A Family Member Died in Japan
When a family member dies in Japan, there are multiple procedures, such as the death notification, cremation or burial, residence-related matters, insurance, pension, and contacting your home country.
When a family member dies in Japan, there are multiple procedures, such as the death notification, cremation or burial, residence-related matters, insurance, pension, and contacting your home country.
If this happened suddenly and you are not sure where to start, please consult your municipality, the hospital, or similar.
Death notification
When a death occurs within Japan, the person obligated to notify must submit a death notification within 7 days of the day they learned of the death.
A medical certificate of death or a post-mortem examination certificate is required.
The notification is submitted to the municipality of the place of death, the deceased's registered domicile, or the notifier's place of residence.
A death notification is also required when a foreign national dies within Japan.
Cremation and burial
Permission is required to carry out cremation or burial in Japan.
Along with the death notification, please check the necessary procedures with your municipality.
A funeral company may also support you with these procedures.
Residence card
If the deceased (a mid- to long-term resident) held a residence card, a return procedure is required.
According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, in principle a relative or person living with the deceased returns it to a regional immigration services bureau within 14 days of the date of death.
Please check the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for details and exceptions, such as whether returning it by mail is accepted.
Health insurance and pension, and similar
Regarding health insurance and pension that the deceased was enrolled in, procedures such as loss of eligibility, benefits, and unpaid pension may be involved.
Please check with the workplace, municipality, pension office, or similar.
Notification to your home country
You may need procedures such as notifying the embassy or consulate, registering the death in your home country, or arranging to transport the body or remains to your home country.
This differs by country, so please check with the embassy or consulate.
This is a topic that requires consulting a specialist
JANIA provides general information and consultation points. Please consult a specialist for an individual determination.
Inheritance
If there are savings, a house, debts, or similar, inheritance issues can also arise.
For international inheritance, specialist judgment may be needed regarding which country's law applies, among other matters.
JANIA does not make individual inheritance determinations and will direct you to a specialist.
Main places to check
- Municipalities
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- Pension office / health insurance
- Embassies and consulates
- Houterasu / lawyers, and others
Last checked: August 2026