Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Japan
For families bringing someone home to Japan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Australia to Japan: what to expect
Japanese nationals form a community in Australia, with students, working holiday visa holders, and professionals concentrated in Melbourne, Sydney, and Cairns. Australia and Japan have close bilateral ties including a Free Trade Agreement and a Status of Forces Agreement. Australian English documentation requires certified Japanese translation for Japanese municipal koseki (family register) purposes. The Japanese Embassy in Canberra handles consular matters.
- Key documents: Australian death certificate (state-issued) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Japan Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Australia
Call 000 for emergency services. Death must be registered with the state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The funeral director normally handles registration. Each Australian state has its own coroner who may be involved in unexpected deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Japan: +81 3 3580 3311).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with state/territory Registry. Death certificate issued.
Registered with state/territory Registry. Funeral director normally handles this.
Local funeral director and registry
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Australian funeral industry operates to high professional standards.
Licensed local funeral director
Complete export documentation and obtain all permits
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo booked and body transported to Japan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director (sosogiya) takes custody at Narita International (NRT) or Kansai International (KIX) cargo terminal. The municipality (shi/ku/cho/son) registers the death in the koseki (family register). A sanitised coffin certificate and laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regulations apply to the import of human remains. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MOFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Japan takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days when documentation is issued promptly. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, coronial investigation, or remote Northern Territory location can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
The core documents are: Australian death certificate (state-issued), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Passport of deceased (or copy), Export permit from the state health authority. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Japan Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Canberra as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The municipality registers the death in the koseki. A sanitised coffin certificate and laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the municipal office and health authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Australia and bringing the ashes home to Japan is often simpler and less costly than full body repatriation. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and possibly an export permit from the state health authority.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Australia, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Japan.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Australia (gov.uk) · Australia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions