Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to New Zealand
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Repatriation from Japan to New Zealand: what to expect
Japanese nationals in New Zealand include students, professionals, and a well-established community on working holiday visas. New Zealand and Japan have a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (NZJEPA, 2009) and the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo handles consular matters. Japanese death certificates are in Japanese and require certified English translation. Both Japan and New Zealand are Hague Apostille Convention members, which simplifies document authentication. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
- Key document: shibo todoke (death notification, in Japanese) (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 municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM) registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in English require certified translation. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours). The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Japan
Call 110 for police or 119 for ambulance. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be submitted to the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within seven days. A physician must certify the death. Police and the public prosecutor (Kenji) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. All documentation is in Japanese and requires certified translation.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +64 4 439 8000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shibo todoke (death notification, in japanese) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho). Violent or unexplained deaths (public prosecutor, Kenji) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand 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 New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to New Zealand takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (public prosecutor, Kenji) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: shibo todoke (death notification, in Japanese) 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 New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (public prosecutor, Kenji) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. BDM registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille member. Documents not in English require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is the standard final disposition in Japan (over 99%). 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 passed away in Japan, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
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