A reader asks: "What is the name of the form used to 'block' a kyōgi rikon (divorce by mutual consent) proceeding? Do they have these forms at the local city office or do you have to go to a lawyer's office and have them prepared?"
Under Japanese law, a divorce can be finalized by mutual consent. This consent-based divorce is called kyōgi rikon and the process is very simple: Both parties fill in a form known as a rikon todoke (divorce notification paper), which is available at any city hall; they sign the form; two witnesses also sign; and the form is then submitted to the city hall.
The courts have no role in this process. The husband and wife don't need to swear or even appear before a city registrar. One of the parties or even a third person can bring the signed divorce paper to the city hall, or it can be submitted by mail. This simple and cost-free process is popular, accounting for roughly 90 percent of divorces registered every year in Japan.
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