Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to China
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Japan to China: what to expect
Japan and China are close geographic neighbours with deeply intertwined trade and cultural histories. Japanese nationals work extensively in China in manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and finance, and a substantial Japanese expat community is established in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Japan maintains an Embassy in Beijing and Consulates in major Chinese cities. When a Japanese national dies in China and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Japan, the death must be registered and quarantine clearance obtained through the General Administration of Customs. China is not a Hague Apostille member; the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo can advise on document legalisation. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970. (Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: shibo todoke (death notification) (in Japanese)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Tokyo registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry promptly.
- China Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Japan
Call 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The shibo todoke (death notification) is submitted to the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry within 7 days of death under the Family Register Act. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths; the public prosecutor orders an autopsy where required. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; apostille certificates are accepted. The British Embassy in Tokyo can assist British nationals.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to China
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 110 (police) / 119 (fire and ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shibo todoke (death notification) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry. Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
China Embassy in Tokyo 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to China
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
China funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In China
When the body arrives in China
The Chinese funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) cargo terminal, depending on the destination city. The General Administration of Customs carries out quarantine inspection of all incoming remains. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) oversees mortuary standards and civil registration. All foreign documents require certified simplified Chinese translation. China is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular legalisation through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required for all documents. An embalming certificate, health certificate, and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Quarantine clearance procedures are strict and documentation must be complete before the body is released for final disposition. (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements and legalisation for repatriation to China. China is not a Hague Apostille member; all documents must be legalised through the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to China
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to China takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-16 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: shibo todoke (death notification) 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 China Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the China Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Chinese funeral director takes custody at Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) cargo terminal. The General Administration of Customs carries out quarantine inspection. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) oversees mortuary standards. All foreign documents require certified simplified Chinese translation and full consular legalisation through the Chinese Embassy in the origin country. China is not a Hague Apostille member. Quarantine clearance procedures are strict and all documentation must be complete before the body is released for final disposition.
Cremation is the near-universal method of disposition in Japan. The kotsuage ceremony of collecting ashes is integral to Japanese Buddhist tradition and is conducted before any international repatriation of cremated remains. 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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Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Japan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions