Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from South Africa to Japan
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Repatriation from South Africa to Japan: what to expect
South African nationals in Japan include business professionals in the automotive and mining industries, academics, and a small diaspora community. South Africa and Japan have bilateral trade ties, with Japan a significant importer of South African platinum, coal, and agricultural products. Both countries are G20 members with close economic cooperation. English and Afrikaans documentation from South Africa requires certified Japanese translation for Japanese municipal office (koseki) registration purposes. The Japanese Embassy in Pretoria handles consular matters. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key documents: South African death certificate (BI-1663, Home Affairs registered) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Documentation is in English throughout.
- Japan Embassy in Pretoria can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita International (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (HND) cargo terminal, or Osaka Kansai International (KIX) for western Japan. The local municipal office registers the death in the koseki (family registry). Cremation is standard in Japan and a cremation permit from the municipal office is required. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the Japanese Embassy or consulate in the country of origin. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Pretoria can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency assistance: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from South Africa
Call 10177 for ambulance or 10111 for police. Unexpected deaths must be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Death registered with the local Department of Home Affairs. A certified BI-1663 form is issued as the death certificate.
Step by step
Timeline: South Africa to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Japan: +81 3 3580 3311).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with Home Affairs. BI-1663 death certificate issued.
Funeral director handles registration. Documents in English throughout.
Local funeral director and Home Affairs
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
South African funeral industry is professional and experienced with international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
Export documentation completed
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan 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 South Africa to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from South Africa to Japan takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving a SAPS investigation or death in a remote area can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: South African death certificate (BI-1663), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Japan Embassy in Pretoria can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Pretoria as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) cargo terminal. The municipal office registers the death in the koseki. Cremation is standard and requires a municipal permit. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the Japanese Embassy in the origin country and require certified Japanese translation.
Yes. Cremation in South Africa and bringing the ashes home to Japan is an option. You will need the BI-1663 death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in South Africa, 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 Japan.
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 South Africa (gov.uk) · South Africa repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions