Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to South Africa
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Repatriation from Japan to South Africa: what to expect
Japanese nationals in South Africa include business executives, automotive industry professionals, and tourists. Japanese companies including Toyota and other manufacturers have operations in South Africa, and Japanese tourists visit the country in growing numbers for safari and wildlife experiences. Japanese documentation requires certified English translation for South African Home Affairs purposes. The South African Embassy in Tokyo handles consular matters. (South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO, 2025.)
- Key document: Shibo kenshin-sho (Japanese death certificate) with certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Embalming must be explicitly requested.
- British Embassy in Tokyo registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Bringing ashes home is significantly faster and simpler than full body repatriation.
- South Africa Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In South Africa
When the body arrives in South Africa
The South African funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically O.R. Tambo International (JNB, Johannesburg), Cape Town International (CPT), or King Shaka International (DUR, Durban). A permit from the South African Department of Home Affairs (Form DHA-1744) is required before burial or cremation. The provincial health authority issues any additional permits. (South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO, 2025.)
Consular support
South African Embassy or High Commission in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to South Africa. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the nearest South African mission for assistance.
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 South Africa
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or contact nearest South African mission. 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
South Africa 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
Air cargo from Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) to London Heathrow (LHR)
Once all documentation complete. Japan Airlines Cargo and ANA Cargo operate direct routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
South Africa 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 South Africa
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to South Africa 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 ashes home to the UK 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 South Africa Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the South Africa Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
The South African funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Department of Home Affairs Form DHA-1744 is required before burial or cremation. The provincial health authority may issue additional permits. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local registrar.
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