British Couple Adopts 4-Year-Old Boy With Down Syndrome in Japan

James Benstead and his wife Jesse adopted a 4-year-old boy in Japan, expanding their household to three children, Japan Times reported on June 29, 2026. The British nationals, both aged 35, took in the child who is one year younger than their biological son. The boy was born in Japan to Nepalese parents and had been naturalized as a Japanese citizen before the adoption.

He also has Down syndrome. The couple acted on their Christian faith in making the decision. Their family now includes James, Jesse and the three children, with the adopted son pictured in the rear stroller in a family photo.

James Benstead stated that beyond the paperwork and language barrier, the hardest part about adopting in Japan was the waiting.