JapanAdvantages of notarial will?
A notarial will in Japan is highly reliable, cannot be contested on grounds of forgery or alteration, and avoids the time and cost of court verification after death.
What the Law Says
Japanese law gives notarial wills special legal status because they are executed under strict formalities before a notary public and witnesses. This ensures authenticity and eliminates common challenges faced by handwritten or witnessed wills.
Under the Civil Code, a notarial will (kōshōisho) is made in the presence of a notary public and at least two witnesses. The testator declares the will orally to the notary, who then records it verbatim and reads it back. All parties sign and seal the document.
Unlike holographic wills, a notarial will does not require later court verification (kōshō shōmei) to be used for inheritance procedures — making it immediately enforceable upon death.
The Civil Code explicitly states that a notarial will 'shall be valid if executed in accordance with the provisions of this section', and its form provides conclusive proof of authenticity.
Statutory TextA notarial will shall be valid if executed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
— Civil Code, s. 969 — Notarial Wills
Statutory TextThe testator shall declare the contents of the will orally to the notary public in the presence of at least two witnesses...
— Civil Code, s. 969, para. 1
What to Do
Visit a notary public office (kōshō-sho) with two adult witnesses who are not heirs or beneficiaries.
Orally declare your will’s contents to the notary; they will draft and read it aloud.
Sign and affix your personal seal (inkan) to the document, as must the notary and both witnesses.
Pay the statutory fee (typically ¥50,000–¥100,000, depending on estate value).
Store the original with the notary — no separate safekeeping needed.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-09.