（#parent #death #funeral）When a Parent Passes Away: Before You Panic, at Least Prepare Mentally (A Guide to Handling Funeral and Inheritance Procedures Efficiently)

Even if you have a premonition, that moment always comes unexpectedly.

This morning, my parent didn’t wake up.

The time has finally come.
So, what do you do?

A tear-jerking story about preparing for a solemn funeral following a sudden farewell.
That’s what I’d like to say, but

Let’s talk about the practical side of things.

In reality, there’s no time to grieve—you need to handle various procedures quickly.

Just because a parent has died doesn’t mean you contact the funeral home directly.
There’s a procedure to follow,
First, you’ll need to contact eitherthe attending physicianorthe police.

In the first half, we’ve listed only the necessary steps in bullet points.

In the second half, we’ve included detailed explanations for each step.

And we’ve also included a guide to help prevent inheritance disputes.

Who should you contact first?

Emergency Services—“My parent has collapsed”	119
Police—“My parent has passed away”	110

Top Priority Contacts

• If there is a possibility of resuscitation, or if you are unsure whether they are breathing:
  [Call 119 (Emergency Services)]

  If emergency paramedics assess the situation at the scene and determine that it is too late (that the person has passed away), they will contact the police themselves.

• If the person is clearly deceased (no breathing, no pulse, body is cold, etc.):
  [Call 110 (Police)]

  When a death occurs at home without an attending physician present,
  a "post-mortem inspection (investigation by police to check for foul play)" is legally required.

Important Precautions When Contacting Authorities (Absolute Must-Dons and Don'ts)

• Do not move or touch the body

  Please do not readjust the bedding, change the clothing, or move the body or any items at the scene until the police have completed their scene investigation and post-mortem inspection.

  ・Do not move the deceased

  ・Do not touch the deceased

  ・Leave all items around the deceased exactly as they are

• Wait at the scene until emergency services or police arrive

  The person who found the deceased should remain on-site, as you will be asked questions regarding the situation and how the discovery was made.

• A "Post-Mortem Certificate (Shitai Keansho)" will be issued after the police inspection

  Once it is confirmed that there is no foul play, a police doctor will issue a "Post-Mortem Certificate" (equivalent to a Death Certificate).

  Upon receiving this document, you can proceed to contact a funeral home to arrange transportation.

  Please obtain the "Post-Mortem Certificate" from the police.

  The "Post-Mortem Certificate" is required.

“Required” Make copies of the death certificate

“Required” Make copies of the death certificate.

The left side is where we fill in the information.
Please make copies of it.
You’ll need about 10 copies of each side.

Once you’ve filled it out, make copies.

Before contacting the funeral home, go to a convenience store.
To make copies.

copy of the “Death Certificate.” Contact a funeral home

Funeral homes in your area	8190-00-4488
“A family member has passed away, and we have the death certificate. We would like to request transportation.”	Convey this over the phone

Choose a funeral home to contact

Call a funeral home you consulted with during your lifetime or one of which you are a member.

Use your smartphone or other device to search for “(Name of your area) funeral homes 24 hours,” and call the first highly-rated company or a major funeral home that appears in the results.
It’s okay if you haven’t decided on one in advance.

• If you already have a funeral service provider in mind

  Call the funeral provider you previously consulted with, or the company where you hold a membership.

• If you have not decided yet

  Search on your smartphone or device for "(Your local area name) funeral home 24 hours," and call a highly-rated company listed at the top or a major funeral service provider.
  It is completely fine if you have not decided on one in advance.

What to Tell Them and What They Will Ask on the Phone

When you place the call, the representative will guide you through and confirm the following details step by step:

• 1. "A family member has passed away, and I would like to request transportation and funeral arrangements."

  If you are flustered, even simple words like "My parent died, funeral" will get the point across.

• 2. Current location of the body

  (Example: "XX Police Station," "Home," "XX Hospital," etc.)

• 3. Location for resting/preservation (destination for transportation)

  Decide whether to bring the deceased home,
  or place them in the funeral home's resting room (mortuary/facility).

  If you are unsure, you can tell them, "I would like advice on where to take the body," and they will offer suggestions.

  Saying "Please hold/take care of the body" is suggested as a reliable choice.

• 4. The deceased's name, your name, and contact information

  Deceased's name
  Your name
  Contact information, such as your phone number

Process After the Phone Call

• Arrangement of a transport vehicle / hearse (Arrives in about 30 minutes to 1 hour)

  The funeral home staff will come to the specified location to collect the deceased.

• Submission of the Post-Mortem Certificate

  Hand over the "Post-Mortem Certificate" to the funeral staff when they arrive.
  (They will submit the Notification of Death to the municipal office and handle the cremation permit procedure on your behalf.)

  Have you made a copy?
  If not, do not hand it over yet.

• Resting and Consultation

  After transporting and laying the deceased to rest at the specified location,
  you will move on to specific arrangements regarding the schedule and funeral plan (such as family funeral, direct cremation, standard funeral, etc.).

Funeral the Day After Placing the Deceased in Mortuary Care (Funeral Hall)?

While it is possible to hold a funeral (or cremation) the day after leaving the body at a mortuary facility,
in reality, it can be difficult unless specific conditions are met.

This depends heavily on legal requirements and the availability of the crematorium.

Conditions Required to Proceed the Following Day

• At least 24 hours must have passed since death (Mandatory)

  Under Japanese law (the Cemetery and Burial Act), cremation cannot take place within 24 hours of death.

  Example: If death is pronounced (certified) at 3:00 PM today, cremation cannot occur until after 3:00 PM tomorrow.

• Availability at the crematorium and funeral hall

  In congested areas like major cities, crematoriums are often busy, making it common to wait several days (extending the mortuary stay) due to a lack of available slots on the requested date.

• The funeral format is a "Direct Cremation (Cremation Only)" or a "One-Day Funeral"

  It is much easier to arrange a schedule if you choose a "One-Day Funeral" (holding only the farewell ceremony and cremation without a wake)
  or a "Direct Cremation" (skipping ceremonies altogether and proceeding straight to cremation).

Specific Steps Moving Forward

During your consultation with the funeral director, try stating your request directly like this:

"We would like to conclude the funeral (cremation) as soon as possible. Could you check if there is an available crematorium for the earliest possible schedule (such as tomorrow)?"

The funeral representative will immediately check the legal "24-hour requirement" timing alongside the real-time availability of nearby crematoriums, and inform you of the earliest possible date.

Skipping the Funeral for Cremation Only

The format of skipping a ceremony and performing only cremation is called "Direct Cremation (Cremation Only)."
It is the method that minimizes both costs and time.

While the body remains in mortuary care, the process and required steps to proceed with cremation only on the shortest timeline are as follows:

Overall Process of Direct Cremation (Cremation Only)

• Crematorium Reservation (Arranged by Funeral Home)

  The funeral director will reserve the earliest available cremation time slot occurring after 24 hours have passed since death.

• Mortuary Care / Resting

  The body will remain in the care of the funeral home's mortuary facility until the cremation date and time are decided.

• Departure / Moving to the Crematorium

  On the designated cremation date and time, the bereaved family gathers directly at the crematorium (or the resting facility).

• Cremation and Bone-Gathering Ceremony (Approx. 1.5 to 2 Hours)

  After saying a brief final goodbye in front of the cremation furnace (a few minutes for placing flowers or offering incense),
  the ashes and bones are placed into an urn following the cremation.

Important Points to Consider When Choosing Direct Cremation

• Concludes with minimal preparation or burden

  There will be no altar setup, wake, farewell ceremony, or post-funeral meal.

• Notifying relatives

  Informing relatives in advance that "per the wishes of the deceased (or the family), we are holding a direct cremation with close family only" will help prevent misunderstandings later.

• Checking with your family temple (if you have a ancestral grave)

  If you plan to place the ashes in a family temple grave, proceeding with a direct cremation without prior notice may result in the temple declining the interment.
  If you have a family temple, please call them briefly to inform them that you are choosing a direct cremation.
  (This is not necessary if you are using a public cemetery, ossuary, or ocean scattering.)

Phrases to tell the funeral director right now

You can state the following directly to the funeral representative:

"We will not hold a wake or farewell ceremony, so please arrange a 'Direct Cremation (Cremation Only).' Please reserve the crematorium for the earliest legally possible date."

The funeral service has safely concluded—thank you so much for your patience and effort during this difficult time.

Since the inheritance process is a long one, let’s start by handling the procedures with the earliest deadlines (within 7 to 14 days) and the initial preparations that mark the first step in the inheritance process.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the “first things you should do” right away.

The funds in the deceased’s bank account are considered “inherited assets.”

To withdraw “inherited assets”:
The bank account will be frozen, and the “heirs”—such as the children—will need to prepare the necessary documents.
You’ll need to go back and forth between city hall and the bank.

・Bank passbook (e.g., stored in a dresser drawer)
・Seal registration certificate (from city hall)
・Family register extract and certificate of residence for the deceased parent, covering the period from birth to death (available at city hall)
・Your own family register extract and certificate of residence (available at city hall)
・Documents for inheritance to be filled out at the bank (such as a request for changing the account holder’s name, available at the bank counter)
・Agreement on the Division of the Estate (Prepare this yourself—either on a computer or by hand. May not be required in some cases.)
・If you ask someone else to prepare the Agreement on the Division of the Estate (e.g., a lawyer or administrative scrivener; search for and find a nearby office)
・Other items, depending on the situation.

Pensions, Health Insurance, and Household Information

Copies of Your Health Insurance Card and Pension Handbook

“Your Health Insurance Card Will Be Recovered”

Once you complete the return procedure, the original will be collected and will no longer remain in your possession.
Be sure to make copies of both the front and back sides.

“You’ll Keep Your Pension Handbook”

When you complete procedures to suspend pension payments (or to claim unpaid pension benefits),
you’ll present your pension handbook for verification at the counter of a Pension Office or Pension Consultation Center,
but it will be returned to you after verification.

Step 1: Government Procedures with Imminent Deadlines (Within a Few Days to 14 Days)

Once the funeral is over, go promptly to the city or ward office (or Pension Office) where the deceased was registered.

• Pension suspension procedures (within 10 to 14 days)

  Procedures must be completed within 14 days for Employees' Pension and within 10 days for National Pension.

• Return of Health Insurance and Nursing Care Insurance cards (within 14 days)

  Return the Late-Stage Elderly Medical Insurance Card or National Health Insurance Card,
  and apply for the Funeral Expenses Allowance (an allowance of several tens of thousands of yen will be paid) at the same time.

• Notification of Change of Householder (within 14 days)

  Required if the deceased was the head of the household and two or more members remain in the same household.

Step 2: First Step in Inheritance Procedures—Document Collection and Investigation

In parallel with procedures at the local municipal office, initiate the following three tasks.
Unless these are complete, bank procedures and title transfers cannot proceed.

• Collection of Family Registers (from birth to death)

  Obtain a continuous sequence of all family register copies (including removed registers and original reform registers) for the deceased covering their entire life from birth to death.

  ・Where to obtain them?
  City Hall / Municipal Office
  You can obtain them by informing the staff at the nearest municipal office window, "I need a complete set of family registers for [Deceased Person's Name] from birth to death for inheritance procedures."
  (Thanks to the nationwide issuance system, these can be obtained at any municipal counter across Japan even if the registered domicile is far away.)

  ・Why is it necessary?
  To legally determine all legal heirs, ensuring there are no unknown heirs.

• Checking for the presence of a Will

  Search the home or safe for any written will.

  You can also inquire (search) at a notary office to see if a notarized will exists.

• Investigation and inventory of assets and liabilities

  List all assets and liabilities (both positive and negative) belonging to the deceased.

  Bank passbooks and securities (identifying which banks and brokerage firms hold accounts)

  Real estate title deeds and property tax payment notifications

  Debts, loans, and credit card account statements

Step 3: Prepare for the Freezing of Bank Books and Cards

Once you notify the bank of the death, the account will be frozen, and you will no longer be able to make withdrawals.

If the account is set up for automatic payments of utilities, rent, or other bills, make arrangements in advance to change the payment method or the account holder’s name.

Overall Schedule Going Forward (for reference)

・Within 3 months: Choose between renouncing the inheritance or limited acceptance (if there is significant debt)

I wonder about that?
There are systems in place that make it sound like debt is just a normal part of life.
Since I’ve explained welfare benefits in another article, it almost seems like living while running away from debt is one possible option.

・Within 4 months: Provisional final tax return (the deceased’s income tax return)

・Within 10 months: Filing and payment of inheritance tax, estate division agreement, and transfer of ownership of real estate and bank deposits

First, please start with “insurance and pension procedures at the municipal office” and “collecting a complete set of family register copies from the municipal office”.
This will be a daunting task, so please take care of your health and proceed at a pace that doesn’t overwhelm you.

Withdrawing Funds from a Bank Passbook

The rights to the deceased’s passbook have been frozen.

Complete the necessary procedures to unfreeze the account and withdraw the funds.

Although the account belongs to the deceased and the passbook and its contents still exist,
as it stands,the funds cannot be used.

Once a deceased person’s bank account (passbook) is frozen, it cannot simply be “unfrozen” to restore normal use;
you must close the account and complete the procedures to transfer the balance to an heir’s account (or to a representative’s account).

Gather the necessary documents and complete the procedures at a bank branch (or by mail).

Basic Documents Required for the Procedure

The documents commonly required by most banks are as follows.

• complete set of the deceased's family register copies (including removed registers and original reform registers) from birth to death
• Family register copies for all heirs

  (Documents establishing their relationship to the deceased)

• Seal certificates for all heirs

  (Issued within the past 3 to 6 months)

• Identity verification document of the person processing the procedure

  (Driver's license, Individual Number Card, etc.)

• deceased's bank passbook and cash card
• Bank-designated "Inheritance Application Form (Request for Account Closure / Name Change)"

  (Obtained at the bank counter or via their website)

• Estate Division Agreement

  (If an estate division agreement was conducted)

If a valid will exists or a Certified Copy of the Statutory Inheritance Information Diagram is provided, some of the required documents may be exempted or reduced.

Basic Procedure for Account Closure and Payout

• Contact and Apply at the Bank's "Inheritance Desk"

  Inform the bank at the service counter, or through their dedicated inheritance phone line or web form,
  that you wish to process inheritance procedures.

• Receive and Fill Out the Documents

  The bank will provide you with their designated "Inheritance Application Form" (or send it to you by mail).

• Prepare and Submit the Required Documents

  Submit the completed inheritance application form along with required documents such as family register copies and seal certificates.

• Review and Payout (Approx. 1 to 3 Weeks)

  If there are no deficiencies in the documents,
  the remaining balance will be transferred to the specified heir's bank account,
  completing the account closure.

[Reference] If you need cash immediately for funeral expenses or living costs

If you urgently require funds before the full procedure is completed, there is a system that allows you to withdraw a portion of the deposit without waiting for the complete account closure.

Provisional Payout System Prior to Estate Division

You can individually withdraw up to the legal limit (the lower of "Account balance at death × 1/3 × your statutory share of inheritance" or "up to a maximum of 1.5 million yen per financial institution") without requiring the consent of other heirs.

To apply, bring the required documents (such as family register copies of the deceased and the applicant, seal certificates, etc.) directly to the bank.

To start, check the "Inheritance Procedures" page on the official website of the target bank, or contact their phone support to request, "Please send the documents for closing an account due to inheritance."

Financial Benefit Systems Other Than Inheritance

Depending on the type of health insurance the deceased held and their individual situation,
there are financial payouts (benefits, allowances, etc.) provided by the national government, local municipalities, or various insurance schemes separately from inheritance.

Because application deadlines are set and many of these benefits require you to apply yourself to receive them,
please check if any of the following apply to your situation.

Benefits Claimable Upon Conducting a Funeral or Cremation (Choose One)

These benefits are paid out from the health insurance program the deceased was enrolled in.
(You cannot receive both "A" and "B" concurrently.)

• "A" Funeral Expenses Allowance (National Health Insurance / Late-Stage Elderly Medical System)

  ・Eligibility:
  When the deceased was self-employed, unemployed, 75 years of age or older, etc.

  ・Amount:
  Approximately 30,000 to 70,000 yen (varies by municipality / e.g., 30,000 yen in city areas)

  ・Recipient:
  The person who conducted the funeral (the chief mourner)

  ・Where to Apply:
  The municipal office of the deceased's registered address

  ・Deadline:
  Within 2 years from the day following the funeral

• "B" Burial Allowance / Burial Expenses (Company Health Insurance / Japan Health Insurance Association, etc.)

  ・Eligibility:
  When the deceased was a company employee (an insured person), including those within 3 months post-retirement

  ・Amount:
  A flat rate of 50,000 yen (some health insurance societies may offer additional supplemental payments)

  ・Recipient:
  Dependents supported by the deceased (or the person who actually performed the burial if there are no dependents)

  ・Where to Apply:
  The employer, or the relevant health insurance society / Japan Health Insurance Association branch, etc.

  ・Deadline:
  Within 2 years from the day following the date of death

System for Refund of Medical Expenses Incurred During Lifetime

Refund of High-Cost Medical Expenses

If medical expenses were high during the month the person passed away and payments exceeded the personal copayment limit, the difference will be refunded.

・Where to Apply:
The municipal office (for National Health Insurance or Late-Stage Elderly Medical System) or the relevant health insurance society.

You can apply after death by designating a bank account for the transfer.

Pension-Related Benefits

Depending on the deceased's pension enrollment status and family structure, lump-sum payments or pensions are provided to the surviving family.

• Unpaid Pension Benefits

  Because pensions are paid in arrears,
  the surviving family can receive the unpaid pension amount for the period up to the month of death (equivalent to 1 to 2 months).

  ・Eligible Relatives:
  Spouses, children, parents, etc., who shared the same livelihood as the deceased

• Survivors' Pension (Basic Survivors' Pension / Employees' Survivors' Pension)

  Paid on a regular basis if there is a spouse or child (until the end of the fiscal year in which they turn 18) supported by the deceased.

• Lump-Sum Death Benefit

  If a person who paid National Pension contributions (Category I insured person) for 3 years or more passed away without receiving (or having received very little of) their pension, a benefit of approximately 120,000 to 320,000 yen is paid to the surviving family.

Event of Death Due to an Accident or Occupational Injury

Survivors' Compensation and Funeral Expenses Allowance under Workers' Compensation Insurance (In the case of accidents or illnesses occurring on the job or during commute)

Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI) (In the case of traffic accidents)

Initial Actions to Take First

Copies of the Post-Mortem Certificate (both sides): 10 copies of the front, 10 copies of the back. "Mandatory"
Copy of the Health Insurance Card (front and back)
Along with a copy of the Pension Booklet

When you visit the municipal office for procedures such as submitting the "Notification of Death" or "Returning the Health Insurance Card,"
please inform the office window staff, "I would like to apply for Funeral Expenses (or Burial Allowance) and request the Unpaid Pension procedure."
They will check and guide you on the spot regarding all required documents and whether you are eligible to receive these benefits.

The second half starts here

I’ve explained this in bullet points—do you have a general idea of how it all works?

Now, let’s move on to detailed explanations of each point and
specifically confirm where you can complete the necessary procedures.

Let’s make sure to prepare for emergencies like this while we’re still alive.
Even if you just mentally prepare yourself for now, you’ll be able to act calmly when the time comes because you’ll have already thought things through.

You might not see the need for this right now.
As the years go by and you get older, your physical strength will decline, and you’ll start to see the reality of frailty and what lies beyond.

Many people live far away from their parents.
It’s actually quite possible that when you return to your parents’ home after a long time, you might find they’ve become like zombies.

In terms of early detection, living with your parents can actually be an advantage.

Either way, even if it’s just a matter of keeping it in mind, let’s make sure to be prepared.

Where Should You Contact First?

Emergency — "My parent collapsed"	119
Police — "My parent passed away"	110
Police or Emergency — "Which one should I call?"	119

Whether it is a parent or anyone else in a situation where someone has collapsed or died, this is how you should make contact.

If there is a public phone nearby, you can connect for free just by dialing these numbers.
That is precisely why they are installed in key locations.

Highest Priority Contacts

• If there is a possibility of resuscitation, or if you are unsure whether they are breathing:
  [Call 119 (Emergency Services)]

  If emergency paramedics assess the situation at the scene and determine that it is too late (that the person has passed away), they will contact the police directly.

  Call this number in an emergency when you are unsure if the person is breathing or if there is even the slightest chance of resuscitation.

  If paramedics determine upon arrival that it is too late, emergency services will coordinate with the police,
  so choose 119 if you are in doubt.

• If the person is clearly deceased (no breathing, no pulse, body is cold, etc.):
  [Call 110 (Police)]

  When a death occurs at home without an attending physician present,
  a "post-mortem inspection (investigation by police to check for foul play)" is legally required.

  Call this number when death can be clearly confirmed, such as when there is no breathing or pulse and the body is cold.

  When a death occurs at home without a primary care doctor present,
  a legal "post-mortem inspection" is required to check for any indication of foul play.

Important Precautions When Contacting Authorities (Absolute Must-Dos and Don'ts)

• Do not move or touch the body

  Please do not readjust the bedding, change the clothing, or move the body or any items at the scene until the police have completed their scene investigation and post-mortem inspection.

  ・Do not move the deceased

  ・Do not touch the deceased

  ・Leave all items around the deceased exactly as they are

  (Note)
  Altering the body or scene, even slightly, can lead to misunderstandings.
  It carries the risk of obstructing an accurate determination of the cause of death or foul play, or creating unnecessary suspicion during the inspection and scene investigation.

• Wait at the scene until emergency services or police arrive

  The person who found the deceased should remain on-site, as you will be asked questions regarding the situation and how the discovery was made.

  (Note)
  Accurately conveying details such as the posture upon discovery, room conditions, and moments prior to emergency services and police will ensure subsequent investigation and inspection procedures proceed smoothly.

• A "Post-Mortem Certificate" will be issued after the police inspection

  Once it is confirmed that there is no foul play, a police doctor will issue a "Post-Mortem Certificate" (equivalent to a Death Certificate).

  However, the document is not issued immediately on the spot.
  After the inspection, you will receive it at the police station service counter upon payment of the required fees.

  Upon receiving this document, you can proceed to contact a funeral home to arrange transportation.

  Please obtain the "Post-Mortem Certificate" from the police.

  The "Post-Mortem Certificate" is required.

  (Note)
  The Post-Mortem Certificate is an essential document for submitting the Notification of Death to the municipal office, obtaining a cremation permit, and handling various legal procedures thereafter.
  Because issuance can take anywhere from a few hours to more than half a day, hold off on finalizing full-scale transport arrangements with a funeral home until you actually receive it.

Waiting Time From the Start of the Post-Mortem Inspection to the Issuance of the Post-Mortem Certificate

Wait for contact from the police (or police doctor).

Since there are no procedures that the bereaved family needs to perform directly during the inspection and examination,
here is a summary of how to spend your time and important points to keep in mind while waiting for contact and before receiving the document.

• Wait for contact

  Once the inspection and examination (confirming the cause of death and checking for foul play) are completed,
  the police will call you to say, "The post-mortem examination is finished, so please come to XX Police Station (or a designated hospital)."

• Wait at home or your waiting location

  Once the on-site investigation (at home, etc.) is finished, there is no need to wait near the police station;
  it is fine to wait for contact at home or another comfortable location.

• Ask for the expected pick-up time

  Waiting time varies depending on whether foul play is suspected, whether an autopsy is required,
  and the schedule of the police doctor.
  (It can range from a few hours to half a day, or even to the next day or later depending on the situation.)

  When they contact you, confirm "when and where you should go to pick it up."

• Examination fee (Cash)

  Payment is often made in cash upon receiving the certificate at the police station,
  so it is safer to prepare extra cash in advance, such as around 100,000 yen.

Procedure for Claiming the Body

1.Go to a police station (or designated hospital).

2.Receive an explanation of the cause of death and other details from a police medical examiner or police officer.

3.Pay the autopsy fee and claim the “Autopsy Report” and the “deceased.”

4.Fill out the “Postmortem Examination Report.”

5.Copies of the “Postmortem Examination Report” (both sides)
10 copies of the front, 10 copies of the back.

6.Transport the deceased to the resting place (home or funeral hall) using the hearse arranged by the funeral home.

“Required” Make copies (both sides) of the “Post-Mortem Report”

“Required” Make copies of the “Post-Mortem Report.”

The left side is where we will fill out the form.
Please make copies (both sides).
We’ll need about 10 copies of each side.

Once you’ve filled it out, make copies.

Before contacting the funeral home, go to a convenience store.
To make copies.

Emergency 119? Police 110?

• 119

  Because if it can be handled through this route, the issuance fee is lower.

• State the location and situation

  "This is an emergency."
  "My parent collapsed."
  "Address (location of your home)"
  "My parent collapsed and is unconscious/unresponsive."

• Start with 119 (110 comes later)

  It is not 110 (Police).

  Determining foul play and contacting the police will be coordinated by the emergency services or hospital as needed.

  Please dial 119 first.

Post-Mortem Certificate and Death Certificate

Post-Mortem Certificate and Death Certificate,
both serve as the "Notification of Death" and are equally valid, important official documents.

Either document works as a legal certificate, but which route you end up taking depends on the actions taken.
Here is a breakdown of the branching possibilities.

Situation	Which Death Notification
Called 119 from home (Transported to the hospital by ambulance, and a doctor confirmed death at the hospital)	Death Certificate
Called 119 from home (Handled by the attending/primary care physician)	Death Certificate
Called 119 from home (Clear death confirmed at the scene, and not transported) (Emergency services contacted the police, leading to a post-mortem inspection by a police doctor)	Post-Mortem Certificate
Called 110 from home (Treated as a crime, accident, or unnatural death including sudden death)	Post-Mortem Certificate
Called 110 from home (Police officer called 119 on the spot to request an ambulance)	Post-Mortem Certificate

Document Issuance Locations

• Death Certificate
  If death was confirmed at a hospital: Received at the hospital counter

  (Issuance fee is around 10,000 yen)

• Post-Mortem Certificate
  If a post-mortem inspection was conducted by a police doctor: Received at the police station

  (Issuance fee costs around several tens of thousands of yen)

• Copies (Both Sides)
  Both function as the Notification of Death and are essential documents.

  Make copies immediately after filling it out.

  Make multiple double-sided copies, about 10 sheets.

  10 copies of the front, 10 copies of the back.

What is a Post-Mortem Certificate?

A Post-Mortem Certificate is an official document in which a medical doctor medically identifies and certifies the cause of death, such as foul play, death from illness, or accidental death.

It is issued when a person passes away somewhere other than a hospital, or when there is no attending primary care physician present.

The "Post-Mortem Certificate" and the "Notification of Death" form a single, unified document on the same sheet of paper.

What Kind of Document is a Post-Mortem Certificate?

• Role

  It is a document that carries the exact same legal weight as a "Death Certificate" issued by a doctor at a hospital.

• Purpose

  When submitting the "Notification of Death" to the municipal office, the right half of the form is integrated as the Post-Mortem Certificate (or Death Certificate).

  Without this, a cremation permit cannot be issued, preventing funeral and cremation procedures from moving forward.

• Main Information Recorded on the Right Side

  The document will be handed to you with the following information already filled out, signed, and stamped by the police doctor (or physician):

  ・Name, Sex, Date of Birth:
  ・Date and Time of Death: (Year/Month/Day, Hour:Minute)
  ・Place of Death: (Address, facility name, etc.)
  ・Cause of Death: (Direct cause of death, underlying causes, etc.)
  ・Findings from External Causes or Post-Mortem Examination:
  ・Signature and Seal of the Examining Doctor:

• Filling Out the Left Side

  When completing the left side for the bereaved family to fill out (Notification of Death),
  the "Date and Time of Death" and "Place of Death" must be written to match the exact same notation written on the right side without any discrepancies.

  Please fill out the left side while looking at the right side.

  ・Checking for Typos or Mistakes
  If you find any errors in the name or date of birth on the right side, do not correct them yourself;
  you must contact the issuing doctor (police or hospital) to have them make the correction.

Not Issued Immediately at the Scene

It cannot be obtained immediately at the scene (such as at home).

• Issuance Process

  After the police complete their on-site investigation, the body is moved to a police-designated hospital or mortuary, where a police doctor (or medical examiner) conducts a thorough post-mortem inspection and examination.

• Pick-up Location and Time

  Once the examination is complete,
  you will pick up the document at the service counter of the designated police station (or a clinic specified by the attending medical examiner).

  It is not handed over directly at the scene.

• Time Required

  It depends on the situation, but typically takes from several hours to about half a day after the initial report.
  If confirmation of foul play or detailed testing is required, it may take until the following day or later.

• Costs

  Apart from legal prosecution procedures,
  out-of-pocket expenses of around several tens of thousands of yen (in cash) are generally incurred on the spot for examination fees and document issuance fees.

"So the Post-Mortem Certificate comes with a cost."

When a death occurs, it means that for every single deceased person,
there are final expenses being paid at the end of life.

Expenses and Breakdown for the Issuance of the Post-Mortem Certificate

Costs related to a Post-Mortem Certificate are not covered by health insurance (fully self-paid) and vary depending on the region, police doctor's designated hospital, or responsible institution.

• Estimated Cost: Approximately 30,000 to 100,000 yen
• Post-Mortem Examination Fee (Examination and Confirmation Fee)

  Approx. 20,000 to 50,000 yen

• Post-Mortem Certificate Issuance Fee

  Approx. 5,000 to 10,000 yen

• Other Expenses

  Transportation fees for the body, body storage fees, night/holiday home visit allowances, etc.

• Payment Method

  You will receive a bill from the police doctor (or the responding hospital) and pay at the counter or via bank transfer. (Immediate payment on the spot may sometimes be requested.)

• A "Death Certificate" is Cheaper and More Reasonable

  Death Certificate cost: Approx. 3,000 to 10,000 yen

  The cost for a "Death Certificate" is significantly lower.

  Although it is an out-of-network medical expense set independently by hospitals or clinics, it is cheaper because it does not include police inspection fees or transportation costs.

How to Submit the Death Notification After Making Copies (Both Sides)

"Notification of Death" refers to either a "Death Certificate" or a "Post-Mortem Certificate."

Here is an easy-to-understand explanation of the procedures for submitting a death notification after a Post-Mortem Certificate has been issued, along with the associated costs.

Make Copies (Both Sides) Before Submitting the Death Notification

The "Post-Mortem Certificate" is a single large sheet of paper where
the right side is the doctor's section (Post-Mortem Certificate),
and the left side is the bereaved family's section (Notification of Death).

The side that we actually fill out is the left side.

• Submission Deadline

  Within 7 days including the day you learned of the death (prompt submission is required)

  Without rushing,
  once you have filled it out,
  first make multiple double-sided copies, about 10 sheets.

• Notifier

  Relatives, cohabitants, etc.
  (It is common for the funeral home to submit it on your behalf)

  Even if the funeral home tries to take it automatically as part of their standard procedure,
  do not let it leave your hands until you have made multiple double-sided copies.

  Tell them, "Please wait, I will make copies myself."

  They may reply, "We can handle that for you."
  Even so, insist on "making copies myself."
  Be stubborn about securing "reliable copies in your own hands."

• Where to Submit

  ・The deceased's registered domicile (Honseki)
  ・The place of death
  ・The address of the notifier (the bereaved family member completing the procedure)

  Double-check before submitting.
  Have you made copies?

[Important Note]

“Required”: Make copies (both sides) of the death certificate

Make about 5 to 10 copies (both sides)

Make about 10 copies of the front side

Make about 10 copies of the back side

Once you submit the original to the municipal office, it will not be returned to you.

Be sure to make copies.

Since copies are required for life insurance claims and bank or pension procedures,
before submitting it,be sure to make about 5–10 copies (both sides)for your records.

In the process of handling the deceased’s affairs, receiving the “Death Certificate” (such as the Post-Mortem Report) occurs quite early on.

From there, you’ll proceed to contact the funeral home,
the city hall, the pension office, and other relevant agencies.

Be sure to make copies.

Make 10 double-sided copies of each side.
10 copies of the front, 10 copies of the back—
a total of 20 copies.

Above all else, make copies first.

Submission Process (Summary)

1.Receive the “Coroner’s Report” from the police or the police medical examiner.

2.Fill out the left-hand side.

3. Make copies.

4. Make about 10 copies of each side (double-sided).

5.Submit the “Post-Mortem Report” to the municipal office and receive the “Cremation Permit.”
(If you have hired a funeral home, they will usually handle everything from these municipal procedures to obtaining the cremation permit on your behalf.)

Once you receive the death certificate,
you can proceed with formally requesting the funeral home’s services
and begin the funeral arrangements in earnest.

“copy of the death certificate.” It’s OK to contact the funeral home

You will likely receive the death certificate at the police station’s front desk.
At this stage, the deceased is either in police custody or at home.

Make a copy (both sides) of the death certificate

Before contacting the funeral home, you must first fill out the death certificate and make a copy (both sides).

The left side is where we fill in the information.
Please make a copy (both sides).
You will need about 10 copies of both sides.

Contacting the Funeral Home and Requesting Transport

Once you have an estimated time for receiving the death certificate (or after you have received it),
contact the funeral home to request transport of the body from the police station or the deceased’s home,
as well as transfer to a resting place (such as the deceased’s home or a funeral home’s viewing room).

Once the police procedures (autopsy and post-mortem examination) are complete and the post-mortem certificate is issued,
this serves as proof that any suspicion of foul play has been ruled out, allowing you to proceed with preparations to bid farewell to the deceased with peace of mind.

Funeral homes in your area	8190-00-4488
"family member has passed away, and we have the Post-Mortem Certificate. We would like to request transportation."	State over the phone

It is good practice to identify in advance where to contact in your current area when someone passes away,
such as keeping a specific funeral home that handles funeral services in mind.

Choosing a Funeral Home to Contact

Call the funeral home you consulted with during their lifetime, or one where you hold a membership.

Search on your smartphone for "(Your area name) funeral home 24 hours," and call a highly rated company or major funeral home from the top results.
It is perfectly fine even if you haven't decided on one in advance.

• If you have a preferred funeral home in mind

  Call the funeral home you consulted with during their lifetime, or one where you hold a membership.

  There may also be a funeral home that your family has traditionally used over generations.

  If you signed up for a membership in advance, you may be eligible for benefits such as package discounts or applying accumulated funds.
  It will make the process smoother if you check for a membership card or copy of the agreement before calling.

• If you haven't decided on one

  Search on your smartphone for "(Your area name) funeral home 24 hours," and call a highly rated company or major funeral home from the top results.
  It is perfectly fine even if you haven't decided on one in advance.

  If left alone, it becomes a zombie.
  Let's at least secure the transportation and body holding location first.

  You can request only the transportation and placement of the deceased first, and hold discussions regarding specific funeral plans and costs later once the bereaved family has calmed down.

  Prioritize securing a holding location first without rushing into a contract.

What to Convey and What You Will Be Asked Over the Phone

When you call, they will ask to confirm the following details in order:

• 1. "family member has passed away, and I would like to request transportation and funeral services."

  If you are panicked, saying just "My parent died, funeral" will get the message across.

• 2. Current location of the deceased

  (e.g., "XX Police Station," "At home," "XX Hospital," etc.)

• Holding location for the deceased (Destination for transportation)

  Decide whether to bring the deceased back home,
  or place them in the funeral home's holding facility (funeral hall).

  If you are unsure, let them know "I would like advice on where to transport them," and they will provide suggestions.

  "Please take care of the body" — this is the safest option.

• Name of the deceased, your name, and contact details

  The deceased's name
  Your name
  Contact information such as phone number

Flow of Events After the Phone Call

• Arrangement of Hearse/Transport Vehicle (Arrives in about 30 minutes to 1 hour)

  The funeral home staff will come to the specified location to pick up the deceased.

• Submission of the Post-Mortem Certificate

  Hand over the "Post-Mortem Certificate" to the funeral home staff when they arrive.
  (They will submit the "Notification of Death" to the municipal office and handle the cremation permit procedures on your behalf.)
  (In most cases, the funeral home will carry out these procedures on your behalf.)

  Fill out the required information on the Post-Mortem Certificate (which is integrated with the Notification of Death), submit it to the municipal office, and obtain the "Cremation Permit."

• Placement/Holding of the Deceased and Consultation

  After transporting and placing the deceased in the holding location, you will proceed to detailed discussions regarding the funeral schedule and plans (such as family funeral, direct cremation, general funeral, etc.).

Funeral the Day After the Body Is Taken to the Funeral Home?

While it is possible to hold a funeral (or cremation) the day after the body is taken to the funeral home, in reality, it is difficult unless certain conditions are met.

This depends on legal regulations and the availability of the crematorium.

Conditions for Holding a Funeral the Next Day

• At least 24 hours must have passed since death (Mandatory)

  Under Japanese law (Cemetery and Burial Act), cremation cannot be performed within 24 hours of death.

  Example: If death is diagnosed (certified) today at 3:00 PM, cremation cannot be performed until after 3:00 PM the following day.

  (Note)
  Except for stillbirths under 7 months (24 weeks) of pregnancy, this restriction is uniformly mandated by law to account for the possibility of resuscitation.

