A Guide for Visitors, Foreign Residents, Workers, and Their Families
This article is for people who:
- have lost a non-Japanese family member friend, employee, colleague, or loved one in Japan and are unsure what steps to take next;
- are deciding whether to repatriate the deceased to their home country or arrange a funeral and cremation in Japan;
- need information about the legal and administrative procedures required after the death of a foreign national in Japan; or
- need assistance arranging funeral home in Japan or arranging international repatriation from Japan.
What You Will Learn:
- The 7 key steps required when a foreign national passes away in Japan.
- What differs depending on whether the deceased was a visitor or a resident of Japan.
- The options available for funeral and cremation arrangements in Japan or repatriation to the home country.
- Necessary documentation for international repatriation or hand-carrying cremated remains.
When a foreign national passes away in Japan, certain legal and administrative procedures must be completed regardless of whether the person was visiting Japan temporarily or living, working, or studying in Japan.
Depending on the deceased’s nationality, immigration status, and family’s wishes, additional procedures may be required with relevant embassy or consulate, local authorities, employer, school, insurance provider, or other organizations.
If the family wishes to return the deceased or their cremated remains to their home country, international repatriation arrangements will also be necessary.
For families dealing with an unexpected death in a foreign country, it can be even more difficult to know where to begin. Understanding the available options and contacting the appropriate mortuary provider as early as possible can help ease your burden during this difficult time.
7 Initial Steps When a Foreign National Dies in Japan
- Obtain the appropriate medical documentation
Obtain a Death Certificate or Certificate of Postmortem Examination issued by a doctor or medical examiner. - Contact the relevant organizations
Depending on the circumstances, contact the deceased’s embassy or consulate, or other relevant organization. - Decide how the deceased will be cared for
The family will generally need to decide whether to:- arrange a funeral and cremation in Japan;
- repatriate the deceased to their home country; or
- cremate the deceased in Japan and transport or hand-carry the cremated remains to the home country.
- Confirm the deceased’s identification and status in Japan
Check the deceased’s passport and nationality. If the person lived in Japan, also confirm whether they held a Residence Card or other relevant documentation. - Contact an international repatriation specialist if repatriation is required
If the deceased or their cremated remains will be transported overseas from Japan, contact a professional international repatriation provider as early as possible. - Submit the Notification of Death
A Notification of Death must generally be submitted within seven days of becoming aware of the death. Japanese law also applies this notification requirement when a foreign national dies in Japan.
We would like to kindly inform you to make a copy of the death certificate prior to submitting it to the local authority. This is because once they accept it, you will NOT get it back. - Complete any additional procedures that apply to foreign residents only
If the deceased was a mid- to long-term resident holding a Residence Card, the card must generally be returned within 14 days of the date of death.
Japan Embalming Corporation (JEC) specializes in international repatriation from Japan and provides comprehensive support with documentation, embassy/consulate liaison, embalming, cremation, air cargo coordination.
Whether the deceased was visiting Japan or living, working, or studying here, please contact us at the earliest stage.
Key Options Following a Death in Japan
01 | Funeral and Cremation in Japan
If the deceased lived in Japan, or if their family and primary place of residence were in Japan, commonly the family may choose to arrange a local funeral and cremation followed by interment in a Japanese cemetery.
Visitors to Japan may also be cremated in Japan if the family chooses this option.
02 | Repatriation to the Home Country (International Repatriation)
Depending on the wishes of the deceased and their family, as well as religious or cultural traditions, there are generally two options.
Repatriating the Deceased
When the deceased is transported to their home country without cremation, embalming and preparation of the deceased and other necessary preparation may be required.
JEC can coordinate the preparation of required documents, embassy /consulate liaison, air cargo arrangements, customs clearance of the deceased from Japan to the destination country.
Transporting Cremated Remains
The deceased may instead be cremated in Japan and the cremated remains transported to the home country. Depending on the airline and destination country, family members may also be able to personally carry the cremated remains on their flight, subject to the applicable documentation and transportation requirements.
Because requirements vary depending on the destination country, airline, nationality of the deceased, and individual circumstances, we recommend consulting an English-speaking international repatriation specialist as early as possible.
03 | Country-Specific Requirements
The documents and procedures required for international repatriation vary depending on:
- the deceased’s nationality;
- the destination country;
- the requirements of the relevant embassy or consulate;
- the airline being used; and
- whether the deceased or cremated remains are being transported.
Frequently required items include Apostille certifications, consular legalizations, and Non-Infectious Disease Certificates.
By working with an English-speaking international repatriation provider, allows families to avoid handling complex administrative procedures and document preparations.
JEC International Repatriation Support
Japan Embalming Corporation (JEC) has provided international repatriation services for foreign nationals who have died in Japan since 1995.
We provide comprehensive, one-stop support, including:
- embalming and preparation of the deceased;
- cremation arrangements in Japan;
- preparation of all required documentation;
- liaison with the embassy/consulate;
- international air transportation arrangements;
- customs and related clearance procedures; and
- coordination with local funeral homes in Japan
Whether the deceased was visiting Japan or living, working, or studying here, JEC can assist with the procedures required to return them to their home country.
FAQ
What is the difference between “international repatriation” and “overseas transportation”?
Both terms can refer to transporting a deceased person or their cremated remains from Japan to another country, or from overseas to Japan.
Are there countries or religions where cremation is not permitted?
Yes. Cremation may not be permitted or may not be acceptable depending on the destination country, the deceased’s religion, or cultural traditions. For example, cremation is not permitted in Tunisia, and Islamic funeral practices generally require burial rather than cremation.
For this reason, it is important to confirm the deceased’s nationality, religion, family wishes, and the requirements of the destination country before arranging cremation in Japan. If burial is required in the home country, repatriation of the deceased without cremation may need to be arranged.
Does the family need to come to Japan to arrange repatriation?
No. If you authorize JEC to act on your behalf, we can handle the necessary procedures and arrangements in Japan, including documentation, embassy/consulate liaison, embalming or cremation arrangements, and international transportation.
How long does international repatriation take, and what is the estimated cost?
The timeline generally ranges between 5 to 10 days, depending on the availability of the necessary documents, and the procedures required by the relevant embassy or consulate.
Costs also vary depending on the individual circumstances, so a quotation must be prepared on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further information.
Contact Us
We are here for you in your time of need.
JEC International Repatriation Support
Japan Embalming Corporation (JEC) has provided international repatriation services for foreign nationals who have died in Japan since 1995.
From embalming and cremation in Japan to document preparation, embassy and consulate liaison, coordinating international air transportation, custom clearance, and coordination with non English Speaking funeral homes in Japan, we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process.
