Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to the United Kingdom
For families bringing someone home to the United Kingdom. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Japan to the UK: what to expect
Japan has one of the most distinctive repatriation processes: embalming is not standard practice and must be specifically requested, and cremation is so widespread (over 99% of Japanese deaths) that returning ashes is often the simplest option. Full body repatriation is straightforward once embalming is arranged.
- 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.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to the United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. 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
British Embassy 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
UK funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to the United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to the UK 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 British Embassy in Tokyo can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Japanese documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in the United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Japanese documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British Embassy in Tokyo can register the death and advise. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 the United Kingdom.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO: When someone dies in Japan · Japan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions