Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to South Korea
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Repatriation from Japan to South Korea: what to expect
Japanese nationals in South Korea include a well-established community of business professionals, students, and long-term residents, reflecting the close but historically complex bilateral relationship between the two countries. Japan and South Korea have significant economic and people-to-people ties. Japanese death certificates (shibo todoke) are in Japanese and require certified Korean translation and authentication through the South Korean Embassy in Tokyo. South Korea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; consular authentication is required for all documentation. (Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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.
- South Korea Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In South Korea
When the body arrives in South Korea
The Korean funeral director (jang-ye-jido-sa) takes custody at Incheon International Airport (ICN) cargo terminal. The local gu office (ward office) registers the death and issues the Korean death certificate. A burial or cremation certificate (jang-ui-hwakinjung) is required before final disposition. South Korea is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; all foreign documents require authentication through Korean embassy channels and certified Korean translation. (Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to South Korea. Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour emergency line: +82 2 3210 0404. 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 South Korea
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +82 2 3210 0404.
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
South Korea 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 South Korea
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
South Korea 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 Korea
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to South Korea 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 South Korea Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the South Korea 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 Korean funeral director (jang-ye-jido-sa) takes custody at Incheon International Airport (ICN) cargo terminal. The local gu office (ward office) registers the death. A jang-ui-hwakinjung (burial or cremation certificate) is required before final disposition. South Korea is not a Hague Apostille member; all foreign documents require authentication through Korean embassy channels and certified Korean translation.
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