We are very sorry for your loss. This page explains the first steps in simple English, one at a time.
Made by an individual who lost a family member suddenly. No ads. We receive no money from funeral companies.
You do not have to do everything today.
Many people in Japan have never done these procedures before. It is normal to feel confused. You can ask for help at every step. Take a breath, and start with the first few things below.
The doctor writes a death certificate (shibō shindansho). The hospital staff will explain what happens next. Keep this paper safe. You will need it for many procedures.
Call 119 (ambulance). If the death was not expected, the police usually come. This is a normal procedure in Japan. It does not mean that you did something wrong.
A doctor may examine the body to find the cause of death. This can take some time, sometimes a few days. After that, a doctor gives a postmortem certificate (shitai kenansho). It is used in the same way as a death certificate.
A funeral company (sōgisha) can move the body from the hospital or police station. You can choose the company yourself. You do not have to use the first one that is suggested.
Tell the embassy or consulate of the person's country as soon as you can. They can explain the procedures for your country.
Submit the notification of death (shibō todoke) to the city office. After this, you receive a permit for cremation or burial.
A relative or a person who lived with the deceased returns the residence card (zairyū kādo) to the Immigration Services Agency.
The funeral company moves the body, keeps it in a cool place, and helps with the funeral and cremation. Many companies also help with the death registration.
I need help. A family member has died.
助けてください。家族が亡くなりました。（Tasukete kudasai. Kazoku ga nakunarimashita.）
Please give me a written estimate.
見積書をください。（Mitsumori-sho o kudasai.）
I do not understand Japanese well. Please speak slowly.
日本語がよくわかりません。ゆっくり話してください。（Nihongo ga yoku wakarimasen. Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.）
Is there someone who speaks English?
英語を話せる人はいますか？（Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka?）
Please write it down.
紙に書いてください。（Kami ni kaite kudasai.）
When a person dies in Japan, a death registration is needed. This is also required for foreign nationals. The deadline is within 7 days from the day you learned of the death.
After the registration, you receive a permit for cremation or burial. Keep it safe. You cannot cremate or bury without it. In Japan, cremation is the usual practice. Burial is allowed only in approved places, so if you want burial, ask early.
Ask the city office for a copy or certificate of the death registration. The embassy, insurance companies, and others may ask for it.
Each country has its own rules. The embassy or consulate can tell you how to report the death to your home country, and which documents you need. They can also help if you want to send the body or the ashes home. You can find the embassies in Japan on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
If the card is not returned on time, a fine is possible. If this is difficult, please call the immigration information center (see below) and ask.
There are two main choices.
Please talk with your family and the embassy before you decide. If you have insurance, the insurance company may help to arrange this.
Immigration Services Agency: Foreign Residents General Information Center
Phone: 0570-013904 (from IP phones or overseas: 03-5796-7112)
Weekdays 8:30–17:15
English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai, Myanmar, Sinhala, and Japanese. Questions about the residence card and residence status.
FRESC (Foreign Residents Support Center), Tokyo
Phone: 0570-011000
Weekdays 9:00–17:00
Staff speak Japanese, English, and Chinese. Other languages with tablets.
Houterasu (Japan Legal Support Center): multilingual information service
Phone: 0570-078377 (from IP phones: 050-3754-5430)
Weekdays 9:00–17:00
English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Nepali, Thai, and Indonesian. Information about Japanese laws and where to get legal help (for example, inheritance).
Yorisoi Hotline: foreign language line
Phone: 0120-279-338 (free). Press 2 after the Japanese message.
From Iwate, Miyagi, or Fukushima: 0120-279-226.
The hours and languages change by day. Please check the website.
Your city's international association or consultation center for foreign residents can also help. Many offer consultation in several languages. You can find one near you on the CLAIR website.
Losing someone is very hard, especially far from home. Feeling sad, tired, or numb is normal. You do not have to carry this alone.
TELL Lifeline (free counseling in English)
Phone: 03-5774-0992
Please check the TELL website for the current hours.
Yorisoi Hotline (foreign language line)
Phone: 0120-279-338, then press 2.
If someone is in danger right now, call 119 (ambulance) or 110 (police).
The Japanese pages of this site have more details about each procedure. Your browser's translate function can help you read them.
This page gives general information. Rules can be different by city and by country. Please check with the city office, the embassy, or the offices listed above.
Yes. When a foreign national dies in Japan, a death registration at the city office is also needed, within 7 days from the day you learned of the death. The funeral company can often submit it for you.
A relative or a person who lived with the deceased returns it to the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days from the date of death. You can take it to a regional immigration office or send it by mail.
No. When a person dies at home or suddenly, the police usually come to confirm the cause of death. This is a normal procedure in Japan.
Usually yes. You need documents such as the cremation certificate and a copy of the death registration. Ask your embassy and check the airline's rules before you travel.
You can call the Immigration Services Agency information center (0570-013904), the Houterasu multilingual service (0570-078377), or your city's international association. For emotional support, you can call TELL Lifeline (03-5774-0992).