Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to Australia
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Repatriation from Japan to Australia: what to expect
Japanese nationals work in Australia in business, tourism, and academic roles, and Japan to Australia is an established repatriation corridor. Australia and Japan have close bilateral ties. Japanese documentation is highly organised and the Japanese Embassy in Canberra or consulates in major cities handle matters efficiently. The Australian High Commission in Tokyo handles consular matters for Australians who die in Japan. This is a well-structured corridor on both sides.
- Key document: Shibo kenshin-sho (Japanese death certificate) with certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Embalming must be explicitly requested.
- Bringing ashes home is significantly faster and simpler than full body repatriation.
- Australia Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Australia
When the body arrives in Australia
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance is required. State or territory funeral regulations govern burial or cremation; requirements differ between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. All documentation must be authenticated. (Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
Australian Embassy or High Commission in Tokyo can assist Australian citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Australian Government Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 (24 hours).
The process
What happens after a death in Japan
Call 110 for police or 119 for ambulance. A licensed doctor certifies the death. Death must be registered at the local ward office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within 7 days. The shibo kenshin-sho is issued in Japanese only. Certified English translation is mandatory. Embalming is not standard practice in Japan and must be specifically arranged.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to Australia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Request embalming immediately.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local ward office within 7 days. Shibo kenshin-sho issued.
Certificate in Japanese only. Certified English translation mandatory.
Local funeral director and ward office
Australia Embassy in Tokyo notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming arranged (must be specifically requested)
Not standard Japanese practice. Must be explicitly requested. Japanese funeral homes use dry ice as standard.
Licensed local funeral director
Certified English translation and all export permits obtained
Allow 7-14 days total. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete. Japan Airlines Cargo and ANA Cargo operate direct routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Australia funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to Australia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to Australia takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 7-14 days. Complex cases involving a medical examiner inquiry can take 4-8 weeks.
Embalming is not part of traditional Japanese funeral practice. Japanese funeral homes use dry ice as standard for body preservation. For international repatriation, full embalming to international standards is required and must be explicitly requested.
For many families, yes. Japan's cremation rate is over 99% and the process is well-organised. Bringing the ashes home to Australia avoids the embalming and full body cargo requirements and is significantly faster and less costly.
The core documents are: shibo kenshin-sho (Japanese death certificate) with certified English translation, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
The Australia Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Australia Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. State or territory regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the relevant state authority.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Japan, 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 Australia.
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 Japan (gov.uk) · Japan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions