Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to the United States
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Repatriation from Japan to the United States: what to expect
Japanese Americans and American nationals of Japanese descent maintain strong family ties to Japan, and Japan has a long-established diplomatic and trade relationship with the United States. California, Hawaii, and New York host large Japanese American communities. A death in Japan requires the Japanese authorities to issue an export permit and a sanitised coffin certificate before remains can depart. The US Embassy in Tokyo handles consular matters for American nationals dying in Japan. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Shibo kenshin-sho (Japanese death certificate) with certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Embalming must be explicitly requested.
- Bringing ashes home is significantly faster and simpler than full body repatriation.
- United States Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In United States
When the body arrives in the United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires a transit or burial permit, the foreign death certificate, and an embalming certificate. State health department regulations apply and vary by state. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required by state law. (US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
US Embassy in Tokyo can assist US citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. State Department emergency line: +1 (888) 407-4747 (within the US) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (from overseas), 24 hours.
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 the United States
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. 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
United States 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
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete. Japan Airlines Cargo and ANA Cargo operate direct routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United States funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to the United States 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 the ashes home to the United States 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 United States Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United States Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. US Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit or burial permit, and embalming certificate. State regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director notifies the medical examiner or coroner as required.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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 States.
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