Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ireland to Japan
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Repatriation from Ireland to Japan: what to expect
Ireland and Japan have maintained bilateral relations since 1957, with Irish nationals working in Japan in education (particularly English-language teaching), technology, and professional services. Japan is an increasingly popular destination for Irish tourists. The Japanese Embassy in Dublin is fully operational. When an Irish national dies in Japan and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Ireland, the death must be registered with the local municipal office within seven days under the Family Register Act. Both Ireland and Japan are Hague Apostille Convention members; Japan joined in 1970.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Japan High Commission or Embassy in Dublin for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local civil registration service (General Register Office) promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Dublin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal of the receiving airport. Major international cargo gateways include Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Kansai International Airport Osaka (KIX), Chubu Centrair International Airport Nagoya (NGO), and Fukuoka Airport (FUK). Death registration in Japan is handled by the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) where the death occurred or where the deceased was registered. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be filed within seven days of death under the Family Register Act. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths and must complete their investigation before the body is released. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Japanese translation for the municipal office. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Embassy of Japan in Dublin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) in the receiving area for civil registration queries.
The process
What happens after a death in Ireland
Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or, where necessary, the coroner. The death must be registered with the local civil registration service. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must issue a burial or cremation order before the body can be released. Ireland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. In complex cases, the coroner's investigation can take several weeks before the body is released.
Step by step
Timeline: Ireland to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Contact the Japan High Commission or Embassy in Dublin.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the local civil registration service (General Register Office). Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan High Commission or Embassy in Dublin notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Japan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ireland to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ireland to Japan takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local civil registration service (General Register Office) promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Japan Embassy in Dublin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Dublin as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), Kansai (KIX), Nagoya (NGO), Fukuoka (FUK), or another cargo terminal depending on the final destination. The local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) handles death registration; the shibo todoke must be filed within seven days under the Family Register Act. Police handle violent or unexplained deaths. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; foreign documents must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Japanese translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Cremation in Ireland is available at a number of approved locations, including facilities in Dublin and other cities. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Ireland, 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 Ireland (gov.uk) · Ireland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions