Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to Taiwan
For families bringing someone home to Taiwan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Japan to Taiwan: what to expect
Japan and Taiwan share close cultural, economic, and historical ties, and the Japan-Taiwan air corridor is among the busiest in Asia. Diplomatic relations are conducted through the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (JTEA) in Taipei and the Association of East Asian Relations (AEAR) in Japan. When a Taiwanese national dies in Japan, the shibo todoke (death notification) is submitted to the local kuyakusho (ward office) civil registry within 7 days of death. The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association can advise on documentation requirements for the Household Registration Office in Taiwan. Death certificates require certified Traditional Chinese translation. Neither Japan nor Taiwan is a Hague Apostille Convention member in relation to each other; consular authentication is required.
- Key document: shibo todoke (death notification) (in Japanese)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry promptly.
- Taiwan 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 fire and ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The shibo todoke (death notification) is submitted to the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry within 7 days of death. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Japan has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 27 July 1970, so a document issued there is authenticated with an apostille from its designated authority rather than by full consular legalisation.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to Taiwan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 110 (police) / 119 (fire and ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shibo todoke (death notification) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry. Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Taiwan 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 Taiwan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Taiwan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Taiwan
When the body arrives in Taiwan
The Taiwanese funeral director takes custody at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) cargo terminal. Death registration in Taiwan is handled by the Household Registration Office (huji suo) under the Ministry of the Interior. The death certificate (sijin zhengmingshu) is issued in Traditional Chinese; all foreign documents require certified Traditional Chinese translation. Taiwan is not a formal member of the Hague Apostille Convention, as most countries do not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan; document authentication follows bilateral arrangements. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Taiwan representative office or trade office in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Taiwan. As Taiwan is not formally represented through embassies in most countries, consular matters are handled through the Taipei Representative Office or an equivalent trade and economic office. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Household Registration Office in Taiwan for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to Taiwan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to Taiwan takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) 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 Taiwan Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Taiwan Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Taiwanese funeral director takes custody at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) cargo terminal. The Household Registration Office (huji suo) under the Ministry of the Interior registers the death and issues the death certificate in Traditional Chinese. All foreign documents require certified Traditional Chinese translation. Taiwan is not a formal Hague Apostille Convention member; document authentication follows bilateral arrangements through the Taipei Representative Office or equivalent trade office. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation is the near-universal method of disposition in Japan. The kotsuage ceremony of collecting ashes is integral to Japanese Buddhist tradition and is conducted before any international repatriation of cremated remains. 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. 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 Taiwan.
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