Japan Repatriation Services

Repatriation Process from Japan to Other Countries 

The repatriation process is not that easy, and you need many legal documents from the government and local authorities, embassy clearance, and other factors like logistical and cultural considerations. Whether it is due to a tragic accident, a natural death, or the death of a loved one while living abroad, repatriating a deceased person's remains home requires careful planning and compliance with both Japanese and international laws.

At Last Journey Funeral Services, we provide the best repatriation services in Japan and other countries. We have completed more than 1000+ Repatriations worldwide with the dignity and care they deserve. During this tragic time when every family member is stressed and going through the trauma of losing a loved one abroad, it's very challenging and almost impossible to manage everything required for hassle-free and the best repatriation services. You can completely rely on us. We will manage everything from documentation to flight cargo booking, arranging coffin boxes, and embalming.

You can call us directly. We will explain everything you need to know. Our experts are working 24/7 to assist you and answer any questions you have regarding repatriation services in Japan or from Japan. Now, let’s learn about every challenge that comes while transporting a dead body and understand the complete Repatriation process and cost, including all the factors.

Repatriation Services from Japan to other Countries Mentioned Below

Legal Requirements for Repatriation in Japan

Transferring the deceased body from Japan begins with obtaining the necessary legal documentation. In Japan, when a person dies, a death certificate is issued by the local doctor or hospital. The certificate must then be registered with the local town or ward office to receive a family register certificate (Kosiki Tohun) and an official death notification (Shibu Toduk). Once the death is registered, the family or representative needs to obtain the essential documents necessary for international transport:

Death certificate Reporting: If somebody dies in the hospital, the hospital issues the death certificate. If the death is outside the hospital, the police must be notified. The police arrange for the dead body to be transported to the hospital, where a doctor can issue the death certificate.

Informing the consulate and Embassy: The next step is to notify the deceased’s home or country embassy in Japan. The consulate or embassy will assist with the required documentation and help with local authorities and funeral services.

Obtaining the Japanese Death Certificate: The municipal office provides this Japanese death certificate, also known as Shibu Todok butcher Jiko Shumishu, which is required for the return process.

Acquiring the cause of death certificate: If the death is due to abnormal circumstances, a death certificate stating the cause of death may be required. A physician issues this document.

Passport of the deceased Person: The original passport of the deceased person must be submitted. It will be revoked after the death is officially recorded.

Transport Logistics involved in Repatriation: After ensuring the legal documents are in order, the next step is to manage the logistics of transporting the body. Most bodies are transported by air, and the process involves coordination between the funeral home, airlines, and the consulate or embassy of the deceased's home country.

Funeral house preparation: The funeral house prepares the body for transportation. This includes coating if necessary, placing the body in a suitable coffin, and ensuring all documents are ready. If any document is pending, then make it quickly. The coffin must meet international air transport regulations. Usually, the inside of a wooden outer coffin includes a hermetically sealed metal container.

Airline coordination: Not all airlines are equipped to handle the transportation of the deceased. Therefore, the family or representative must work with a funeral home and have experience arranging services. The airline requires the notification and proper paperwork to ensure compliance with international laws and safety standards.

Embassy and consulate involvement: The consulate or embassy of the dead person's home country plays an important role in repatriation. They help verify your documents, advise on legal requirements, and support the family. Some other countries may require additional paperwork or unique protocols, so discussing the consulate in advance is important.

Cultural sensitivity needs to be followed for Repatriation services in Japan.

In Japan, as in different other cultures, handling dead bodies is a matter of deep respect and tradition. Japanese customs regarding death and cremation are rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, where the corpse is handled with great care.

If the deceased person was a foreigner, it is important to respect Japanese customs and the customs of the deceased's home country. For example, while embalming is uncommon in Japan, it may be a standard practice in the deceased's home country. Similarly, some cultures have specific rituals or requirements for how a corpse should be handled, which must be reported to Japanese authorities and funeral services.

Financial and Cost Considerations for Repatriation

Moving a body internationally is expensive. Costs vary widely depending on distance, airline, requirements, and funeral home services. The cost of repatriating a body from Japan can range from 10k to 25k dollars or in Indian rupees from 10Lakh to 25Lakh rs.

Repatriation Services Cost From Japan to any other Country

Transporting a dead body from Japan to another country is a very complicated process that involves many steps, each of which has different costs. Understanding these steps and their associated costs is important for your families and those going through these difficult times. The average cost for repatriation from Japan ranges from 5,000 USD to 15,000 USD. Our guide will describe the process of transporting a body from Japan and detail the price of each step.

Legal Certificate and Documents: This document is issued by a hospital or doctor and is required to certify the death. The cost of obtaining a death certificate in Japan is low, around $5 to USD 10.

Family Register Certificate (Koseki Tohon): This certificate is obtained from the local town registrar's office and must be registered at death. It costs approximately $3 to USD 5.

Death Notification (Shibo Todoke): This document must also be registered with the local city or ward office, and the cost is obtained similarly to Kosiki Tohn.

