Navigating Background Checks: Japan's Emerging DBS-Inspired System

Japan and the UK share many similarities as developed nations. This is why the UK were so keen to develop a post-Brexit trade deal with the nation. But when it comes to background checks it couldn’t be more different. 

The State of Background Checks in Japan

Japan has been slow to implement a comprehensive system for background checks, largely due to the country's unique and extensive privacy laws. In some cases, where companies need to run background checks, they have to subpoena the individual.  

Some argue that Japan's low crime rate negates the need for a DBS-like system. But as some critics point out, "The absence of a system doesn't mean the absence of a problem." 

Proposals for a screening regime, based largely on the Disclosure and Barring Service, are being put forward by Japan’s Children and Family Agency (CFA).  

Amongst the public, the idea of ‘Japan’s DBS’ has been receiving strong support, particularly with parents. However, when the proposals were formally revealed by the CFA, they were widely criticised for not going far enough. 
 
The proposal, to be brought before Parliament later this year, says a DBS-style screening would only be mandatory for teachers who work at schools and nurseries. This begs the question about what happens with all the other associated staff that work in and around schools? 

According to Yuki Yoneda, a representative at nonprofit organization Florence, 

“Assault cases that are picked up in the media are only the tip of the iceberg, and there are many cases happening in schools, nurseries and even in households that are never spoken about,” Yoneda said. 

“(The sexual abuse of minors) hasn't been spoken about openly for very long, so it has been hard to make policies that address it,” 

“In England, it's mandatory for anyone who interacts with children for more than three days out of 30, even if it's a volunteer or unpaid position. Anyone who doesn't pass will not be allowed to work near children at all,”   

Several high-profile abuse and sexual assault cases have reignited the debate around background screening. This has made it much easier for groups like Florence to gain support. Discussing a petition they ran, Yoneda said: 

“We were aiming for 10,000 signatures but actually ended up collecting over 80,000 in less than two weeks, which we then submitted to minister Ogura [Min on Sept. 1,” 

“I think it is a testament to how many people, especially parents, are concerned and passionate about this topic.” 

And while the screening of teachers is a good first step, there is still a long way to go before Japan has a comprehensive screening system. 

What Japan Could Learn from the DBS

The DBS serves as a robust model for ensuring safer recruitment decisions. Its multi-tiered approach, ranging from Basic to Enhanced DBS checks, tries to balance applicant privacy with public protection.  DBS Checks can only be legally requested in certain situations. This prevents the unnecessary disclosure of information that may be used to discriminate against someone.  
 
Japan could attempt to adopt a similar structure to cater to its societal norms and legal frameworks. However, it would likely still take decades to implement the required legislative changes to achieve a DBS style system. 

It’s taken 21 years for the UK to get to where we are today with criminal record checks, Japan could realistically expect a similar duration to establish a comparable system. 

But background screening isn’t a static area of legislation. As privacy laws and society change background screening has to change with it. This means that no matter how good a screening system is, it is constant work to keep it up-to-date and maintained.  But despite the challenge, it’s undeniable that implementing a similar system in Japan would be a significant step toward a safer society.