This post was a long time in coming. I have been surprised by the many inquiries about our Japan adoption experience. Frankly, we’ve been so wrapped up being parents, that things like writing blog posts are an afterthought. That said, here is some info for those who want to go down the path of a Japanese adoption.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, our baby girl is doing very well. She is currently 10 months old, nearly walking and talking already! It all happens too fast. Ahh, but that’s another post….By the way, my wife has also started a blog at www.insanemom.com where she’ll probably cover some of the adoption process from her point of view.
First, start here. The US Embassy website in Japan: http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-adopt.html. This site provides a lot of the technical details about how to get an adoption from Japan. From this starting point, we contacted five Japanese adoption agencies:
International Family Service
1207 Koenji Sun Heights
1-5-4 Koenjiminami, Suginami-ku
Tokyo, Japan 166-0003
Telephone: 03-5377-1347
Fax: 03-5377-1348
Contact: Ms Yone Ito
Notes: This is the agency we used to adopt our daughter from Japan. However, it is interesting to note that IFS is no longer listed in the US Embassy Japan website (as of this posting, 3/16/07). I don’t want to speculate why they are not currently listed. Mrs Ito has a masters degree in social work from an American university, so her English ability is very high. In fact, after we submitted our application and other paperwork in Japanese, Mrs Ito asked if we could resubmit everything in English! In a later post, I’ll try to write up our experience of going to Japan to pick up our adopted daughter.
Agency to Rescue Children
Diapalace #206
1-4-8 Minami Kashiwa
Kashiwa-shi, Chiba-ken
Japan 277-0855
Telephone: 0471-45-6580
Fax: 0471-48-3597
Web: http://www.rescue-children.org/main/index.html
Contact: Ms Utako Kikuchi
Notes: This is the first agency who contacted us after we faxed our application (prepared in Japanese). Within weeks, this agency offered us not one, but two boys. Because we had our hearts set on a girl, we decided to decline both offers. The staff is Japanese speaking only, but they have an English speaking liaison who lives in California. As this person is a volunteer, I will send out her contact info only to those who ask me (I wouldn’t want my phone number and email address posted on someone’s blog). This agency told us that they provide minimal communication to prospective parents to keep costs down…so don’t expect them to call you very often. [UPDATE: 8/2008 - this California contact says this agency is no longer accepting new applications for adoptions - Sorry I don’t know much more than that.]
The Association for International Adoption of Babies
2-19-17 Fukumen
Ohno-cho, Saiki-gun
Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima
Japan 739-0401
Telephone: 082-956-2665
Contact: Ms Kiyoko Kageyama
Notes: Ms Kageyama is a volunteer and Japanese speaking only. In fact, this agency doesn’t even have a fax machine, so all communication was sent via snail mail. My wife spoke with Ms Kageyama on the phone and while she was a very nice lady, it seems like they don’t do many adoptions.
Japan International Social Service
Nishimura Building Room 601
3-6-18 Kamimeguro
Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Japan 153-0051
Telephone: 03-3760-3471
Fax: 03-3760-3474
Contact: Ms Yaeko Otsuki
Notes: After we faxed over our application (in Japanese), we got a long email (in English) describing the process of working with this agency. It’s a very long email so I won’t post it up here…but we’ve basically never heard from them beyond this one email.
Ai No Kesshin
Notes: the only other agency listed in the Embassy website, this is the only agency that never responded to us at all. We faxed them, we emailed them, we called them and we never heard back from them. I don’t know if these guys are for real, but I’d be wary of any agency with this lack of professionalism.
[8/20/2008 Update: Please see my other stories about our Japan adoption:
Here she is, our Japan adoption
Japan adoption agencies
Bonding with an adopted child
Traveling to Japan to pick up our adopted daughter
Our Japanese Adoption - Update]
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Thank you very much for taking the time to list this information. I can’t wait to hear about your trip to get your daughter.
Left by Veronika on March 16th, 2007
Thank you so much. My 14-month old son and I are headed to Tokyo this coming week on our own to visit my parents/his grandparents for two weeks. I am going to contact Mrs. Ito, and if lucky, I will visit her/IFS as her location is within 1/2 hour of my parents’ home! If this visit happens, I will be sure to write back about the visit/experience.
I wish all those seeking adoption happy/hopeful thoughts.
Left by Mary H on March 18th, 2007
Hi! Yup, it’s another inquiry about your adoption experience. I’m a sansei living in the Los Angeles area with my giant gai-jin husband, and we’ve only recently embarked on the adoption journey. We are also considering a Vietnam adoption, but then it occurred to me that we may be overlooking the totally obvious… Japan! Your information thus far has been extremely helpful. Would you be so kind as to send me the contact information for the California contact for the Agency to Rescue Children? And do you know if Ms. Ito from IFS has an e-mail address? I would love to hear more about the process in Japan, and I’ve now got your blog bookmarked. Thanx so much for the info! Best regards - Leigh
Left by Leigh on March 26th, 2007
Hi! I’d be very interested in getting the US contact info for the “Agency to Rescue Children”. Thanks!
Left by Stephen M on April 5th, 2007
Thank you for sharing so much about your adoption journey. I’ve really enjoyed reading your site. I’d also be interested in getting the US contact for the Agency to Rescue Children.
Left by Meredith on May 1st, 2007
It is so refreshing to get such honest opinion and advice! We’re just beginning the investigation into adopting from Japan and are kind of long on technical jargon/half-information, and short on hearing about personal experiences. Thank you very much for letting so many strangers be part of your story!
Left by Ann on May 7th, 2007
My husband and I very much want to adopt a child from Japan. Other than your blog, the information is scarce. Could you please send me the contact name and phone for the English-speaking liaison for the Agnecy to Rescue Children?
By the way, we too contacted JISS and heard nothing back from them. So disheartening!
Thank you.
Judy
Left by Judy on May 20th, 2007
Netsato,
Thank you for the valuable information. My husband and I are hoping to adopt a Japanese boy(s). Can you please provide the information for the english-speaking volunteer for the Agency to Rescue Children?
Left by Rebecca Modisette on May 31st, 2007
Ohayo,
Great story! Are there any agencies in the US that handle Japanese adoptions? Please provide the US contact for the Agency to Rescue Children.
Thanks!
Alan
Left by Alan on June 20th, 2007
I was wondering is it very expensive to adopt from Japan? I have read that the fees in Japan are very high. We are hoping to adopt a statelesss child, preferably a little boy. My husband is third generation and we only have daughters so far. A son would be a welcome addition and we would love to give a family and home to a stateless child.
Autumn
Left by Autumn on June 25th, 2007
Thanks for the wonderful information. I would very much appreciate the California contact information for the Agency to Rescue Children.
arigatougozaimasu
Left by Claire on July 13th, 2007
Hello-
I would so appreciate the California contact information for the Agency to Rescue Children liaison, please. My husband and I will be going to Japan in the fall (for our honeymoon), and we’d love to talk with someone before our trip!
Thank you so much-
Julie
Left by Julie on July 31st, 2007
Your blog is so very helpful! We are winding up our homestudy and have been rigorously researching Japan. Would you please send me the California liaison contact information for the Agency to Rescue Children?
Thanks!
Left by Ramona on August 4th, 2007
Could you please provide me with the contact info for the California volunteer of Agency to Rescue Children? Thanks so much.
Left by Faye on August 13th, 2007
Hi
I know you must be so busy and probably sick of people asking but if possible could I have a bit more information(emailed privately ofcourse) on your adoption process i.e to be cheeky the actual costs involved. Many thanks
Yuka
Left by Yuka Cowe on September 3rd, 2007
Hi, my wife and I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Can you provide me with the California contact information for the Agency to Rescue Children liaison? Domo.
Mark
Left by Mark Hom on September 5th, 2007
Good morning,
My wife and I are starting down this very road you have recently traveled. I don’t want to be a pest but is it possible to converse with you via e-mail concerning the procedures you had to follow? If this isn’t a possibility could you forward me the information about the Agency to Rescue Children?
Thanks,
Mel Shafer
Left by Mel Shafer on September 9th, 2007
Hello,
Could you please share with us the contact information for the contact person in California? We are very interested in adopting from Japan. We were working with an agency, but they have put a hold on their Japan program, so we are looking for another alternative. Thank you
Left by Lori and Ken on September 9th, 2007
Congratulations on your adoptions and thank you for this blog. I would be very appreciative to get information on your California connection. Also are you and your wife Japanese-American? I would love to see photos of you kids…..but understand if that is too personal.
I am Japanese-American and my husband is Caucasian……the only country I can get excited about adopting from is Japan. It would be such a great connection for us. Any advise beyond your contact and what was the final costs.
with thanks & warm regards,
April
Left by April on September 19th, 2007
Hi,
My husband and I have found an agency that does adoptions in the United States. I was wondering if it is better to work with an agency in Japan or rather one in the U.S. Also, can you provide any contact information for The Agency to Rescue Children in the U.S.?
Kind Regards,
Cathy
Left by Cathy on September 24th, 2007
Hello, I found your website great and much more informative with regard to Japan special adoptions. I would like to ask a few questions about the process and how one goes about adopting directly through a prefectures child guildance center. You mentioned that a friend used a less expensive agency. Was their adoption completed successfully?
Thanks, Judy
Left by judy gregory on October 9th, 2007
Hello,
My husband and I are researching adoption possibilities. He is 3rd generation Japanese and we are so thankful to come upon your website. The information you have shared is very helpful, especially considering there is not much available about Japanese adoptions.
We want to adopt a boy. We are recovering from a long path of infertility treatments, which did not result in any children. Your website gives us hope. I would like the contact phone number for the
Agency to Rescue Children. Thank you for your help, and for sharing your story.
Mary Tachibana
Left by mary tachibana on October 12th, 2007
Hi there - Can you please provide email me the California contact for the english-speaking volunteer for the Agency to Rescue Children? Thanks!
Left by Noriko Kneip on October 17th, 2007
Thank you for the great information on your blog? Could you kindly please forward the info for the California liason for the Agency to Rescue Children?
Best regards,
Left by jackson on October 20th, 2007
Hi, Appreciate the information you have provided. My wife (Japanese -American) and I (Chinese American) are interested in adopting a Japanese infant, but information seems scarce. Could you please provide the contact information for the California liason to Agency to Rescue Children. Thanks!
Left by Rick Young on October 25th, 2007
Thanks for posting this information. We just adopted our first baby girl from Russia. We had a pretty smooth process other than being stuck in Russia for 3 weeks. Nice blog by the way!
Left by Larry on October 31st, 2007
For others that read this blog, Agency to Rescue Children is no longer taking new adoption applications. We discovered this from an acquaintance that just picked up her daughter in June 2007. We talked to the director a few weeks ago to try to get a lead on other orgs. We discovered that the director is about 80 and trying to retire. She didn’t have any recommendations or knowledge regarding any other agencies. Sorry about the bad news; I’m as bummed as you are reading about this.
Left by Tami on November 4th, 2007
I am a Canadian. I understand the rules will be slightly different so I have contacted our embassy. What I would like to say is Thank You for publishing this information. I have been looking everywhere for information. I got your info from Being A Broad website. They did an article on adoption and your website was there. I have two girls already but I have been thinking about adoption. I use to live in Japan (over 5 years) and my husband is Japanese. I know from experience that many children which are multi-racial in Japan are looked down upon. I have recently been reading more about how many multi-racial children are given up and never find homes. I feel horrified by this. I would like to do something especially since my family is now multi-racial. Can you adopt very young infants? How do you find out about the health? I understand many countries who have allowed adoption were adopting out very unhealthy children. Do the children have health exams and are they reputable? Do the parents have an opportunity to find out who the adoptive parents are? How about the child? I would also like to know the cost? I appreciate any and all information you can provide.
Left by Erica Rowell-Sakuma on November 6th, 2007
I have to agree with the others. There really isn’t much info out there about Japanese adoptions. I was curious about the adoption fees because we are considering a toddler/pre-schooler. I was just curious about the adoption fee costs.
Thanks
Cindy
Left by Cindy on November 6th, 2007
I loved your “stealth” blog! Very Funny.
I found an agency that posts that they work with Japan for adoption. I have not contacted them yet. Are you aware of any agencies that help with the process?
I would also like your CA contact info.
Thank you for helping other parents who want to help children.
Donna
Left by Donna Purdy on November 10th, 2007
My wife and I have adopted three children from Japan, two through Ms Ito and one through a missionary. We are interested in adopting again. Will you please provide us the contact information of the lady in California who works with the Agency to Rescue Children? Thanks for your help.
Rodney
Left by Rodney Kyzer on December 31st, 2007
I was wondering if you could please give me the information of the volunteer in California. My husband and I have wanted to adopt for a very long time but have hit many road blocks along the way. However, we just received a military transfer to Tokyo and it just feels right that we will adopt while we are there. We will be living there for 4 years. Any insight you have for us personally would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Allison
Left by Allison on March 10th, 2008
Hi. I have another question. I have this phone number but have no idea how to call it
Can you help me? 
Agency to Rescue Children
Diapalace #206, 1-4-8, Minami-Kashiwa, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba-ken 277-0855
Tel: 0471-45-6580
(Mrs. Utako KIKUCHI)
Left by Allison on March 10th, 2008
My husband and I want to start the adoption process as soon as possible. My husband is half Japanese. his mother lived in Japan but passed away a few years ago. He doesn’t know any relatives there. I didn’t even know Japanese adoption was possible. I have been looking into Taiwan, but since my husband is Japanese I thought it would be a nice connection for the child to at least have one parent that has the same nationality. None of the agencies in America offer Japanese adoptions–how would I even go about this then? I would appreciate any information. thank you so much.
Left by Jill Sparrow on April 3rd, 2008
Hey
I was wondering is it true that you have to be a japanese citizen or long term resident to adopt? And what is the absolute first thing you should do when starting this process? I am feeling a little overwhelmed and just need some direction.
Left by Johanna on April 23rd, 2008
Hello,
I found your blog by google searching for Japan Adoption. I wonder if you’re still checking the comments on this post a year after you wrote it! Looks like you got quite the response.
We’ve been pursuing a Vietnam adoption for over a year, and had the hard news today that adoptions will almost certainly close in September. So we’re looking into other options. As your other commentors have said, info on Japan is scarce, and we’d love to know whatever you can tell us. This post was very helpful!
My husband is sansei, raised in Hawaii, but speaks very minimal Japanese (basically he knows food and some swear words, although he went to Japanese elementary school and his parents both speak Japanese). So we would love to have the English-speaking contacts you refer to in your post.
Do you happen to know if toddlers, preschoolers, or sibling pairs are ever available? In Vietnam, we had hoped to adopt a pair of sisters aged 4 and 5.
Thank you so much for your help!!
Jen Komastu
jarkomatsu@earthlink.net
Left by Jen Komatsu on April 25th, 2008
Thank you for posting this useful information. I wonder if I too could have the contact information for the English-speaking liaison for Agency to Rescue Children? My brother, who speaks Japanese, called the agency and they were discouraging, and also said they placed mostly teenagers. But I might like to investigate a bit further myself.
Left by Stephane on April 30th, 2008
Can you please send me the California contact stated on the website? My husband and I would like to adopt an infant in Japan.
Left by Suzanna Mori on May 27th, 2008
My husband and I travel to Japan often for Christian ministry. We are interested in adopting from Japan. Can you provide me with the name of the English speaking California liason for Agency to Rescue Children? Information on how to adopt from Japan is very scarce.
Thank you for the help.
Sincerely,
Jilleen
Left by Jilleen on June 5th, 2008
Hi - I recently heard that Agency to Rescue children has decided to take some more applications. However, I’m not sure for how long, as the director was initially going to retire.
Left by Colleen on June 27th, 2008
Thank you for sharing this information on Japanese adoption!
This is also a very beautiful website.
My husband and I are Japanese-American also and went through some unsuccessful fertility treatments.
I am now considering adoption of a toddler and look forward to reading more about the adoption of your Japanese daughter.
Left by Kathy on July 12th, 2008
I was so excited to find your website and read about your trip to get your daughter. Japan is such a beautiful country with a beautiful culture. Like many before me, my husband and I are also interested in adopting from Japan. Would it be possible to email me the California Liason? Is it easier to call the agencies? Or to fax? Finding this website was such a blessing, as finding where to start for an adoption in Japan is hard because there isn’t a lot of information. Your help would be very appreciated. Could I link your blog to mine so that our family may read what the process will be like? Thank you so much.
Left by Jennifer C. on August 25th, 2008
Hi there,
I came across your blog on the Japan adoption. I was wondering if you can provide me with the contact information on the Japan adoption - if possible.
Many thanks,
Sherine
happywhisper@yahoo.com
Left by Sherine on October 8th, 2008
Hi,
I live in The Bahamas my husband and I are considering adoption and we would love a Japanese child. Do you have any idea how this process works for someone living in my country?
Commendable job on providing us with this information!
Domo Arigato
Left by Mrs. Russell on October 14th, 2008
Hello,
Would you mind to send the CA contact number for Agency to Rescue Children? My husband and I are in the middle of the China meltdown, and looking for any other options. Even if there is a chance they are accepting applications, we feel we should inquire. Thank you for your willingness to help others navigate the waters of international adoption!
Left by T. Rhodes on October 15th, 2008