「養育している (yōyuku shite iru)」 rather than 親権. The word 扶養 (fuyō) is another alternative, meaning 'support' or 'dependency,' often used in the context of taxes (e.g., 扶養家族 - fuyō kazoku, or 'dependents').

Finally, when discussing the rights of the child rather than the parents, the term 子どもの権利 (kodomo no kenri) is used. In modern legal discourse, there is a shift from focusing on 親権 (the parent's right) to 子供の利益 (kodomo no rieki - the child's best interests). This shift is vital for understanding current Japanese legal trends.

Summary of Alternatives

監護権: Physical custody.
後見権: Guardianship (often non-parents).
養育: The act of raising/supporting.
子育て: Casual 'parenting'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before the current term, the concept was often referred to as '父権' (paternal authority), reflecting the patriarchal nature of pre-war Japanese society.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ʃiŋken

US ʃɪŋkɛn

Heiban (Flat) accent. The pitch starts low and stays high after the first syllable: shi-N-KE-N.

Rhymes With

人権 (jinken - human rights) 主権 (shuken - sovereignty) 真剣 (shinken - serious) 神権 (shinken - divine right) 棄権 (kiken - withdrawal) 債権 (saiken - credit/claim) 特権 (tokken - privilege) 版権 (hanken - copyright)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'shinken' (serious) with the wrong pitch accent (though they are often the same, context is key).
Over-emphasizing the 'n' in the middle.
Confusing the 'ken' with 'kan' (shinkan).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Kanji are common but the context is specialized legal text.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of legal verbs and formal particles.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is easy, but usage context is specific.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and dramas, easily recognized once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

親 (parent) 権利 (right) 離婚 (divorce) 法律 (law) 子供 (child)

Learn Next

監護権 (custody) 養育費 (child support) 家庭裁判所 (family court) 戸籍 (family register) 共同 (joint)

Advanced

身上監護権財産管理権親権喪失宣告ハーグ条約子の利益

Grammar to Know

Noun + に関する (Regarding Noun)

親権に関するニュースを読む。

Passive voice for court rulings

父親に親権が認められた。

Noun + をめぐって (Surrounding/Over Noun)

親権をめぐって争う。

Verb (Stem) + 合う (Mutual action)

親権を奪い合う。

Noun + に基づいて (Based on Noun)

法律に基づいて親権を決める。

Examples by Level

親権は親の権利です。

Parental authority is a parent's right.

Simple A is B structure.

どちらが親権を持ちますか？

Which one will have parental authority?

Using the verb 'motsu' (to have/hold).

親権は大切です。

Parental authority is important.

Adjective 'taisetsu' (important).

彼は親権が欲しいです。

He wants parental authority.

Using '~ga hoshii' for desire.

母が親権を持っています。

The mother has parental authority.

Present continuous state 'motte imasu'.

親権について聞きました。

I heard about parental authority.

Using '~ni tsuite' (about).

父は親権がありません。

The father does not have parental authority.

Negative 'arimasen' (does not have).

親権を知っていますか？

Do you know (what) parental authority (is)?

Direct object with 'shitte imasu ka'.

離婚の時、親権を決めます。

At the time of divorce, parental authority is decided.

Time particle 'no toki'.

裁判所で親権を争っています。

They are fighting for parental authority in court.

Verb 'arasou' (to fight/dispute).

彼女は親権をあきらめました。

She gave up her parental authority.

Verb 'akirameru' (to give up).

親権者は誰ですか？

Who is the person with parental authority?

Noun 'shinkensha' (person with authority).

日本の法律では、親権は一人だけです。

Under Japanese law, only one person has parental authority.

Limiting particle 'dake'.

彼は親権を得るために頑張っています。

He is working hard to obtain parental authority.

Purpose 'tame ni' (in order to).

親権がないと、パスポートが作れません。

If you don't have parental authority, you can't make a passport (for the child).

Conditional '~nai to'.

ニュースで親権の話を見ました。

I saw a story about parental authority on the news.

Noun modification 'shinken no hanashi'.

日本では通常、離婚後は単独親権となります。

In Japan, it usually becomes sole parental authority after divorce.

Adverb 'tsūjō' (usually).

共同親権の導入について議論が続いています。

Discussions regarding the introduction of joint parental authority are continuing.

Noun 'dōnyū' (introduction).

親権には、子供の財産を管理する権利も含まれます。

Parental authority also includes the right to manage the child's property.

Verb 'fukumare-ru' (to be included).

虐待がある場合、親権が停止されることがあります。

In cases of abuse, parental authority may be suspended.

Passive voice 'teishi sareru'.

彼は子供のために親権を主張することに決めた。

He decided to claim parental authority for the sake of the child.

Verb 'shuchō suru' (to claim/assert).

裁判所は母親を親権者に指定しました。

The court designated the mother as the person with parental authority.

Verb 'shitei suru' (to designate).

親権を放棄することは、法的に可能です。

It is legally possible to waive parental authority.

Adverb 'hōteki ni' (legally).

どちらが親権を持つべきか、話し合いが必要です。

A discussion is necessary regarding who should have parental authority.

Auxiliary 'beki' (should).

親権の行使は、子の利益を最優先しなければならない。

The exercise of parental authority must prioritize the child's interests.

Must 'nakereba naranai'.

法改正により、離婚後も共同親権を選べるようになる見込みだ。

Due to legal revisions, it is expected that joint parental authority can be chosen even after divorce.

Noun 'mikomi' (expectation/prospect).

親権と監護権を分離して指定するケースもあります。

There are cases where parental authority and physical custody are designated separately.

Verb 'bunri suru' (to separate).

親権喪失の申立てが家庭裁判所に行われた。

A petition for the loss of parental rights was filed with the family court.

Noun 'mōshitate' (petition/application).

実親であっても、親権が制限される状況がある。

Even for biological parents, there are situations where parental authority is restricted.

Even 'de atte mo'.

海外では共同親権が一般的だが、日本は異なっている。

Joint parental authority is common overseas, but Japan is different.

Conjunction 'daga' (but).

離婚協議書に親権に関する条項を盛り込む。

Include clauses regarding parental authority in the divorce agreement.

Verb 'morikomu' (to include/incorporate).

親権者が不明な場合、未成年後見人が選任される。

If the person with parental authority is unknown, a guardian for the minor is appointed.

Passive 'sennin sareru' (to be appointed).

親権は、明治民法の家父長的権限から現代的な子の福祉へと変容してきた。

Parental authority has transformed from the patriarchal power of the Meiji Civil Code to modern child welfare.

Verb 'henyō suru' (to transform).

共同親権制度の是非を巡って、国会で激しい論戦が交わされた。

A fierce debate was held in the Diet over the pros and cons of the joint parental authority system.

Noun 'zehi' (pros and cons).

親権の濫用は、児童虐待防止法によって厳しく規制されている。

The abuse of parental authority is strictly regulated by the Child Abuse Prevention Act.

Noun 'ran'yō' (abuse/misuse).

子の意思を尊重しつつ、親権の所在を決定することが求められる。

It is required to determine the location of parental authority while respecting the child's will.

Simultaneous action 'tsutsu' (while).

離婚後の親権の単独制は、非親権者と子の断絶を招くとの批判がある。

There is criticism that the sole custody system after divorce leads to the severance of ties between the non-custodial parent and the child.

Verb 'maneku' (to invite/cause/lead to).

身上監護権のみを切り離して、祖父母に認める特例的な判決が出た。

An exceptional ruling was issued that separated only the right of custody and granted it to the grandparents.

Adjective 'tokurei-teki' (exceptional).

親権の概念は、単なる『権利』から『義務』としての側面が強調されるようになった。

The concept of parental authority has come to emphasize the aspect of 'duty' rather than just a 'right'.

Structure 'A kara B e' (from A to B).

諸外国の法制度を参考に、日本の親権制度の抜本的な改革が必要だ。

A drastic reform of Japan's parental authority system is necessary, referencing the legal systems of various foreign countries.

Adjective 'bappon-teki' (drastic/radical).

親権の法的性質については、権利説、義務説、そして権限説の間で学説が対立している。

Regarding the legal nature of parental authority, academic theories conflict between the right theory, the duty theory, and the authority theory.

