A move to safeguard the most vulnerable, particularly children is poised to take precedence over the individual rights of sex offenders, especially during hiring processes in public institutions where contact with children is routine. The Japanese government is in the process of establishing guidelines for disclosing the information about past sexual convictions for those seeking employment in public education institutions, kindergartens, and nursing schools. Drawing inspiration from the UK's DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, the government aims to roll out a system, tailored to Japan's unique context, emulating its principles. This risk-averse approach is aimed at eliminating even the slightest risk of repeating sexual offenses against children, even if this means curtailing the employment prospects of individuals with a history of sexual convictions.

The DBS model introduced in Japan, designed by a committee of criminal experts, is a scaled-down and somewhat half-hearted adaptation of the UK's DBS. In the UK, any job position, that could potentially compromise the safety of vulnerable populations, like children, mandates a DBS check. This comprehensive check reveals all of an applicant's convictions, extending beyond just sexual offenses, and it is applicable for roles in both the public and private sectors where there's interaction with vulnerable demographics. By contrast, the Japanese DBS is mainly tailored to screen for sexual offenses. Much like its UK counterpart, Japan's DBS maintains "barred lists" under the jurisdiction of the Children and Families Agency. Anyone found on those lists is legally prohibited from participating in regulated activities involving groups they might endanger. In Japan, the mandatory background checks are only enforced in public institutions, while their adoption in private institutions are optional. Still, employers from the private sector, in areas like education, healthcare, and childcare, are urged to request a DBS check to assess potential employees' sexual offense histories. This push serves dual purposes, bolstering the organization's image of a secure work environment and validating their staff's credibility through certificates issued by the Agency confirming the absence of sexual criminal records. 

The rationale behind setting stringent standards for roles involving children in both Japan and the UK, especially for individuals with criminal records related to child exploitation, molestation, or other sexual offenses, is arising from deep-seated concerns over the possibility of reoffending and the serious implications of such crimes against minors. Although not every individual who offends against minors necessarily has a pedophilic disorder, and not all with such disorders become offenders, extensive research indicates that some sexual offenders, particularly those exhibiting pedophilic tendencies, may pose a heightened risk of reoffending. This perceived risk, coupled with the insidious nature of crimes against children, is underscoring the importance of rigorous screening processes to ensure spaces frequented by minors remain safe from potential harm.

The  urgent demand for a Japanese rendition of DBS is echoing the deep concerns of parents, alarmed by the frequent child molestation incidents spotlighted in the media. Those parents are particularly worried about the nature of child molestation lurking in familiar corners, especially when it involves those close to the child, such as teachers, caregivers, or other authority figures. Such closeness muddles the child's emotions, making it challenging for them to speak out. Moreover, societal prejudice further muzzles those young victims, as they fear being misjudged, faulted, or disbelieved. This unjust isolation compounds their undeserved guilt and shame. Cunningly, perpetrators, skilled at grooming, manipulate their behaviors to seem less harmful or not even acknowledging them as maltreatment. They build deceptive trust with their victims, normalizing their inappropriate interactions. Adding to the complexity, institutional power dynamics tend to lead to cover-ups to preserve organizational reputations or shield the abusers. In cultures where challenging authority is frowned upon, survivors who report abuse place themselves at even greater risk. An illustrative example is the case of the renowned entertainment mogul from the Japanese talent agency, Johnny & Associates, founded by Johnny Kitagawa. The allegations against him, kept hidden and neglected for years, serve as a poignant reminder of the intricate challenges survivors face in their pursuit of justice.