ENGLISH-SPEAKING LAWYER IN TOKYO
An inheritance involving Japan?
A family member died in Japan, or left property here. Some deadlines start running right away.
Yusuke Abe, attorney
Admitted in Japan and New York · English & Japanese
- A family member died in Japan
- You inherited land, a home or bank accounts in Japan
- You live abroad and need someone on the ground
JAPANESE LAW
Three things to know
- 01
Which country’s law applies
Succession is governed by the law of the deceased person’s nationality.
Act on General Rules for Application of Laws, Art. 36
- 02
3 months to accept or renounce
Where Japanese law applies, an heir has 3 months from learning of the inheritance to accept it or renounce it at the family court.
Civil Code, Arts. 915 and 938
- 03
Register inherited real estate
Since April 2024, heirs must register inherited real estate in Japan within 3 years of learning they acquired it — older inheritances included.
Real Property Registration Act, Art. 76-2
General information as of November 2026. Your situation may differ — please ask us.
HOW WE HELP
What we can do
- Work out which law applies and who inherits
- Renunciation and family court filings
- Real estate registration and bank procedures
- Disputes between heirs
Yusuke Abe
Representative attorney
- Admitted in Japan (2018) and New York (2024)
- Anderson Mori & Tomotsune; Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Thailand)
- LL.M., Fordham University · Marshall Suzuki Law Group, San Francisco
- Fundamentals of M&A Practice, 3rd ed. (Shojihomu, 2025)
HOW IT WORKS
Three steps
- 01
Book a time
Pick a slot online, or send a short note through the form.
- 02
30 minutes, free
Online or in Otemachi, Tokyo — in English. No need to be in Japan.
- 03
Written estimate first
Approach and fees in writing. We start only once you agree.
FAQ
Quick answers
I live overseas. Can you handle this without me coming to Japan?
In many cases, yes. We tell you which documents are needed from abroad and handle the Japanese side.
Will I owe Japanese inheritance tax?
Property in Japan can be taxed in Japan even if you live abroad. We work with tax accountants on the tax side.
The deceased left debts. What should I do?
Do not use or sell the property yet, and talk to a lawyer soon — the 3-month period matters.
CONTACT
Tell us what is happening — in English
The first 30 minutes are free — in Japanese or English, online or in person.
Book a free consultation