Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Japan
For families bringing someone home to Japan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United States to Japan: what to expect
The United States and Japan maintain one of the world's most important bilateral alliances, with a large American expat community in Japan working in finance, technology, military, and education. Hundreds of thousands of American nationals visit Japan each year for tourism and cultural exchange. The Japanese Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When an American national dies in Japan and their family wishes to repatriate remains to the United States, the death must be registered with the local municipal office within seven days under the Family Register Act. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members; Japan joined in 1970, the United States in 1981.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The relevant Embassy or Consulate of the destination country can assist with documentation requirements.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan Embassy in Washington DC 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 Japan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal of the receiving airport. Major international cargo gateways include Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Kansai International Airport Osaka (KIX), Chubu Centrair International Airport Nagoya (NGO), and Fukuoka Airport (FUK). Death registration in Japan is handled by the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) where the death occurred or where the deceased was registered. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be filed within seven days of death under the Family Register Act. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths and must complete their investigation before the body is released. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Japanese translation for the municipal office. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Embassy of Japan in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) in the receiving area for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Japan takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate 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 Japan Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), Kansai (KIX), Nagoya (NGO), Fukuoka (FUK), or another cargo terminal depending on the final destination. The local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) handles death registration; the shibo todoke must be filed within seven days under the Family Register Act. Police handle violent or unexplained deaths. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; foreign documents must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Japanese translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. 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 the United States, 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 the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions