Japan draws British visitors through its culture, cities, and scenery, and there is a resident British community alongside those visiting family. The country’s administrative systems are well-organised, though documentation is in Japanese, which requires translation. The question of cremation in Japan versus repatriation of the body is one many families consider carefully. This guide answers the questions UK families ask.
For the full process and embassy detail, see our complete guide to repatriation from Japan. This article focuses on the practical questions.
Cremation in Japan or body repatriation
Japan’s domestic burial law requires cremation for burials within Japan, but this does not apply to export. A body can be embalmed and repatriated to the UK. Many families, however, choose cremation in Japan and carry the ashes home, because it is faster and significantly less costly than body repatriation over such a long distance.
A coordinator can walk through both options without pressure, so the family can decide based on their own priorities and preferences.
Documentation and the ward office
The death certificate in Japan is issued by the local ward office (ku in a city, machi or mura in smaller areas) after registration. All documents are in Japanese and require certified translation before they can be used in the UK. The export permit and the British Embassy documentation are assembled alongside the death certificate and embalming certificate.
Sudden deaths and the prosecutor
A sudden or unexplained death is referred to the police and potentially to the public prosecutor, who may order a forensic examination. This process is a legal requirement and must conclude before the body is released. It is the main reason sudden-death cases from Japan take longer than expected deaths.
For further guidance, see our articles on repatriation from Asia: realistic timeline expectations and bringing ashes home on a passenger flight.