How to Write a Will in Japan: A Complete Guide

Writing a will isn't just for the wealthy. In Japan, estate disputes among family members are common even with modest assets. The good news: since July 2020, the Legal Affairs Bureau storage system has made holographic wills safer and more accessible than ever, with over 110,000 wills stored by December 2025.

Three Types of Wills Under Japanese Civil Code

The Civil Code (Articles 960-1027) recognizes three will formats:

How to Write a Holographic Will

Mandatory Requirements

1. Write the entire text by hand — Typed/printed text is invalid (except property lists, which can be typed since the 2019 amendment)
2. Include a specific date — "March 22, 2026" is valid; "March, good day" is not
3. Sign your full name by hand
4. Affix your seal (印鑑) — Registered seal preferred, but personal seal is also valid

Common Reasons Wills Are Invalidated

Notarized Wills: The Most Secure Option

Created at a notary office (公証役場) with a notary recording the testator's wishes. Benefits include: no risk of formal invalidity, original stored at the notary office, and no probate verification (検認) needed.

Legal Affairs Bureau Storage System (Since July 2020)

Holographic wills can be deposited at Legal Affairs Bureaus. Over 110,000 wills have been stored as of December 2025.

Benefits

• No probate needed — Skips family court verification
• Prevents loss or tampering — Bureau stores the original
• Format check — Basic formal requirements verified at deposit
• Death notification — Designated persons notified after testator's death

Fees

• Storage application: ¥3,900
• Viewing (monitor): ¥1,400
• Viewing (original): ¥1,700

Forced Share (遺留分)

Even if a will leaves everything to one person, spouses and children have a legally guaranteed minimum share:

Securely Storing Will Location and Executor Details

Creating a will is pointless if your family can't find it. But you may not want them to know the contents while you're alive.

LOCK.PUB's encrypted memo feature lets you securely record:

• Where your will is stored (Legal Affairs Bureau number, notary office, etc.)
• Your designated executor's contact information
• Digital asset access details (crypto wallets, online accounts)

Share the password with a trusted family member or attorney — they can access the information only when needed.

Will-Writing Checklist

• Inventory all assets (real estate, savings, securities, insurance, digital assets)
• Confirm heirs (verify with family registry)
• Consider forced shares in your distribution
• Designate an executor
• Include backup provisions (if an heir predeceases you)
• Add a personal message to family (付言事項)

Conclusion

A will is one of the most important legal documents you'll ever create. Holographic wills are free and can be started today; the Legal Affairs Bureau storage system adds security without the cost of a notary.

Store your will's location and executor details securely using LOCK.PUB's encrypted memo — and share the password with someone you trust. It's the preparation that ensures your wishes are carried out.