The Supreme Court of British Columbia orders that Murray Wood have sole custody and guardianship of Takara and Manami Maniwa-Wood (the children). 04.02.18-ORDER.pdf04.02.18-REASONS.pdf
November 26. 2004
The Supreme Court of British Columbia orders, by consent, that the children travel to Japan with their mother (Ayako Wood) from November 27 to December 9, 2004. 04.11.26-ORDER.pdf
December 9, 2004
Ayako fails to return the children to Canada. In an Interview with Canadian Consul, Steven Chapman, Ayako states that she has no intention of leaving Japan or abiding by the Canadian Orders.
January 14, 2005
A warrant is issued for the arrest of Ayako Wood. She is charged with two counts of child abduction - an indictable offense with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. Warrant for Arrest.pdf
January 2005
Japanese counsel for Murray Wood make a habeas corpus application at the Saitama District Court.
March 5, 2005
The Canadian Embassy delivers a diplomatic note to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting the return of the children to Canada. The Japanese Government responds that, since Japan is not signatory to the Hague Convention, they are not obligated to comply with the Canadian request.
April, 2005
Ayako Wood applies for custody of the children at the Saitama Family Court. The Family Court claims jurisdiction over the children and, on May 13, 2005, passes an interim Order stating that the children should remain in Ayako's custody. Despite repeated requests, the court denies Murray access to the children.
May 18, 2005
After over four months and many submissions and appearances by counsel, the Saitama District Court finds that the children are not being detained in Japan. Murray appeals to the Supreme Court of Japan. District Court Decision.pdf
June 2, 2005
The Canadian Embassy makes a second formal request to the Japanese Ministries of Foreign Affairs Justice for the return of the children. The Japanese response is that the matter is before the courts.
July 8, 2005
Despite having acknowledged that Ayako abducted the children, the Saitama Family Court reverses the B.C. Supreme Court Order and gives custody of the children to Ayako. Family Court Decision.pdf
September 6, 2005
The Supreme Court of Japan refuses to hear Murray's appeal of the District Court's decision. SupremeCourtDecision#1.pdf
September 21, 2005
The Appellate Court upholds the Family Court's decision to give custody of the children to Ayako. Appellate Court Decision.pdf
October 2005
Counsel for Murray Wood make further petitions to the Family Court arguing, among other things, that, contrary to Japanese law, the Family Court failed to consider the Canadian evidence when it reversed the Canadian custody orders.
February, 2006
The Supreme Court of Japan dismisses all of the petitions.
Takara and Manami have been cut off from their Canadian family since being abducted in November 2004.
