When someone close to you dies in Japan
In the unfortunate event of the death of a family member or friend, it’s better to have some knowledge of how to deal with such a situation beforehand, so as to not to be perplexed in your time of mourning. There are differences between Buddhist , Shinto, and Christian ceremonies etc. but the basic procedure is as follows;
At the time of the death
1. When the person dies in a hospital: Receive a death certificate with the signature
and seal of the supervising doctor.
2. When the person dies at home: Call a doctor immediately. After the death is
confirmed by the doctor, a death certificate will be
issued.
3. When the person dies in an accident: Do not touch or move the body until the
police give you permission. After the coroner’s
inquest, receive the post-mortem certificate
from the coroner.
Notification of Death
When a foreigner living in Japan dies, notification of the death must be made at the city, ward, town or village office. The deceased person's Alien Registration Certificate should also be returned. If possible, complete these procedures at the same time. Since the deceased person's country's government needs be notified of the death, confirmation of the procedures should be made with the relevant embassy or consulate.
l Notification Period: Within 7 days after the death. Make the notification before
cremation.
l Place of Notification: City, ward, town or village office of the deceased person's
address or of the place where the person died.
l Notifying Person: Relative or cohabitant.
l Required Documents: Notification of a Death, Death Certificate from the doctor
( Post-mortem Certificate from the coroner ), seal (signature)
of the notifying person.
In Japan, cremation is common. When a Notification of a Death has been filled out and submitted, a cremation (burial) permit which is required for a cremation (burial) will be given.
Procedures for receiving burial and funeral costs
In the case where the deceased was covered by social insurance as the head of family, the burial cost will be paid to the family members. However if the deceased was a family member, the burial cost will be paid to the head of the family. In the case where the deceased was covered by national health insurance, a subsidy towards funeral costs or other expenses will be paid. For further details, please contact the national health insurance division or national pension division of the city, ward, town or village office where you live.
Preparation for the funeral
l Choose the chief mourner for the vigil and funeral. The person is usually chosen from the head of family, spouse, eldest son, etc.
l Decide the kind of funeral. This will depend on the religion. It should be checked if the deceased had decided on the kind of funeral before their death.
l The following need to be arranged for; a hearse, mourning clothes, a photograph of the deceased to be displayed on the altar, etc. However, if a funeral director company is commissioned all of these will be done for you. Depending on the company and the method, the range in price can be quite large. It is advisable to check the cost when requesting the service. A funeral director company may be introduced if enquiries are made at a city, ward, town or village office.
Transferring the body overseas
If the body is to be transferred overseas, it may need to be embalmed (restored, preserved, sterilized, etc.). The cost of embalming and transport by plane is very expensive. Since the body is sent as a cargo item, one should request an air cargo transport company to carry out the necessary procedures for you. In addition, since each country has its own laws related to the transport of dead bodies, it is necessary to consult the relevant embassy or the consulate.