Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to the Philippines
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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.
Key facts
Repatriation from Japan to the Philippines: what to expect
Japanese nationals in the Philippines include business professionals, retirees, investors, and a Nikkei-Filipino community with historical ties. Japan is among the Philippines' most significant bilateral economic partners and provides development assistance through ODA programmes. Japanese death certificates (shibo todoke, in Japanese) require certified English translation for the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo handles consular matters. The Philippines is a Hague Apostille Convention member; Japan is not a member, so documents require consular authentication through the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. (Philippine Department 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 municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) promptly.
- the Philippines Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to the Philippines
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 110 (police) / 119 (ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shibo todoke (death notification) 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
the Philippines 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 the Philippines
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the Philippines funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In the Philippines
When the body arrives in the Philippines
The Philippine funeral director takes custody at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) cargo terminal in Manila, or at the relevant regional airport for other destinations. The Bureau of Quarantine must clear all incoming remains. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is notified of the death. English is an official language in the Philippines, which simplifies documentation from English-speaking origin countries. The Philippines is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for documents from member states. All other documents require full consular authentication. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. (Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Philippines. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to the Philippines
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to the Philippines takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 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) 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 the Philippines Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the Philippines 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 Philippine funeral director takes custody at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) cargo terminal in Manila. The Bureau of Quarantine clears the consignment. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is notified of the death. Documents from Hague Apostille member countries are accepted with an apostille certificate; all others require full consular authentication. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with PSA and the Bureau of Quarantine.
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.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
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