In Re MM, a Juvenile Court case out of San Diego (filed September 25, attached), highlights the need for understanding the difficulty of handling family law litigation in the international/intercultural settings.

The Japanese court did not respond to telephonic contact of the California Court under UCCJEA, and in answer to the written communication by the court wrote:

"First of all, I would like to point out that communications between judges of different states concerning judicial matters should be carried out through diplomatic channels in principle. Therefore it would be advised to use diplomatic channels if you need to make inquires as to judicial matters.

However I think it [is] necessary to add that under the Japanese legal system a Japanese judge is not allowed to discuss issues concerning jurisdiction over an individual case with a judge of another state. Accordingly I would like to inform you that it will be quite difficult to respond to your request mentioned in the letter above even if you use diplomatic channels in this case. Thank you for your understanding in advance."

Emphasis added.