probate

Often the estate of a deceased will contain more than just money.  In many cases, a car, boat, house or expensive jewelry will need to be distributed among the heirs.  This can create a problem where each heir owns only a portion of an indivisible object, such as a car or home, and the heirs cannot decide what to do with it.  Under these circumstances it is best if the heirs are able to agree to a voluntary settlement to share or sell the property. 

There are three main types of wills in Japan: Self Written wills, Notarized Deed wills and Secret wills.  Any of these wills will ensure that your property is passed on according to your wishes.  However, there are certain unique aspects to each type that can be beneficial in certain situations.

Japan maintains an inheritance tax that applies to wills that are executed under Japanese law.  The tax applies equally to assets owned by Japanese citizens inside Japan or outside Japan.  However, for non-Japanese citizens, the tax only applies to assets within Japan.

While it is always best to have a will prepared just in case, Japanese law provides a system by which the deceased’s assets will be transferred to his or her living relatives.