Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to India
For families bringing someone home to India. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Japan to India: what to expect
Japanese nationals work and study in India, particularly in technology and automotive sectors. This corridor handles cases where an India-based person has a family member die in Japan and needs remains brought to India. Japanese documentation requires certified translation.
- 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.
- India 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 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 India
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
India 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
India funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In India
When the body arrives in India
The Indian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Custom House clearance is required. The remains must be embalmed and sealed in a zinc-lined coffin for international transport. State government regulations apply and may require a state-level permit. Major international entry points are Indira Gandhi International (DEL, Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM, Mumbai), Chennai International (MAA), and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU, Kolkata). (Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Indian Embassy or High Commission in Tokyo can assist with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Indian Ministry of External Affairs helpline: +91 11 2301 2113 (24 hours).
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to India
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to India 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 India 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 India Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the India Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
The Indian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Custom House clearance requires the foreign death certificate, embalming certificate, and transit permit. The remains must be in a zinc-lined sealed coffin. State regulations govern the release for burial or cremation at the destination.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
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 India.
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