Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith has penned a hand-delivered letter to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, urging him to intervene and facilitate the return of over 500 American children who have been abducted to Japan. Smith's direct appeal comes in the wake of his address to the US Congress last week, where he highlighted the plight of these children and their left-behind parents.

Smith's letter to Prime Minister Fumio emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "To date, more than 500 American children have been abducted to Japan by one of their respective parents and remain separated from their American parent." The Congressman highlighted the heartbreaking reality faced by parents like Jeffery Morehouse, who has been unable to reunite with his son Mochi despite having legal custody recognized by Japanese courts.

The letter also mentioned other parents who have faced similar challenges, including Retired Navy Capt. Paul Toland, Former Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Elias, and Randy Collins of California. Smith called for the Prime Minister's public commitment to reuniting these families, stressing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the children involved.

Smith, a prominent advocate for human rights, has a history of championing the cause of abducted children. His Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act, enacted in 2014, provides the US Executive Branch with tools to address international parental child abduction. Despite the law's success in facilitating the return of abducted children from other countries, Japan has not made significant efforts in this regard.

In his letter, Smith underscored the grave consequences of child abduction, labeling it as a form of child abuse that can have severe psychological impacts on the children involved. He urged Prime Minister Fumio to acknowledge the ongoing human rights crisis posed by the abduction of American children to Japan and work towards a resolution that prioritizes family reunification and healing.

Smith concluded his letter with a message of hope, stating, "It is my sincere hope that these Japanese American children will become a source of strength between our two countries rather than a reminder of an ongoing injustice and a barrier to a robust United States-Japan relationship." The Congressman's impassioned plea reflects his unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the affected families and advocating for the rights of abducted children.