Kevin Gowen wrote:
> declan_murphy@hotmail.com wrote:
> > Is there a public trustee system (or equivalent) that I can register a
> > will with inside Japan, either for my Japan assets only or for all?
> > Googling around hasn't been particularly productive so far, but I'm
> > probably not using the right search strings.
>
> As far as I know, most countries, include Japan, have no such animal.

Possibly, hence an equivalent. Failing that a reliable and realistic
alternative.

> I'm not sure exactly what services you are looking for, but you may wish
> to consult with the 公証人 in your district. Part of their practice is
> the drafting of wills, and the maintenance of the originals of same. I
> suspect that your Japanese will would only be controlling over property
> located within Japan, although I am rather unfamiliar with Japanese law
> regarding such matters.

Basically I would only be looking for a trustee to appoint/whatever an
executor to liquidate the estate and distribute/repatriate the funds as
directed. At the moment the will is with the NSW Public Trustee, and
I'm not overly convinced that they could (or should be responsible for)
handle assets offshore. Since if I walked under a Toyota tomorrow more
than half of the assets to dispose of would be in Japan, and I've no
family here, its time for a change in arrangements. I'll contact the
local koushounin and see whats on.