25 August 2026
This episode features Court Official Nozomu Okada, who joins Stacey Steele to discuss Japan’s adult guardianship system, outlining its four categories and its strong emphasis on court supervision and asset management. The challenges, such as cost and limited flexibility, are also mentioned. The episode contrasts Japan’s approach with Victoria’s more individualised, rights‑based model and highlights the need for reforms that promote greater autonomy and accessibility.
This episode is hosted by Associate Professor Stacey Steele, in conversation with Court Official Nozomu Okada.
Court Official Nozomu Okada has been working for the Japanese courts since 2009. From June 2023, he spent one year in Victoria conducting research on its guardianship system. His earlier involvement in guardianship practice at the Kyoto Family Court for two years beginning in 2020 led him to pursue this research. Court Official Okada is serving as a Section Chief in charge of public relations in the General Affairs Division of the Osaka District Court.
From April 2026, he assumed the position of Chief Clerk at the Osaka Summary Court.