Coffin Certificate and Embalming Certificate: These certificates are provided by the funeral home handling the body. The cost of the Coffin certificate and embalming ranges from ¥ $200,000 to ¥ $300,000, approximately $1000 to $1900.

Passport Cancellation: The deceased’s passport must be submitted to the embassy for cancellation. Therefore, there are no fee services.

Permission for Transportation of Remains: The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan has released this document, and costs may vary depending on local regulations. The approximate range is from ¥7,000 to ¥15,000 or $50 to $100.

Funeral Home Services: The next big expense comes from funeral home services. Funerals in Japan manage the preparation of the body for home transportation, including lemming (if necessary), placing the body in a suitable coffin, and making sure that all documents are in order.

Basic funeral home services: The cost of these services can depend very broadly on the level of service required. The basic range starts from the preparation of the body, typically ¥400,000 to ¥600,000 & approximately $4000 to $8000.

Coffin Box: The coffin must meet international air transport regulations, typically requiring a metal container inside a wooden outer coffin. The starting price of a coffin is ¥ $160,000 to ¥ $400,000 and approximately $200 to $500.

Airline transportation costs: One of the most important costs is the airline's cost of transporting the body from Japan. These costs depend on the weight of the floor, airline, and coffin.

Air Cargo Fees: Transporting a dead body as air cargo is typically priced by the weight of the coffin. the cost range started from ¥500,000 to ¥2,000,000 approx. $2200 to $3500. This fee usually covers transportation from Japan to other country airports. 

Additional airline fees: Some airlines may charge additional fees for handling and documentation. These extra fee ¥60,000 to ¥150,000 and approx. $500 to USD 1000.

Embassy Fees: The consulate or embassy of the deceased person's home country often plays a role in repatriation. They can help verify documents, provide translations, and simplify transportation.

Consular Services: The cost of consular services depends on the country. In some cases, no services are provided for free; in others, there may be a fee. The starting cost range is ¥ $11,000 to ¥ $70,000 and approximately $100 to USD 500.

Transportation to the Airport: Getting the dead body to the airport in Japan costs around 100 USD to 500 USD.

Burial Services: The funeral home usually arranges to transport the body from the place of death to the funeral home and then to the airport. The Cost range starts from ¥ $70,000 to ¥ $150,000 and approximates $500 to $1500, depending upon the distance.

List of Required Documents for Repatriation Process from Japan

Repatriation of the dead body of a deceased loved one in their home country is a more complex and more sensitive process that requires careful attention to legal and medical requirements. Obtaining the correct documents is important for ensuring the dead body can be transported legally and respectfully. There are some steps to guide the required document for dead body repatriation.

Death Certificate: The first and most important document is the death certificate. This document is issued by the doctor or medical institution of the country where the death occurred. It officially confirms the cause and time of death. A death certificate is required for almost every stage in the repatriation process.

Ensure the death certificate is accurate and contains all the necessary information, including the official language of the country where the dead body is going and the official translation.

Coffin Certificate: A coffin certificate is required to ensure the dead body has been placed in a suitable coffin for transport to the international airport. The coffin must be sealed with zinc or metal lining to prevent leakage.

Local Burial Permit: A local burial permit may be required if a person is burned in the current country. This document informs a local authority of and approves the final arrangement of the dead body.

Flight Booking and Cargo Declaration: The document contains an order to book a flight for the Repatriation of the dead body. Airlines required a cargo declaration detailing the coffin's weight and confirmation of legal requirements.

Certificate Of NOC Destination Country: Some countries require an NOC before allowing the body to be sent back. This certificate is issued by the embassy or consulate of the destination country, which is said to have no objection to bringing the body into the country. For all the documents mentioned above, the No Objection Certificate NOC must be obtained from relevant authorities in the destination country.

Export Human Permit Remains: A human export permit permits the transport of human remains. This important document is issued by the health authorities or the health minister in the country where the death occurred. It is legal to remove the dead body from the current country to the destination country. This certificate required supporting documents such as a death certificate and identity proof. 

Deceased Passport: The deceased’s passport can be submitted as part of the repatriation process. The passport issue and verification of the deceased and, if canceled by the issuing country, the embassy are part of the repatriation procedure.

The main point is that an original passport is needed, and it should be safe throughout the process. After the Repatriation, the passport is returned to the family of the dead body.

Procedure of Moving Deceased from Japan to any other country

The main procedure of moving a body from Japan to other countries is also known as repatriation. It is a detailed and sensitive process that requires a death certificate and strict legal and cultural protocols. This procedure involves multiple steps, and each step must be carefully managed to ensure the dead body is transported with dignity and respect. Our guide to the procedure of moving a body from Japan to other countries 

Conclusions

Moving a body from Japan to another country involves multiple steps, each carefully coordinated with legal and cultural protocols. From obtaining the necessary documentation to working with funeral destination homes and airlines, the process is more complex but manageable with true and right supporters.

The family needs to work closely with professionals and experiences in international repatriation to ensure that the process is handled and the respect and dignity that the deceased deserves.