Noun 'gakusetsu' (academic theory).

憲法第24条の趣旨に照らせば、親権制度は両性の本質的平等に基づかなければならない。

In light of the purpose of Article 24 of the Constitution, the parental authority system must be based on the essential equality of both sexes.

Structure 'ni teraseba' (in light of).

親権の喪失宣告は、親子の身分関係に重大な変更をもたらす形成的裁判である。

A declaration of loss of parental authority is a constitutive judgment that brings about a significant change in the status relationship between parent and child.

Noun 'keisei-teki' (constitutive/formative).

ハーグ条約との整合性を図るため、国内法における親権の解釈が再定義されている。

In order to ensure consistency with the Hague Convention, the interpretation of parental authority in domestic law is being redefined.

Noun 'seigōsei' (consistency/compatibility).

親権の行使が著しく困難な場合、家庭裁判所は親権停止の審判を下すことができる。

When the exercise of parental authority is remarkably difficult, the family court can issue a ruling to suspend parental authority.

Adverb 'ichijirushiku' (remarkably/extremely).

親権という用語自体が、親の支配的地位を想起させるとして、呼称の変更を求める声もある。

There are voices calling for a change in the term itself, as the word 'shinken' evokes the dominant status of parents.

Verb 'sōki saseru' (to evoke/remind).

離婚に伴う親権の指定は、非訟事件手続法に基づき、裁判官の広範な裁量に委ねられている。

The designation of parental authority accompanying divorce is entrusted to the broad discretion of the judge, based on the Non-Contentious Case Procedures Act.

Noun 'sairyō' (discretion).

親権の帰属を決定する際、心理学的な観点からの『主たる監護者』の原則が重視される傾向にある。

When determining the attribution of parental authority, the principle of the 'primary caregiver' from a psychological perspective tends to be emphasized.

Noun 'kizoku' (attribution/belonging).

Common Collocations

親権を争う

親権を持つ

親権を得る

共同親権

単独親権

親権を放棄する

親権の行使

親権を認める

親権者

親権訴訟

Common Phrases

親権の所在

— The legal location/holder of parental authority.

親権の所在を明確にする。

親権を剥奪する

— To strip a parent of their legal rights.

虐待を理由に親権を剥奪した。

親権の濫用

— The abuse or misuse of parental authority.

親権の濫用は許されない。

親権の停止

— Temporary suspension of parental authority.

二年間、親権の停止を命じた。

親権変更の申立て

— A petition to change the person holding parental authority.

家庭裁判所に親権変更の申立てを行う。

親権者の指定

— The designation of who will hold parental authority.

離婚届に親権者の指定を記入する。

事実上の親権

— Practical control over a child without legal authority (not a legal term).

事実上の親権を行使している。

親権をめぐるトラブル

— Troubles or disputes surrounding parental authority.

親権をめぐるトラブルが絶えない。

親権確認の訴え

— A lawsuit to confirm who has parental authority.

親権確認の訴えを提起した。

親権の制限

— Legal restrictions placed on parental authority.

子供の安全のために親権の制限が必要だ。

Often Confused With

親権 vs 真剣 (shinken)

Pronounced the same but means 'serious/earnest.' Distinguish by context (family vs. attitude).

親権 vs 監護権 (kangoken)

Often confused; shinken is legal authority, kangoken is daily care.

親権 vs 養育費 (yōyukuhi)

Shinken is the right/authority; yōyukuhi is the money paid to support the child.

Idioms & Expressions

"親権を盾にする"

— To use one's parental authority as a 'shield' or excuse for one's actions.

彼は親権を盾にして、子供を会わせない。

Informal/Critical

"親権が泣く"

— A figurative expression suggesting parental authority is being disgraced (non-standard).

そんな虐待をしては、親権が泣くぞ。

Literary

"親権を笠に着る"

— To act arrogantly by relying on one's legal status as a parent.

親権を笠に着て、子供の意見を無視する。

Stiff

"親権を奪い合う"

— To scramble or fight fiercely to take parental authority from each other.

泥沼の離婚裁判で親権を奪い合う。

Neutral

"親権を投げ出す"

— To irresponsibly abandon one's parental duties.

親権を投げ出すような真似はするな。

Informal

"親権を金で買う"

— To practically 'buy' custody through financial settlements (metaphorical).

彼は慰謝料を払って親権を金で買ったようなものだ。

Slang/Critical

"親権の重み"

— The 'weight' or serious responsibility of parental authority.

親権の重みを噛み締める。

Literary

"親権が揺らぐ"

— One's legal standing as a parent becomes unstable or threatened.

不祥事で彼の親権が揺らいでいる。

Journalistic

"親権を盾に取る"

— Similar to 'tate ni suru', to use the right as a strategic advantage.

親権を盾に取って有利な条件を引き出す。

Formal

"親権の壁"

— The legal 'wall' or barrier created by sole custody laws.

共同親権を阻む親権の壁がある。

Journalistic

Easily Confused

親権 vs 後見 (kōken)

Both involve taking care of someone legally.

Shinken is for parents; kōken is for guardians (when parents can't).

両親がいないので、祖父が後見人になった。

親権 vs 扶養 (fuyō)

Both involve supporting a child.

Fuyō is financial dependency (taxes); shinken is legal authority.

子供を扶養家族に入れる。

親権 vs 養子 (yōshi)

Both relate to parent-child legal ties.

Yōshi is adoption (becoming a parent); shinken is the right held by the parent.

養子縁組をすると、養親に親権が移る。

親権 vs 監護 (kango)

Very similar meaning.

Kango focuses on the physical protection and caretaking aspect.

乳児の監護を怠る。

親権 vs 親心 (oyagokoro)

Both start with 'parent' (oya).

Oyagokoro is an emotional 'parent's heart'; shinken is a legal right.

それは親心というものだ。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] は [Person] と親権を争っています。

夫は妻と親権を争っています。

[Person] が親権を持つことになりました。

母親が親権を持つことになりました。

親権には [Noun] も含まれます。

親権には財産管理権も含まれます。

親権の行使は [Noun] を最優先すべきだ。

親権の行使は子の福祉を最優先すべきだ。

法改正により [Noun] が導入される見込みだ。

法改正により共同親権が導入される見込みだ。

[Noun] を理由に、親権が剥奪された。

虐待を理由に、親権が剥奪された。

親権の所在をめぐって [Noun] が交わされた。

親権の所在をめぐって激しい論争が交わされた。

親権は [Noun] から [Noun] へと変容してきた。

親権は家父長的権限から現代的な子の福祉へと変容してきた。

Word Family

Nouns

親権 (shinken)

親権者 (shinkensha)

共同親権 (kyōdō shinken)

単独親権 (tandoku shinken)

Verbs

親権を行使する (shinken o kōshi suru)

親権を争う (shinken o arasou)

Adjectives

親権的な (shinken-teki na - authoritative/parental)

離婚 (divorce)

養育 (rearing)

監護 (custody)

後見 (guardianship)

民法 (Civil Code)

How to Use It

frequency

High in legal, news, and drama contexts; low in daily casual life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'shinken' for pets. → None (use 'shoyū-ken' for property).
Pets are property, not children.
Saying 'shinken o harau' (pay shinken). → Yōyukuhi o harau.
You pay child support, not parental rights.
Using it for adult children. → Kōken (guardianship).
Shinken only applies to minors (under 18).
Confusing 'shinken' with 'shinken' (serious). → Contextual usage.
They are homophones; ensure the context of family law is clear.
Saying 'shinken ni arasou'. → Shinken o arasou.
The particle 'o' is needed for the object of the dispute.

Tips

Learn with 'Ken'

Associate 'ken' with other rights like 'jinken' (human rights) to remember it's a legal term.

Sole Custody System

Understanding that Japan has a 'sole custody' system is key to understanding why 'shinken' is so fiercely contested.

Verb Collocations

Always pair 'shinken' with 'arasou' (fight), 'motsu' (have), or 'eru' (obtain).

News Keywords

When you hear 'shinken,' listen for 'rikon' (divorce) or 'hō-kaisei' (law reform) nearby.

Formal Contexts

Use 'shinken' in formal discussions; use 'kodomo no sewa' (taking care of the child) in casual ones.

Kanji Breakdown

親 (parent) + 権 (right). Simple kanji, complex meaning.

Two Pillars

Remember it includes both 'care' (身上監護) and 'money' (財産管理).

The 'Sha' Suffix

Add 'sha' (者) to make 'shinkensha' (the person with the rights).

Not Just Custody

It's broader than English 'custody.' It's total legal authority.

Parent's Sword

Visualize a parent holding a sword (Ken) to protect their child.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Shin' (New/Parent) with a 'Ken' (Sword/Right). A parent holds the legal 'sword' (authority) to protect the child.

Visual Association

Imagine a legal stamp (hanko) that has a picture of a parent and child on it, representing official legal authority.

Word Web

Parent Right Divorce Law Child Court Custody Duty

Challenge

Try to explain to a friend why the 'ken' in 'shinken' is the same 'ken' in 'jinken' (human rights) and 'shuken' (sovereignty).

Word Origin

The term '親権' was coined during the Meiji period (late 19th century) as Japan modernized its legal system and translated Western legal concepts into kanji. It combines '親' (parent) and '権' (authority/right).

Original meaning: Originally, it reflected the 'ie' (house) system, where the head of the household had absolute power over family members, including children.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

This is a very sensitive topic for people going through divorce. Use the term carefully and formally.

In the US/UK, 'custody' is often split into 'legal' and 'physical.' Japanese 'shinken' traditionally bundles these, which can be confusing for English speakers.

The movie 'Soshite Chichi ni Naru' (Like Father, Like Son) explores the emotional side of parental ties vs. legal rights. The 2024 Civil Code Amendment debates in the Japanese news. Legal dramas like '99.9 Criminal Lawyer' often feature custody battles.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Divorce Proceedings

親権を争う
親権者を決める
離婚届の親権欄
親権の合意

Child Protection

親権の剥奪
親権の停止
児童虐待
一時保護

Passport Application

親権者の同意
親権者の署名
戸籍謄本
法定代理人

News Reporting

共同親権の導入
法改正の議論
親権制度の見直し
最高裁の判決

Academic Law

親権の法的性質
子の福祉
親権の濫用
比較法学的検討

Conversation Starters

"日本の親権制度についてどう思いますか？"

"最近、共同親権のニュースを見ましたか？"

"離婚した時、親権はどうやって決めるのが一番良いでしょうか？"

"あなたの国では、親権（custody）の仕組みはどうなっていますか？"

"ドラマでよくある親権争いのシーンについてどう感じますか？"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が親だったら、親権という言葉にどのような責任を感じるか書いてみましょう。

日本の「単独親権」と、他の国の「共同親権」の違いについて自分の意見をまとめなさい。

子供の幸せのために、親権はどうあるべきだと思いますか？

ニュースで聞いた親権に関する法改正について、知っていることを書き出してみましょう。

「親の権利」と「子供の権利」が対立した時、どちらを優先すべきか論じなさい。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Under the current law (as of early 2024), Japan only allows sole parental authority (単独親権). However, a law has been passed to introduce joint parental authority (共同親権) in the near future, likely by 2026.

Shinken is the total legal authority (including managing property). Kangoken is specifically the right to live with and care for the child daily. Usually, they are held by the same person.

Legally, no. Visitation (面会交流) is considered a separate right of the child. However, in practice, the parent with 'shinken' often has significant control over visitation in Japan.

It ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old in Japan.

Generally, no. Only biological or legal (adoptive) parents have 'shinken.' Grandparents would have 'guardianship' (後見) if the parents are unable to exercise their rights.

The family court (家庭裁判所) will decide based on the 'best interests of the child,' often looking at who has been the primary caregiver.

Yes, if there is severe abuse or neglect, a court can order the suspension (停止) or loss (喪失) of parental authority.

No. The parent with 'shinken' (and custody) is usually the one who receives child support (養育費) from the other parent.

No. Pets are legally considered property in Japan. There is no 'shinken' for pets, although people sometimes use the term jokingly.

You say '共同親権' (kyōdō shinken).