Write your will

Your will should set out:

• who you want to benefit from your will

• who should look after any children under 18

• who is going to sort out your estate and carry out your wishes after your death (your executor)

• what happens if the people you want to benefit die before you 

Make sure your will is legal

The two most common types of wills in Japan are notarized wills and holographic wills.

A notarized will:

• can be drafted by a lawyer or notary public

• is signed before 2 or more witnesses (Civil Code Article969)

• is notarized by a koshonin( notary public)

 *Witnesses should NOT be minors, relatives, or anyone who will benefit from the will or notary    

   employees.

*If a will-maker 

• does not understand the Japanese language 

• cannot speak or hear

• does not understand written words

notaries must have an interpreter attend the creation of a will. （Notary Act Article 30）

*If a will-maker 

cannot appear in a notary's office due to medical or other reasons, a notary can visit his/her residence or hospital.

The price the notary charges to make the will depends on how much your estate worth.

The price chart is available here. https://www.koshonin.gr.jp/pdf/english2.pdf