  For this reason,
  it is essential to verify the "time of death" (the time recorded on the Post-Mortem Certificate), which serves as the baseline for time calculations.

• Availability at the crematorium or funeral hall

  When crematoriums are congested, particularly in urban areas, it is common to be unable to secure a reservation on the desired date, leading to a waiting period of several days (extending the holding period).

  (Note)
  Reservations fill up quickly, especially when overlapping with Tomobiki (days when crematoriums are often closed) or during peak winter periods.
  Therefore, checking whether a cremation slot for the following day is available is the funeral home's top priority requirement.

• funeral format is a "Direct Cremation (Cremation Only Service)" or "One-Day Funeral"

  Scheduling is much easier to arrange if you choose a "One-Day Funeral" (holding only the farewell ceremony and cremation without an evening wake),
  or a "Direct Cremation" (skipping ceremonies altogether to perform only the cremation).

  (Note)
  Because traditional two-day general funerals (wake and funeral service) often do not allow enough time for arrangements with officiants and attendees,
  proceeding on the fastest timeline requires choosing a simple format that minimizes preparation steps.

Specific Steps Moving Forward

When meeting with the funeral home, please convey the following directly:

“I’d like to complete the funeral (cremation) as soon as possible. Can you arrange for a crematorium that’s available on the earliest possible schedule (such as tomorrow)?”

The funeral home representative will immediately check the legal “24-hour waiting period” requirement and the availability of nearby crematoriums on the spot, and will inform you of the earliest possible date for the service.

Skipping the Funeral and Opting for Cremation Only

The practice of skipping the funeral ceremony and proceeding directly to cremation is called a “direct cremation (cremation-only service).”

This is the method that minimizes both cost and time.

With the deceased’s body kept in the mortuary, the process for proceeding directly to cremation as quickly as possible, along with the necessary procedures, is as follows.

Overall Process for Direct Cremation (Cremation-Only Service)

• Reservation of the Crematorium (Arranged by the Funeral Home)

  The funeral home will reserve the earliest available cremation slot after 24 hours have passed since the time of death.

  At the same time as arranging the post-mortem examination certificate (or death certificate), the funeral home will check availability through the local government's cremation reservation system and complete the procedures on your behalf.

• Preservation / Laying to Rest

  Until the date and time of cremation are determined, the deceased will be kept at the funeral home's mortuary facility.

  During the legally mandated 24-hour waiting period and while waiting for an available slot at the crematorium,
  the body will be hygienically preserved and managed using dry ice and other methods.
  (If conditions permit, choosing home preservation is also an option.)

• Departure of the Coffin & Moving to the Crematorium

  The bereaved family gathers directly at the crematorium (or the place of preservation) at the specified cremation date and time.

  Since direct cremations do not include a wake or funeral service, it is common for the bereaved family and relatives to gather directly at the designated crematorium (or departure location) according to the scheduled time.
  In some cases, there may be only one remaining family member currently going through the procedures.

• Cremation & Bone-Gathering Ceremony (Approx. 1.5–2 hours)

  A final farewell is held in front of the cremation furnace (placing flowers and offering incense for a few minutes), and after cremation, the ashes/remains are placed in an urn.

  Since no funeral service is held, the brief time in the farewell space in front of the cremation furnace serves as the final farewell to the deceased.
  (In some cases, a religious officiant may be called to perform a short chant or prayer.)

Points to Keep in Mind When Choosing Direct Cremation

• Completed completely hassle-free

  There are no altar setups, wakes, funeral services, or post-funeral meals of any kind.

  (Note)
  By significantly simplifying ceremonies and hospitality, financial, physical, and mental burdens on the bereaved family can be minimized.
  However, please note that the time spent quietly saying goodbye to the deceased will be shorter.

• Informing Relatives

  Informing them in advance that "In accordance with the deceased's wishes (or the family's intention), we will hold a direct cremation ceremony with immediate family only" can prevent trouble later on.

  (Note)
  Relatives who place high value on traditional funerals may express dissatisfaction or doubts later, saying, "I wanted to say a proper final goodbye."
  Therefore, it is important to thoughtfully share the reason for choosing direct cremation and the deceased's wishes.

  If there is only one relative, no contact or explanation is required.

• Checking with the Family Temple (Temple with Ancestral Graves)

  If you plan to inter the remains in a temple grave, conducting a direct cremation without prior notice may result in refusal of interment.
  If you have a family temple, please call to inform them that you will be proceeding with a "direct cremation."
  (This is not required for public cemeteries, ossuaries, or ash scattering, etc.)

  (Note)
  Some family temples (temples housing generations of ancestral graves) have policies against accepting direct cremations that do not follow proper procedures such as receiving a Buddhist name or appropriate rites.
  Therefore, it is essential to obtain their understanding in advance.

Phrases to Tell the Funeral Home Right Away

Please convey the following directly to the funeral home representative:

"We will not be holding a wake or funeral service; please proceed with a 'direct cremation (cremation-only ceremony)'. Please reserve the crematorium for the earliest legally permissible date."

Estimated Funeral Costs

The general estimated cost of a funeral varies depending on the format, scale, and whether a religious officiant is present.
Overall, costs vary in order starting from funerals with a wake (general funeral/family funeral), to a one-day funeral, and then to direct cremation.

Below is an estimated market average for the total cost of each format (including full funeral package, food/beverage expenses, return gifts, and temple offerings/donations, etc.).

Funeral Format	Estimated Total Cost	Main Features & Breakdown
Format including a wake (General / Family Funeral)	Approx. 1,000,000 – 1,600,000 yen (General Funeral: 1,300,000 – 1,900,000 yen) (Family Funeral: 800,000 – 1,100,000 yen)	【2 Days】 Wake, Funeral Service, Cremation Includes venue rental fees, altar, return gifts, catering for 2 days, temple offerings, etc. Total amount fluctuates depending on the number of attendees.
One-Day Funeral	Approx. 400,000 – 1,000,000 yen (Average around 800,000 yen)	【1 Day Only】 Funeral Service & Cremation (Wake omitted) Since no wake is held, wake reception food/beverage costs, 1 day of venue rental fee, and accommodation costs for distant relatives can be reduced.
Direct Cremation (Cremation-Only)	Approx. 200,000 – 500,000 yen (Average around 300,000 – 400,000 yen)	【No Ceremony】 Transport, Preservation, Cremation No wake or funeral service is held; only a brief farewell takes place at the crematorium. Food/beverage and gift expenses are virtually zero.

Key Points of Main Cost Breakdowns

• Basic Funeral Package Expenses (Base Price)

  Altar, coffin, body transportation and preservation fees, cremation fee, staff labor costs, etc.

• Food, Beverage & Return Gift Expenses

  Fluctuates in proportion to the number of attendees.

  (Virtually unnecessary for direct cremations)

• Temple Offerings (Honorarium for Religious Officiants)

  Expression of gratitude for sutra chanting and granting a posthumous Buddhist name.
  Varies depending on the temple, sect, and duration of the service (1 or 2 days),
  but as a general estimate, an additional 100,000 to 300,000 yen is added.

  (Unnecessary for non-religious funerals)

What Is Scattering of Ashes?

Sometimes, TV dramas and anime feature scenes of mourning, don’t they?
I picture a scene where, in a quiet atmosphere, the ashes are scattered into the ocean or onto a patch of grassland.

What does scattering of ashes actually entail in real life?
Is it okay to just scatter them into the ocean or elsewhere without permission?

First of all, please do not dispose of cremated remains without permission.

Disposing of cremated remains without permission (such as throwing them in a trash can or discarding them in the wild or the ocean) is a crime.

This violates Article 190 of the Penal Code, “Abandonment of a Corpse or Human Remains,” and may result in imprisonment for up to three years.
Furthermore, burying human remains on land other than a cemetery constitutes a violation of the “Cemetery and Burial Act.”

However, “scattering ashes”—when conducted in accordance with certain etiquette and conditions—
is considered by the Ministry of Justice to be “not illegal as long as it is performed with moderation as part of a funeral rite.”

Proper Procedures and Rules for Scattering Ashes

To scatter ashes, you must follow the rules below.

• Be Sure to "Pulverize the Remains" (Powdered Bones)

  Scattering whole ashes can be mistaken for foul play (abandonment of a corpse),
  so they must be finely pulverized into a powder (2 mm or smaller).

  Doing this yourself is extremely difficult, so it is customary to hire a professional service provider.

• You Cannot Scatter Them Anywhere (Location Restrictions)

  ・Sea (Ocean Ash Scattering):
  This is the most common method.
  It is conducted offshore, far from land, while avoiding beaches, fishing grounds, ports, aquaculture sites, ferry routes, etc.

  ・Land / Mountains:
  Scattering on others' private land or public areas (such as parks and forests) is strictly prohibited.
  Even on your own private property,
  it is not recommended in order to prevent neighbor disputes and reputational damages.

  ・Local Ordinances:
  Depending on the region, there may be "no-scattering zones,"
  and some areas (such as tourist spots or near water sources) are designated by local ordinances.

Specific Steps for Ash Scattering

• 1. Requesting and Executing Bone Pulverization

  (Commissioning a specialist pulverized bone service or a funeral company)

• 2. Selecting the Scattering Method

  Chartering a boat to scatter the ashes yourself (Individual Scattering)

  Having a professional service scatter them on your behalf alongside other remains (Proxy / Entrusted Scattering)

• 3. Execution & Issuance of Certificate

  (If arranged through a service provider, a Scattering Certificate will be issued)

If You Are Unsure How to Handle Cremated Remains

If you have cremated remains in your possession because you “want to close the grave” or “can no longer continue memorial services,” please do not dispose of them on your own. Instead,
consider hiring a scattering service to handle the process on your behalf, or
consider placing the remains in a “perpetual memorial grave,” where they will be enshrined alongside the remains of others.

Now that the funeral has come to a successful close, we truly appreciate all your hard work.

Since the inheritance process is a long one, let’s start by handling the procedures with the earliest deadlines (within 7 to 14 days) and the initial preparations that mark the first step in the inheritance process.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the “first things you should do” right away.

The funds in the deceased’s bank account are considered “inherited assets.”

To withdraw “inherited assets”:
The bank account will be frozen, and the “heirs”—such as the children—will need to prepare the necessary documents.
You’ll need to go back and forth between city hall and the bank.

・Bank passbook (e.g., stored behind a dresser)
・Certificate of registered seal (from city hall)
・Family register extract and certificate of residence for the deceased parent, covering the period from birth to death (available at city hall)
・Your own family register extract and certificate of residence (available at city hall)
・Documents for inheritance to be filled out at the bank (such as a request for changing the account holder’s name, available at the bank counter)
・Agreement on the Division of the Estate (Prepare this yourself—either on a computer or by hand. May not be required in some cases.)
・If you ask someone else to prepare the Agreement on the Division of the Estate (e.g., a lawyer or administrative scrivener; search for and find a nearby office)
・Other items, depending on the situation.

Pension, Health Insurance, and Household

Copies of Your Health Insurance Card and Pension Handbook

“You’ll Lose Your Health Insurance Card”

Once you complete the return procedure, the original will be collected and you will no longer have it in your possession.

Be sure to make a copy of your health insurance card before returning it.
Be sure to make copies of both the front and back sides.

This is to prevent a situation where, after returning the card, you cannot proceed with procedures because you do not know the “symbol and number.”

Although you will no longer have the health insurance card after returning it,
you will still need the “health insurance card information (symbol, number, etc.)” in situations such as those listed below.

・Claiming benefits (applying for funeral and burial expenses)
When claiming “funeral expenses” or “burial expenses” (approximately tens of thousands of yen) from your local government (National Health Insurance) or your employer’s health insurance association,
you will need the information from the deceased’s health insurance card (symbol, number, etc.).

・Settlement of unpaid medical expenses
When handling procedures at hospitals or for high-cost medical care reimbursement, the insurance information from that time may be required.

・Tax return filing (medical expense deduction)
When surviving family members file a tax return (provisional tax return) on behalf of the deceased,
they may need to refer to the health insurance card to verify medical expense notifications or insurance information.

・Handling During Inheritance Procedures
In general inheritance procedures, such as “division of the estate” or “closing bank accounts,”the original health insurance card is generally not submitted as proof of the deceased’s identity.
This is because, in inheritance procedures, a “certified copy of the family register (deregistered family register) indicating the death” or a “certificate of removal from the resident register” is used as proof of the deceased’s identity.

“Your Pension Handbook Will Remain with You”

When you go through the procedures to suspend pension payments (or to claim unpaid pension benefits),
you will be asked to present your pension handbook for verification at the counter of a Pension Office or Pension Consultation Center,
but it will be returned to you after verification.

Just because someone has passed away does not mean that their pension handbook will be collected by anyone.

・If you wish to make a copy just in case

The page containing your Basic Pension Number.
(The first spread after opening the cover)
The page where the “Basic Pension Number,” “Name,” “Date of Birth,” and “Effective Date” are printed.
If records for the Employees’ Pension Insurance or National Pension are stamped or printed directly inside the handbook, that page.

Health Insurance Card and Pension Handbook: Where should you go for each procedure?

• Health Insurance Card Return Service Desk (Usually City Hall)

  Self-employed, unemployed, or individuals aged 75 and over (National Health Insurance / Advanced Elderly Medical Service System)
  The National Health Insurance or Elderly Medical Care counter at City Hall (Ward/Town/Village Office) is correct.

  Company employees or public servants (Social Insurance, Health Insurance Association, Mutual Aid Association)
  Return to your employer (company) or Health Insurance Association. (Not City Hall)

• Pension Procedures Counter (Pension Office and City Hall)

  Were receiving Employees' Pension (or had periods of employment at a company)
  The Pension Office is correct.

  Were receiving National Pension only (Basic Disability Pension, Basic Bereaved Family Pension, etc.)
  Procedures can also be completed at the Pension Division counter at City Hall. (Can also be done at the Pension Office)

After the Funeral: Pensions, Health Insurance, Family Register, etc.

Once the funeral is over, it’s time to move forward with submitting and receiving documents, such as certificates.

There are many steps involved, so let’s complete them one by one, making sure each is done correctly.

Step 1: Government Procedures with Imminent Deadlines (Within a Few Days to 14 Days)

Once the funeral is over, go promptly to the city or ward office (or pension office) where the deceased was registered.

• Procedures to Suspend Pension Benefit Payments (Within 10 to 14 Days)

  Procedures must be completed within 14 days for Employees' Pension and within 10 days for National Pension.

  (Location)
  Pension Office (or the pension service counter at the municipal office)

  (Note)
  In principle, procedures are not required if your My Number is registered with the Japan Pension Service; however, it is best to contact them to confirm.
  Please note that if the payment suspension is delayed and overpayment occurs, you will be required to repay it at a later date,
  so prompt confirmation is recommended.

• OK to Do After Suspending Pension: Claiming "Unpaid Pension Benefits"

  The flow involves submitting the "Notification of Death of Beneficiary (Procedure to stop pension payments)" to waive or invalidate the entitlement, followed by (or simultaneously with) filing a "Claim for Unpaid Pension Benefits."

  You cannot receive unpaid pension benefits alone without completing the payment suspension procedures.

  Regarding this procedure, the necessary information is organized along two main aspects:

  1. Location for Procedures
  ・ Pension Office or Pension Counseling Center

  If the deceased was enrolled only in the National Pension, procedures can also be completed at the pension counter of the municipal office where the deceased's resident record is located.

  2. Required Documents

  ・ Notification of Death of Pension Beneficiary & Claim Form for Unpaid Pension / Unpaid Period Pension
  (Available at pension offices and municipal offices)

  ・ Deceased Person's Pension Handbook or Pension Certificate
  Documents confirming the death of the deceased (a copy of the family register, removed family register, copy of death certificate, etc.)

  ・ Family Register Copy Showing the Relationship Between the Deceased and the Claimant (Bereaved Family)
  Documents proving that the deceased and the claimant "shared a livelihood" (such as a Certificate of Residence for all household members)

  ・ Passbook or Cash Card confirming the transfer account under the name of the claimant (bereaved family member)
  ・ Identity Verification Documents of the Claimant (My Number Card, driver's license, etc.)

• Return of Health Insurance and Long-Term Care Insurance Cards (Within 14 Days)

  Return the Medical Care Insurance Card for Senior Citizens or National Health Insurance Card,
  and apply for funeral expense allowance (approximately several tens of thousands of yen will be provided) at the same time.

  (Location)
  Insurance and Pension Division or Long-Term Care Insurance Division at the municipal office where the deceased's resident record is located
  (For social health insurance through company employees, contact the employer or health insurance association)

  (Note)
  For members of National Health Insurance or the Advanced Elderly Medical Service System, a "Funeral Expense Allowance (Burial Allowance)" of around 10,000 to 70,000 yen is paid to the chief mourner who conducted the funeral.
  The application deadline is two years from the day following the funeral, so be sure to apply together with returning the insurance card.

• Notification of Change of Household Head (Within 14 Days)

  Required if the deceased was the head of the household and two or more members remain in the same household.

  (Location)
  Counters such as the Citizens' Affairs Division or Family Register and Residents Division at the municipal office where the deceased's resident record is located

  (Note)
  If multiple bereaved family members aged 15 or older remain, a new household head must be decided and reported.
  If only one person remains in the household, or if the next household head is obvious—such as a "wife and a child under 15"—
  no procedure is required (it is automatically updated) in most cases.

Step 2: First Step in the Inheritance Process—“Gathering Documents and Conducting Research”

While handling the procedures at the municipal office, begin the following six steps.
Bank procedures and title transfers cannot proceed until these are in order.

• Step 2-1: Collection of Family Register Copies (From Birth to Death)

  Obtain "all continuous family register copies (removed family registers and revised original family registers) from birth to death" of the deceased.

  ・ Where to get them?
  City Hall
  You can have them issued by asking at the counter of your nearest municipal office, "I would like a complete set of family registers for [Name of Deceased] from birth to death for inheritance procedures." (Thanks to the wide-area issuance system, you can obtain them at any municipal counter nationwide even if the permanent domicile is far away).

  ・ Why is it necessary?
  To legally determine the rightful heirs, ensuring no unknown heirs exist.

• Step 2-2: Checking for the Existence of a Will

  Search at home or in safes to see if a will exists.

  It is also possible to inquire (search) at a notary public office to see if a notarized will exists.

• Step 2-3: Investigation and Organization of Assets

  List all assets (both positive and negative) of the deceased.

  Passbooks and securities notices (which banks and brokerage firms hold accounts)

  Real estate title deeds and property tax payment notices

  Debts, loans, and credit card usage statements

• Step 2-4: Passbooks, Cash Cards, Postcards from Banks, etc.
  ● (Positive Assets)

  If you have passbooks, cash cards, or notification letters (postcards, etc.) from banks on hand, the following information can be identified at once:

  Positive Assets (Savings): Which bank and branch hold the accounts.

  Money Inflows and Outflows (Clues):

  ・ Transfers to/withdrawals from brokerage firms: Possibility of owning stocks or investment trusts
  ・ Insurance premium debits: Possibility of enrollment in life or non-life insurance
  ・ Debt/loan debits: Repayments for mortgages, car loans, or consumer loans
  ・ Credit card debits: Unpaid credit card balances

• Step 2-5: Real Estate Documents (Home and Land)

  Apart from savings, confirmation of real estate (owned homes, land, forest land, etc.) is necessary.

  "Fixed Asset Tax Payment Notice" received around April to June each year
  (Having this allows you to see a full list of owned real estate)

  Title Deed (Notice of Registration Information)

• Step 2-6: Documents for Debts, Loans, and Guarantors
  ● (Negative Assets)

  Since debts of the deceased are inherited by the heirs, checking this is especially important.

  ・ Loan Agreements (Consumer Credit Contracts)
  ・ Credit cards and consumer finance cards

  ・ Inquiries to Credit Reporting Agencies (CIC, JICC, Japanese Bankers Association):
  If you are completely unsure whether debts exist, bereaved family members can request information disclosure from these agencies to investigate the deceased's loan and credit usage history all at once.

Compiling all of this into an “inventory of assets (list)” will make
subsequent discussions on the division of the estate and the filing of an inheritance tax return (if necessary) go much more smoothly.

Step 3: Prepare for the Freezing of Bank Accounts and Cards

Once you notify the bank of the death, the account will be frozen, and you will no longer be able to make withdrawals.

If the account is set up for automatic payments of utilities, rent, or other bills, make arrangements in advance to change the payment method or the account holder’s name.

Overall Schedule Going Forward (for reference)

・Within 3 months: Choose between renouncing the inheritance or limited acceptance (if there is significant debt)

I wonder about that?
There are systems in place that make it sound like debt is just a normal part of life.
Since I’ve also explained welfare benefits in another article, it almost seems like living while running away from debt is one possible option.

・Within 4 months: Provisional tax return (the deceased’s final income tax return)

・Within 10 months: Filing and payment of inheritance tax, estate division negotiations, and transferring ownership of real estate and bank accounts

First, please start with “insurance and pension procedures at the municipal office” and “collecting a complete set of family register copies from the municipal office”.
This will be a daunting task, so please take care of your health and proceed at a pace that doesn’t overwhelm you.

Withdrawing Funds from a Bank Passbook

The rights to the deceased’s passbook have been frozen.

Let’s complete the necessary procedures to unfreeze the account and withdraw the funds.

Although the account belongs to the deceased and the passbook and its contents still exist,
as it stands,the funds cannot be used.

Once a deceased person’s bank account (passbook) is frozen, it cannot simply be “unfrozen” to restore normal use;
you must close the account and complete the procedures to transfer the balance to an heir’s account (or to a representative’s account).

Gather the necessary documents and complete the procedures at a bank branch (or by mail).

Basic Documents Required for the Procedure

The documents commonly required by most banks are as follows.

• All Family Register Copies of the Deceased from Birth to Death (Removed Family Registers and Revised Original Family Registers)

  ・ Location of Procedures (Acquisition):
  City Hall
  The counter of the municipal office where the deceased's permanent domicile is registered.
  (Mail-in requests and wide-area issuance at the nearest municipal office counter are also available)

  ・ Required Documents:
  Identity verification document of the applicant, family register, etc., showing the relationship between the applicant and the deceased
  (In the case of wide-area issuance)

  ・ Points to Keep in Mind:
  If the permanent domicile changed due to transfer or marriage, you must collect "all continuous family registers" from birth to death without any gaps.
  Since it may take several weeks to collect them all, start this at the very beginning of the procedures.

• Family Register Copies for All Heirs

  (Documents showing the relationship with the deceased)

  ・ Location of Procedures (Acquisition):
  City Hall
  The counter of the municipal office where each heir's permanent domicile is registered.
  (Wide-area issuance at the nearest municipal office counter is also available)

  ・ Required Documents:
  Identity verification document for each applicant

  ・ Points to Keep in Mind:
  If the "Deceased's Family Register" mentioned above already proves the existence of all heirs, there may be cases where obtaining individual copies redundantly is not required.
  Please confirm the required number of copies and scope with the bank in advance.

• Seal Impression Certificates for All Heirs

  (Issued within the past 3 to 6 months)

  ・ Location of Procedures (Acquisition):
  City Hall
  The counter of the municipal office where each heir's certificate of residence is registered, or convenience store issuance (using a My Number Card, etc.)

  ・ Required Documents:
  Seal registration card, identity verification document (or My Number Card and PIN)

  ・ Points to Keep in Mind:
  In bank procedures, strict expiration dates such as "issued within 3 months" or "within 6 months" are set.
  ・ Within 3 months!
  Align all your procedural schedules so that the certificates do not expire before completion.

• Identity Verification Documents of the Person Conducting Procedures

  (Driver's license, My Number Card, etc.)

  ・ Location of Procedures (Acquisition):
  Bring (present) to the bank counter

  ・ Required Documents:
  Official photo identification (original) such as a driver's license, My Number Card, passport, or residence card

  ・ Points to Keep in Mind:
  Documents of the "Representative Heir" who conducts the procedures at the counter are required.
  Documents with unupdated name or address changes, or those that have expired, will not be accepted.

• Representative Heir Documents

  (Driver's license, My Number Card, etc.)

  ・ Location of Procedures (Acquisition):
  Each bank (may involve multiple locations)
  The inheritance service desk at each bank where the deceased held an account.
  (Branch counter or mail-in processing center)

  ・ Required Documents:
  Identity verification document (present original), Seal Impression Certificate (issued within the past 3 to 6 months),
  Transfer account under the name of the Representative Heir, registered seal of the Representative Heir

  ・ Points to Keep in Mind:

  Consent (Agreement) of All Other Heirs Is Mandatory:
  Procedures cannot be carried out based solely on the intentions of a single representative heir.
  The bank-specified "Inheritance Notification (including consent form)" must have the signatures and registered seals of all heirs.

  Responsibility to Distribute After Receiving Cancellation Funds:
  After the cancellation funds (deposits) are transferred in a lump sum to the representative heir's account,
  the representative is responsible for allocating (transferring) funds to the other heirs according to the ratios decided in the Estate Division Agreement.

  Prepare for Document Corrections at the Counter:
  When completing procedures at the bank counter, be sure to bring the "registered seal" of the representative heir
  so you can immediately address any miswritten entries or missing seal impressions on the spot.

• Deceased's Passbooks and Cash Cards

  ・ Location of Procedures (Acquisition):
  Inside the home
  Sorting through the deceased's belongings (at home, in safes, etc.)

  ・ Required Documents:
  Passbooks, cash cards, and certificates (if available) for the accounts to be canceled

  ・ Points to Keep in Mind:
  These will be collected by the bank (for disposal or invalidation processing) during cancellation procedures.
  If they are lost and cannot be found, inform the bank of the "loss," and you can proceed with the designated procedures that double as a loss report.

• Bank-Specified "Inheritance Notification Form (Account Cancellation / Name Change Request Form)"

  (Obtained from the bank counter or website)

  ・ Location of Procedures (Acquisition):
  Bank
  Counter at each bank, or requesting/downloading from the bank's official website (dedicated inheritance page)

  ・ Required Documents:
  Forms specific to each bank

  ・ Points to Keep in Mind:
  Formats differ depending on the bank.
  Since registered seal impressions from all heirs (or the representative's seal impression) are required, carefully prepare the documents to ensure there are no omissions in writing or stamping.

• Estate Division Agreement

  (If an agreement on estate division was reached)

  ・ Location of Procedures (Acquisition):
  Gathering of multiple heirs
  Discussed among heirs and self-drafted, or commissioned to professionals such as Judicial Scriveners or Administrative Scriveners

  ・ Required Documents:
  Agreement (original) signed and stamped with registered seals by all heirs

  ・ Points to Keep in Mind:
  "Who receives how much from which account's deposits" must be clearly stated.
  If a will exists or if assets are divided according to statutory inheritance shares, submission may not be required in some cases.

If a will exists or if an Express Certificate of Inheritance Information (Legal Inheritance Information List) is available, some of the required documents will be exempted or simplified.

Basic Procedure for Cancellation and Payout

• Contacting / Applying to the Bank's "Inheritance Desk"

  Inform them of your intention to carry out inheritance procedures
  either at the bank's branch counter or via the dedicated "Inheritance Hotline / Web Form."

• Receiving and Filling Out Forms

  The bank will hand you a designated "Inheritance Notification Form" (or send it by mail).

• Preparing and Submitting Documents

  Submit the required documents, such as family registers and seal impression certificates, along with the completed Inheritance Notification Form.

• Review and Payout (Approx. 1–3 Weeks)

  If there are no errors in the documents, the remaining balance will be transferred to the designated heir's account, completing the account cancellation.

[Reference] If You Need Cash Immediately for Funeral Expenses or Living Costs

If you urgently need funds before procedures are fully completed, there is a system that allows you to withdraw a portion of the deposit without waiting for total account cancellation.

Provisional Payment System Prior to Estate Division

Up to the limit (whichever is lower: "Account balance at death × 1/3 × your statutory inheritance share" OR "up to 1.5 million yen per financial institution"), an individual heir can make a withdrawal independently without the consent of other heirs.

Apply at the bank by bringing the required documents (family register copies of the deceased and the applicant, seal impression certificates, etc.).

To begin, please check the "Inheritance Procedures" page on the relevant bank's official website, or call their service desk to ask, "Please send me the documents for closing an account due to inheritance."

Programs That Provide Financial Assistance Beyond Inheritance

Depending on the type and status of the deceased’s health insurance, there are funds (benefits, allowances, etc.) provided by the national government, local governments, and various insurance programs, separate from inheritance.

There are application deadlines, and
since many of these programs require you to apply on your own to receive the funds,
please check to see if any apply to you.

Benefits Available Upon Holding a Funeral or Cremation (Either One)

These are paid by the health insurance plan to which the deceased was enrolled.
(You cannot receive both A and B at the same time.)

• "A" Funeral Expense Allowance (National Health Insurance / Advanced Elderly Medical Service System)

  ・ Target:
  If the deceased was self-employed, unemployed, or aged 75 or older, etc.

  ・ Amount:
  Approx. 30,000 to 70,000 yen (varies by municipality / e.g., 30,000 yen in the city)

  ・ Recipient:
  The person who held/conducted the funeral (chief mourner)

  ・ Where to Apply:
  Municipal office where the deceased was registered

  ・ Deadline:
  Within 2 years from the day following the date of the funeral

• "B" Burial Allowance / Burial Expense (Company Health Insurance / Japan Health Insurance Association, etc.)

  ・ Target:
  If the deceased was a company employee (insured person), including within 3 months after retirement

  ・ Amount:
  Flat 50,000 yen (some health insurance associations offer additional supplementary benefits)

  ・ Recipient:
  Bereaved family members whose livelihoods were maintained by the deceased (if none, the person who actually conducted the burial)

  ・ Where to Apply:
  Employer or the affiliated Health Insurance Association/Society, etc.

  ・ Deadline:
  Within 2 years from the day following the date of death

System for Reimbursement of Medical Expenses Incurred During One’s Lifetime

Reimbursement of High-Cost Medical Expenses

If medical expenses were high in the month of death and exceeded the out-of-pocket maximum, the difference will be reimbursed.

・Where to Apply:
Municipal office (National Health Insurance or Late-Stage Elderly Health Insurance) or Health Insurance Association

You must apply after the death and designate a bank account for the refund.

Pension-Related Benefits

Depending on the deceased’s pension enrollment status and family composition, a lump-sum payment or pension may be provided to the surviving family members.

• Unpaid Pension Benefits

  Because pensions are paid in arrears,
  the bereaved family can receive the unpaid pension portion (1 to 2 months' worth) up to the month of death on behalf of the deceased.

  ・ Eligible Family Members:
  Spouses, children, parents, etc., who shared a livelihood with the deceased

• Survivors' Pension (Basic Survivors' Pension / Employees' Survivors' Pension)

  Paid monthly if there are surviving spouses or children (until the end of the fiscal year in which they turn 18) whose livelihoods were maintained by the deceased.

• Lump-Sum Death Benefit

  If a person who has paid National Pension contributions (Category 1 insured person) for 3 years or more dies without receiving a pension (or having received only a minimal amount), approximately 120,000 to 320,000 yen will be paid to the bereaved family.

Event of Death Due to Accidents or Occupational Injuries

Survivors' Compensation and Funeral Expenses under Workers' Compensation Insurance (In case of accidents or illnesses during work or commuting)

Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI) (In case of traffic accidents)

First Steps to Take

10 copies of the post-mortem examination report (both sides)—“Required”
Copies of the health insurance card (front and back)
Also, copies of the pension handbook

When you visit the municipal office to file a “Death Certificate” or to “return the health insurance card,” please inform the staff at the counter that you wish to “apply for funeral expenses (or burial allowance) and process any unpaid pension benefits.”
They will confirm all necessary documents and advise you on your eligibility right then and there.

When to Receive Funeral Expenses (Burial Allowance)

You must apply for and receive funeral expenses (burial allowance)
“after” your health insurance card has expired (been returned).
You cannot receive them before the card expires (while the insured person is still alive).

Why “after expiration”?

• Definition of Funeral Expense Allowance

  The Funeral Expense Allowance is an allowance paid for the "fact of death" and "having actually conducted a funeral (cremation)."

• Order of Procedures

  1. Health insurance eligibility is lost (invalidated) upon death.

  2. Return the health insurance card.

  3. Apply for the funeral expense allowance after confirming the payment and completion of the funeral (cremation).

  Therefore, priority is given to the procedure of returning the health insurance card to the municipal office (or health insurance association) first.

Timing for Receiving the Funeral Expense Allowance (Payment Timing)

• Application Timing

  Apply once the funeral (or cremation) is over and you have received the receipt from the funeral home (or documents that can confirm the chief mourner, such as a funeral attendance thank-you card).

• Deposit Timing

  It takes "approx. 1 to 2 months" from the completion of the application procedure until the payment is deposited into the designated transfer account.

Key Points of the Procedure

• Application Deadline: 2 Years from the Day Following the Funeral Date

  Since it is very busy immediately after the funeral, there is no problem with applying at the same time as returning the health insurance card, or applying after gathering the documents once things have settled down.

• Recipient (Applicant)

  In principle, this is the "Chief Mourner" who hosted the funeral.

• Examples of Required Documents

  ・ Health Insurance Card of the deceased (to be returned)
  ・ Funeral receipt or funeral attendance thank-you card (showing the chief mourner's name)
  ・ Document showing the transfer account under the chief mourner's name (passbook, etc.)
  ・ Identity verification document of the applicant

If the deceased was enrolled in National Health Insurance or the Advanced Elderly Medical Service System, apply to the "Municipal Office";
if enrolled in company social insurance, apply to the "Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo) or the employer's Health Insurance Association."

When to Receive Back-Pay Pension (1–2 Months’ Worth)

The procedures for and receipt of unpaid pension benefits (back-pay pension) are carried out
“after (or at the same time as)” the submission of the Death Report for a Pension Beneficiary (procedures to invalidate the pension handbook and pension beneficiary certificate).

You cannot receive these payments before the pension becomes invalid (while the beneficiary is still alive).

The reasons, timing of the procedures, and overall process are as follows.

Why is it “after the pension becomes invalid (or at the same time)”?

• Nature of Unpaid Pension Benefits

  Under the law, the right to receive pension benefits exists up to the "month of death," but actual disbursements are made in arrears once every two months (on the 15th of even-numbered months).

  For this reason, at the time of death, there is always an "as-yet-unpaid pension (unpaid pension benefit)" generated.

• Order of Procedures

  1. Notification of death (Submission of Notification of Death of Beneficiary / Revocation of pension eligibility)

  2. Calculation of unpaid benefits up to the month of death

  3. Claim for unpaid pension benefits by a surviving family member (eligible beneficiary) who shared a livelihood

  4. Transfer to the surviving family member's account

  Therefore, the procedure to revoke pension eligibility due to death and the claim procedure for unpaid pension benefits are generally carried out as a set (simultaneously).

Timing for Receiving Unpaid Pension Benefits (Payment Timing)

• Procedure Timing

  ・ National Pension: Within 10 days of death

  ・ Employees' Pension: Within 14 days of death

  Submit the claim form for unpaid pension benefits together with the procedure to revoke eligibility within the above deadline.

  Deposit Timing:
  It takes "approx. 3 to 4 months" from the completion of the claim procedure until the payment is deposited into the account specified by the surviving family member.

Key Points of the Procedure

• Location for Procedures (Claim)

  Pension Office, or a local Pension Counseling Center
  (If only enrolled in National Pension, the pension counter at the municipal office is also acceptable)

• Eligible Claimants (In Order of Priority)

  Those who shared a livelihood with the deceased:
  "1. Spouse, 2. Children, 3. Parents, 4. Grandchildren, 5. Grandparents, 6. Siblings, 7. Other relatives within the 3rd degree of kinship."

• Application Deadline

  The statute of limitations for the claim is 5 years from the day following the date of death.

• Examples of Required Documents

  ・ Deceased person's Pension Handbook or Pension Certificate (Beneficiary Card)
  ・ Document confirming the death of the deceased (family register copy, copy of death certificate, etc.)
  ・ Document proving the relationship and shared livelihood between the deceased and the claimant (such as a Certificate of Residence for all household members)
  ・ Passbook or cash card showing the transfer account under the claimant's (surviving family member's) name

From here on, we’ll be discussing topics that stray slightly from the main themes of funerals and inheritance.
Let’s also touch on foreseeable events—from unforeseen circumstances and major problems to minor troubles.

Fights over an inheritance.

Such dark themes often make their way into TV dramas, don’t they?

It’s fine to watch these dramas as if they were someone else’s problem, but
I certainly wouldn’t want that to happen to me in real life.

Who exactly qualifies as an heir?

My parents have a younger sister.
She is married and lives separately.
She maintains her own household.
Is she an heir to my parents’ estate?

Siblings

In this case, the younger sister (the deceased’s sister) is not an heir.

Since the deceased (the parent) has a “child (you),” you, as the child, take priority and become the sole statutory heir.
Regardless of whether your sister is married and lives in a separate household, the existence of a spouse or child means she has no right to inherit.

Order of Priority for Heirs Under the Civil Code

Under Japanese law (the Civil Code), the order of priority for who becomes an heir is strictly defined.

Priority	Eligible Heirs	Status in This Case
Always an Heir	Spouse (If living)	Husband / Wife
1st Priority	Children (and grandchildren as heir by representation)	You (Applies to you)
2nd Priority	Direct Lineal Ascendants (Parents, grandparents, etc.)	No rights due to existence of 1st priority heirs (child)
3rd Priority	Siblings (and nieces/nephews as heir by representation)	Your younger sister falls here, but has no rights due to existence of 1st priority heir

• As long as there is a 1st priority heir (child), the turn will not reach siblings (younger sister)

  Inheritance rights would only pass to your younger sister if "the deceased has no children (or grandchildren) and all parents (or grandparents) are also deceased."

  As long as you (the child) exist, your younger sister will not become an heir.

• Living separately or being married makes no difference

  Even if a situation arises in the future where inheritance rights pass to your younger sister (if there are no children or parents),
  whether she is married with a different last name or living independently does not affect her inheritance rights.
  (Determined solely by blood relationship)

• Exceptional cases where the younger sister receives assets

  Although she cannot become a legal "heir,"
  if the deceased parent left a will stating "transfer assets to the younger sister" (bequest),
  or if there is a life insurance payout designating the younger sister as the beneficiary,
  she may receive assets as an exception.

Therefore, in a standard inheritance without a will, you will inherit the assets.

Divorced Spouse

What if the spouse—who is normally always an heir—is divorced?

This corresponds to a situation where your parent (the decedent) was divorced in the past,
had no spouse at the time of their passing, and has a child (you).

• Who becomes the heir?

  You become the sole legal heir (individual heir).

  Ex-spouse (Ex-wife / Ex-husband):
  Since the legal family relationship was completely terminated by the divorce, they have no inheritance rights.

  Children with the ex-spouse (you and your siblings):
  Even if parents divorce, the blood relationship and legal parent-child relationship between a child and parent are never severed.
  Therefore, you hold 100% of the inheritance rights.
  (If you have siblings, the inheritance will be split equally among the children.)

• Impact on Procedures and Documents

  When there is no spouse and
  you inherit individually,
  there are several major advantages in terms of procedures (making things smoother).

  No Estate Division Agreement Required:
  Since you are the sole heir (or only with your siblings), complicated coordination among relatives or contact/discussions with the ex-spouse are completely unnecessary.

  Cancellation and Name Changes for Bank Accounts:
  Bank procedures that require the "consent of all heirs" can be completed solely with the signature and seal of yourself (or among the children if you have siblings).

• Important Points (Regarding Family Register Copies to Collect)

  When unfreezing bank accounts or transferring real estate titles,
  there is one key point to keep in mind when collecting "family register copies" to submit to the police, municipal office, or banks.

  Reason for collecting the deceased's family registers "from birth to death":
  Banks and the Legal Affairs Bureau need to confirm
  "whether there are any acknowledged children or stepchildren with a former spouse outside of the ex-spouse," and
  "whether there are any other unknown heirs."

  Divorce History:
  If there is a history of divorce, the family register is often split into multiple parts,
  so please request and prepare "continuous family registers from birth to death (removed family registers / revised original family registers)" from the municipal office without any gaps.

There is absolutely no need to contact the ex-spouse or share assets with them.
You can rest assured and proceed with the inheritance procedures centered around yourself (and your siblings).

Was Your Inheritance Stolen Without Your Consent!?

Taking the above as an example,
a younger sister with whom you were close,
or an ex-husband who returned just before your death and remarried,
are likely to be considered perpetrators acting with the intent to inherit.

In some cases, individuals who are not heirs (such as third parties or relatives) may take the deceased’s bankbook or account information without permission and
attempt to move or take possession of the deposits.

It is necessary to take measures such as filing a claim for the return of unjust enrichment, pursuing legal action, and promptly contacting the bank (to freeze the account).

We have summarized specific risks and countermeasures based on the situation.

Immediate Emergency Action (Freezing the Account)

To prevent the person who took the information without permission from withdrawing funds without authorization,
please contact the relevant financial institution immediately.

• Contacting the Bank to Report the Death:

  By notifying the bank of the account holder's death, the account will be frozen immediately,
  completely blocking withdrawals and transfers via counter or ATM.

• Reporting Lost or Stolen Passbooks/Cards:

  Even if you do not wish to report the death yet,
  it is possible to suspend usage under "stolen or lost passbook/card."

Legal Troubles and Liabilities Arising

The act of a non-heir taking away account information or passbooks without authorization constitutes a clearly illegal act.

• If Money Has Been Withdrawn (Obligation to Return / Unjust Enrichment):

  Even if a person without inheritance rights withdraws the deceased's deposits, they have no right to receive that money.
  Under the law, this constitutes "unjust enrichment (Article 703 of the Civil Code)," creating an obligation to return the full amount to the rightful heirs.

• Possibility of Criminal Liability:

  The act of withdrawing cash without authorization using another person's passbook or card
  may lead to charges such as theft or fraud.

  Even among relatives, depending on whether the person is an heir or the degree of kinship, it can be subject to criminal punishment.)

Legal Treatment and Penalties

• Withdrawal of Deposits Constitutes "Unjust Enrichment" and Creates an Obligation to Return

  Since even a common-law spouse or relative does not have inheritance rights,
  there is no legal right (legitimate title) to keep the withdrawn money for oneself.

  They bear an obligation to return the full amount withdrawn as unjust enrichment under the law (Article 703 of the Civil Code).

  The full amount must be returned to the rightful heirs.

• Subject to Criminal Penalties (Theft, Fraud, etc.)

  ● Withdrawing via ATM by entering the PIN:
  Theft against the bank (or computer fraud)

  ● Withdrawing at the Counter by impersonating the deceased:
  Fraud by deceiving the counter teller

  ● Non-application of the Special Rule for Theft Among Relatives:
  While there is a provision called the "Special Rule for Theft Among Relatives" where crimes between spouses or direct blood relatives are exempt from punishment,
  it does not apply to common-law partners.
  Furthermore, it is strictly not applied to distant relatives such as cousins, aunts, and uncles (relatives other than direct blood relatives or cohabiting relatives),
  or they will be punished if a formal complaint is filed.

Specific Steps Heirs Should Take

• Contacting Financial Institutions (Freezing Accounts)

  Freezing the deceased's bank accounts also serves the purpose of protecting the inheritance, doesn't it?

• Obtaining Transaction History / Transaction History Statement

  If you are an heir, you can obtain past transaction history at the bank counter even without a passbook.
  Secure evidence of "when and how much was withdrawn."

• Claim for Return to the Person Who Took the Funds (Discussions / Content-Certified Mail)

  If a withdrawal is discovered, first demand its return.

  If they do not comply,
  send a content-certified mail under a lawyer's name to make a demand for return of unjust enrichment.

• Civil Lawsuit (Lawsuit for Return of Unjust Enrichment)

  If the matter is not resolved through discussions,
  file a "Lawsuit for Return of Unjust Enrichment" with the court to recover the funds.

Points to Note

There are cases where the person who took the items claims,
"I was asked by the deceased to manage them during their lifetime," or
"I withdrew the money for funeral expenses," but the mandate agreement terminates upon death.

Withdrawing and spending the funds arbitrarily without the consent of the rightful heirs is not permitted.

Common Claims and Actual Legal Interpretations

reasons often claimed by the taking party and their actual legal treatment are as follows:

• "I was asked to manage or withdraw the funds during their lifetime." (Claim 1)

  Legal Treatment:
  Agency power (the mandate agreement) terminates at the time of the individual's death.
  There is no authority to withdraw funds without authorization after death.

• "I received it as a lifetime gift (I was told I could have it)." (Claim 2)

  Legal Treatment:
  Unless there is a clear written will or gift agreement,
  the claim will not be recognized, and return of the funds can be demanded by the heirs.

• "I used it to pay for funeral or medical expenses." (Claim 3)

  Legal Treatment:
  Actual expenses paid for the deceased
  (to the extent proven by receipts, etc.)
  may be offset, but
  the remaining balance or unproven amounts must be returned.

Non-Heirs

If a common-law partner or a relative without inheritance rights has taken the passbooks,
the rightful heirs have full legal rights to freeze the account immediately,
obtain past transaction statements to identify the withdrawn amount,
and demand return of the funds.

Don’t Know Where the Deceased’s Bankbook Is

When it comes to inheritance, the “bankbook” and “ATM card” are, in a sense, the most crucial items.
Sometimes, you may not know where these are kept.

How should you go about finding them?

Even if you can’t find the deceased’s bankbook or ATM card,
it’s possible to investigate accounts at financial institutions, obtain a balance certificate, and proceed with inheritance (account closure) procedures.

We’ve outlined specific steps to take depending on your situation.

You know which bank they used

If you know the bank, things are much easier.
Go to the teller window.

Normally, a “loss report” is filed by the account holder during their lifetime to request a replacement card if one is lost.
Since the account holder in this case is deceased, this becomes “part of the inheritance process.”

・Go to the inheritance services counter
・Confirm that the deceased had an account (account holder’s name, date of birth, address at the time, etc.)
・Confirm that the account holder has passed away
・State that “the passbook or ATM card cannot be found (has been lost)”
・Note
Once you report this, the account will be frozen to prevent unauthorized withdrawals.
Please confirm in advance any utility bills or medical bills set up for automatic withdrawal from this account.

Advice:

Please rest assured that the process will not be halted simply because you do not have the passbook.

The smoothest approach is to first visit the relevant bank,
explain that you “wish to proceed with inheritance procedures but do not have the passbook or card,” and follow their instructions regarding the necessary documents.

Find the Bank Where the Account Is Held

First, identify the bank and branch where the deceased conducted transactions based on clues from their life.

・Clues at Home:
Promotional items such as tissues and calendars,
pocket tissues,
pension deposit notices,
copies of tax returns,
credit card statements

・Mail:
Notices from banks,
balance statements, dividend notices

・Smartphone/PC:
Online banking apps, login emails (notification emails, etc.)

Request a balance inquiry or a balance certificate from the bank

Once you’ve identified the bank, inform the teller that you are an heir and
request a “change of account holder” and “issuance of a balance certificate.”
(You can make this request even without a passbook.)

Basic Required Documents

• A family register copy confirming the death of the deceased
• A family register copy proving that you are an heir
• Your seal impression certificate, registered seal, and identity verification documents

Obtain "All Account Inquiries" and "Transaction History Statements" Along with the Balance Certificate

By requesting an inquiry across all branches rather than just the relevant branch,
you can also investigate all at once whether there are accounts or time deposits at other branches that the deceased had forgotten about.

Furthermore, by obtaining a "transaction history statement" for the past few years,
you can trace whether accounts exist at other financial institutions through transfer histories to other banks.

Flow of Inheritance Procedures (Cancellation / Name Change)

• Notify the Bank of the Death

  (The account will be frozen)

• Confirmation of Balance Certificate and Account Information
• Submission of Required Documents

  Estate Division Agreement,
  Family register copies and seal impression certificates of all heirs,
  Bank-prescribed cancellation/payout request form, etc.

• Account Cancellation and Receipt of Refund Funds

Even if passbooks or cards are lost,
you can successfully complete the cancellation and receive the payout by securing the consent of all heirs and preparing the designated notification documents.

First, the Deceased’s Bank Account Is Unknown

If you do not know which bank the deceased’s account is held at,
“Use cross-institutional systems such as bulk inquiries,”
“Trace the flow of funds,”
“Narrow down the list of likely financial institutions and make inquiries,”
These are the three approaches.
It is most efficient to make inquiries with the institutions where you have found clues.

●1. Use cross-institutional systems and services

Using the “Nayori-cho” (financial institutions’ bulk inquiry system)
Organizations such as the Japanese Bankers Association (JBA) and the Japan Securities Dealers Association offer
“Inquiries Regarding Dormant Deposits,” which allows heirs to confirm the existence of accounts at all participating financial institutions at once, as well as
various bulk inquiry services (for securities accounts, bulk requests are handled by the Japan Securities Depository Center (JSDC)).
It’s best to check these options before visiting individual banks.

Local Banks
For seniors and those living in rural areas, the percentage of people with accounts at community-based credit banks is very high, so
the quickest way is to first conduct a “branch-wide inquiry” at one of these representative institutions.

●2. Narrow down the list based on “official notifications” or “regular cash flows”

Even if you don’t have a passbook at home, account information or traces of it may be recorded in the following official documents or statements.

• Pension Payment Notice (Public Pension)

  The Pension Notification Letter (Nenkin Teikibin) and public pension payment notices
  state the account (bank name and branch name) receiving the pension payments.

• Copy of Tax Return / Resident Tax Payment Notice

  The account for refund transfers or tax automatic debit payments (transfer tax payment) may be recorded.

• Utility Bills and Credit Card Statements

  Bills and receipts for electricity, gas, water, mobile phones, etc., may state "Debited from XX Bank."

• Real Estate Title Deeds / Notice of Registration Information

  If a mortgage was taken out,
  there are many cases where an account remains at the bank used for that mortgage.

●3. Investigation of Smartphone, PC, and Email History (In the Case of Online Banks)

Recently, an increasing number of people use online banks that do not issue paper passbooks.

・ Search in Email Apps
If you can access the deceased's smartphone or PC, enter keywords such as "account," "transfer," "open," "login," or "time deposit" into the email search bar to search.

・ Check Smartphone Apps
Check if bank apps or payment apps (such as PayPay) are installed on the home screen.

●4. Make a "Direct Inquiry (All-Branch Inquiry)" to Highly Likely Financial Institutions

At the counter (or by mail) of the financial institutions narrowed down from the above clues,
request an "all-branch inquiry (presence of all accounts held by the deceased)" as an heir.

• The bank closest to the deceased's home or workplace
• Japan Post Bank (Procedures can be completed anywhere nationwide)
• Mega-banks used as salary transfer accounts for companies the deceased worked for in the past

When making an inquiry, a "family register copy confirming the death of the deceased" and a "family register copy confirming that the applicant is an heir" will be required.

Here are the specific procedures for a unified search of stock and brokerage accounts through the Japan Securities Depository Center (JASDEC / Hofuri),
and an all-account (all-branch) inquiry at Japan Post Bank.
Both procedures can be completed by mail or at the counter.

Unified Search for Brokerage Accounts (Hofuri: Japan Securities Depository Center)

If you do not know which brokerage firm the deceased held an account with,
by filing a "Request for Disclosure of Registered Participant Information,"
you can check a list of brokerage firm names (participant information) where the deceased deposited stocks or investment trusts.

Flow and Steps of the Procedure

• Preparation of Required Documents

  Download the dedicated application form from the website, etc., and prepare the following attached documents.

  ・ Disclosure Request Form (Hofuri's designated format)
  ・ Removed Family Register / Family Register Copy of the deceased (proving the fact of death)
  ・ Your Family Register Copy (proving the inheritance relationship with the deceased)
  ・ Your Seal Impression Certificate (issued within 3 months)
  ・ Copy of your identity verification document (driver's license, etc.)

• Payment of Fees and Mailing Documents

  Transfer the disclosure request fee (about several thousand yen per case) to the designated account,
  and mail it together with a copy of the transfer receipt to Hofuri's disclosure reception desk.

• Receipt of the "Notice of Disclosure Results"

  After the procedure, a list of brokerage firms where the deceased opened accounts will arrive in about 2 weeks to 1 month.

  What appears on the notice is only up to the "Brokerage Firm Name."

  It is necessary to contact each identified brokerage firm separately for specific stock names, number of shares held, and account balances.

All-Branch Inquiry at Japan Post Bank (Savings Inquiry, etc.)

Even without an account number (symbol and number) or passbook,
you can check all at once whether an account under the deceased's name exists (name-based inquiry) at savings counters of Japan Post Banks and post offices nationwide.

Flow and Steps of the Procedure

• Preparation of Required Documents

  Prepare the following documents and bring them to the counter.

  ・Removed Family Register / Family Register Copy of the deceased (confirming death)
  ・Family Register Copy proving that the applicant is an heir
  ・Identity verification document of the applicant (Driver's license, Individual Number Card, etc.)
  ・Registered seal (or personal seal) of the applicant

• Go to the Nearest Japan Post Bank or Post Office (Savings Counter)

  Procedures can be completed at any location nationwide.
  Tell the counter staff, "I would like to make an inquiry regarding savings, etc. (name-based inquiry), to check if the deceased holds an account."

• Checking the Inquiry Results (Processing Results)

  Either same-day response at the counter or notification by mail at a later date will provide a list showing the presence or absence of accounts under the deceased's name (ordinary savings, time savings, etc.) and their symbol/numbers.

  If an account is found,
  you can proceed directly to "Requesting the Issuance of a Balance Certificate" or "Inheritance (Cancellation/Payout) Procedures."

For both procedures, gathering the "family register documents (proof of the deceased's death + proof of being an heir)" serves as the common starting point first.

That concludes the bullet points in the first half and
the detailed explanation in the second half.

To help with your preparations, let’s take a look at where the important events are located.

Make a Copy for Now

The procedures are important, but
one thing that’s been consistent so far is that you’ll need a copy .

You may have the necessary documents, but you submitted them previously and no longer have them.
Even if you try to go back and retrieve them, they won’t be reissued.
This means you can’t proceed with the next steps of the process.

To prevent this kind of situation, make sure to get all your copies ready before you go to the service counter.

Make copies first, then go to the service counter.

"Copy 1" Top Priority Documents Requiring Copies (Foundation for the Entire Procedure)

• Post-mortem Examination Report (or Death Certificate)

  Recommended Copies: 10 copies of front, 10 copies of back (total 20 double-sided copies)

  Once you submit the "original" to the municipal office along with the death notification, it will never be returned.
  Please be sure to make multiple copies before submitting it.

  You will be required to present or submit it (copies are often acceptable) in almost all situations,
  such as life insurance claims, unpaid pension claims, survivors' pension procedures, and submission to the employer.

• Family Register Copies (Continuous family registers from birth to death, removed family registers, revised original family registers)

  Recommended Copies: 1 to 2 sets

  You can request "return of the original" at the service counters for various procedures,
  but keeping a copy of all pages on hand for verification during procedures or as a spare will ensure things go smoothly.

• Information Diagram of Legal Heirs (If Obtained)

  A copy of the diagram issued by the Legal Affairs Bureau.
  While you can obtain multiple original copies, keep a photocopy as your own record.

• Estate Division Agreement (Stamped with registered seals of all heirs)

  Recommended Copies: One for each heir + spare

  Although the original can be returned to you at the Legal Affairs Bureau or banks,
  be sure to keep a copy on hand so you can verify the details until all procedures are complete.

• Will (Notarial Will or Probate-Certified Holograph Will)

  Copies are required to review the contents of the will and to share them with each heir.

"Copy 2" Documents and Certificates Regarding the Deceased (Decedent)

• Identity Verification Documents / Official Documents of the Deceased

  ・ Health Insurance Card (Front / Back)

  ・ My Number Card (Front / Back)

  ・ Driver's License (Front / Back)

  ・ Passport

  ・ Physical Disability Certificate, etc.

  Make copies before returning them to the municipal office or police as a record of the numbers and written details.

• Pension Handbook / Pension Certificate

  The written information (such as the Basic Pension Number) is required when submitting the Notification of Death of Pension Beneficiary or claiming unpaid pension benefits.

"Copy 3" Documents Regarding Assets and Debts (For Inheritance Tax Returns and Estate Division)

Copies are essential to confirm and prove later "which account had how much" and "what assets existed."

• Bank Related

  Passbooks (Front cover, first inner page, transaction pages for the past few years, final cancellation page)

  Balance Certificates (Issued by financial institutions)

  Brokerage firm transaction reports, balance statements, etc.

• Real Estate Related

  Fixed Asset Tax Payment Notices / Tax Statements
  (Arriving every year around April-May)

  Certificates of Registered Matters (Registry Copies)

  Official land maps, cadastral survey maps, building plans (Obtained from the Legal Affairs Bureau)

• Insurance Related

  Life Insurance Policies / Non-Life Insurance Policies
  (For checking contract details, beneficiaries, and policy amounts)

  Debts and Expenses Related (Deductible from the inherited estate)

  Balance certificates for loans and debts
  Receipts and bills for funeral expenses (crematorium expenses, memo of temple offerings, funeral home receipts, etc.)
  Receipts for unpaid medical expenses and nursing care facility expenses of the deceased
  Payment slips and receipts for unpaid taxes (fixed asset tax, resident tax, etc.)

"Copy 4" Documents Regarding Heirs

• Identity Verification Documents / Seal Impression Certificates of All Heirs

  Seal impression certificates are documents that are frequently collected by financial institutions.

  Keep copies to manage whose seal impression certificates were obtained and how many,
  as well as their validity periods (e.g., issued within 3 months).

・ Tips for Copying and Storage

Prepare and Organize in a Single "Binder/Folder"
"Basic Documents"
"Family Register Related"
"Real Estate Related"
"Deposits / Savings Related"
"Taxes and Funeral Expenses Related"
Dividing them with index tabs will make consultations with tax accountants or judicial scriveners, as well as presentations at bank counters, go very smoothly.

Also "Scan (Convert to PDF)"
Saving them as PDFs using a smartphone camera or scanning app and keeping them on the cloud or PC
will also be helpful when you suddenly need to verify numbers or written details while at a service counter away from home.

List of Deadlines for Major Procedures

Procedure Details	Deadline
Submission of Death Notification / Acquisition of Cremation Permit	Within 7 days
Suspension of Pension Payments	Within 10 to 14 days
Return of Health Insurance Card	Within 10 to 14 days
Notification of Change of Householder	Within 10 to 14 days
Filing for Renunciation or Limited Acceptance of Inheritance	Within 3 months
Quasi-Final Tax Return (Deceased's Income Tax Return)	Within 4 months
Filing and Payment of Inheritance Tax	Within 10 months
Claim for Funeral Expense Allowance / High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit	Within 2 years
Inheritance Registration (Real Estate Title Change) / Life Insurance Claim	Within 3 years
Claim for Survivors' Pension / Unpaid Pension Benefits	Within 5 years

• Cancellation of Contracts, Utilities, etc.
  Cancellation and Name Changes for Various Contracts

  Electricity

  Gas

  Water

  Newspaper Subscriptions

  Mobile Phones, Internet Service Providers

  Credit Cards (Annual fees will continue to be debited if left unattended)

  Cancellation of Rental Property, Rent (As rent will continue to accrue)

Complete Summary

To summarize, I’ve highlighted only the key points from what we’ve covered so far.

Wouldn’t it have been enough to just do this from the start?
But that would be a bit too sparse for a blog post, wouldn’t it?

119 Is Best

Because the death certificate you get from the hospital is cheaper.

Copies

Fill out the death certificate or post-mortem examination report immediately and make copies.
10 copies of the front, 10 copies of the back.
Not just this, but also insurance cards, pension handbooks, and
other documents—make copies whenever the opportunity arises.

Notify the Bank of the Death

Act quickly to freeze the bank account; this helps prevent various problems.

Funeral Arrangements

Within 24 hours of the time recorded on the post-mortem examination report.

Wake (general funeral, family funeral), one-day funeral, or direct cremation
Choose the option that best suits your circumstances.

Funeral Expenses and Deferred Pension Payments

You cannot receive either of these without going to city hall to file a claim.
Let’s take care of this right away.

Suspending Utility and Other Infrastructure Services

Keep only electricity and water active.
You don’t need anything else.

City Hall

Health insurance card, pension handbook,
as well as a certified copy of the family register and a seal registration certificate.
Certificate of residence, etc.

The deceased’s bankbook, your own bank account

The main part of the process takes place not so much at City Hall as
at the bank.

Certified copy of family register, seal registration certificate

The deceased’s certified copy of the family register (from birth to death)
Your own certified copy of the family register and seal registration certificate.

The deceased’s bank account is frozen

Notify the bank the deceased used of the death

The account will be frozen as soon as you notify the bank.

You will receive an “Inheritance Notification” form and instructions from the deceased’s bank.

Inheritance notification for the deceased’s bank

The bank’s designated “Inheritance Notification” form (signed and stamped with the registered seal by all heirs)
A continuous family register extract covering the deceased’s entire life, from birth to death
Your own certified copy of the family register
Your own seal registration certificate (issued within the last 3 months)
The deceased’s bank passbook, certificates, and ATM card
Identification documents for the person handling the procedure (driver’s license, My Number Card, etc.)

The review process takes about two weeks.

If you do not have the deceased’s passbook or debit card

This is an inheritance procedure, not a lost property report.

Even if you don’t have the passbook or debit card on hand,
as long as you know the name of the bank, you can close the account or change the account holder’s name without any issues.

Be Prepared for Multiple Trips

Even if you know all the steps, the process will not go smoothly.

You will likely have to make multiple trips back and forth between city hall, the pension office, and several bank branches.