It seems to me I heard somewhere that br wrote in article
<edg92m$p5s$1@nnrp.gol.com>:

>Kevin Gowen wrote:
>> declan_murphy@hotmail.com wrote:
>>> Somewhat off-topic (might be able to drag it onto the stumps from
>>> outside off) question.

>>> 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.
>> 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.

>Apparently some US states have such an animal.

>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_trustee

IIRC in California it's usually a trustee or guardian (actually often an
office or department) appointed by the courts or other administrative
agencies to oversee the assets and business matters of a person unable
or incompetent to make such decisions for themselves.   I don't think
their services would be available to private individuals, who would need
to consult an attorney specializing in areas like estate, family, or
business law.

Since we have 51 forms of government this probably doesn't apply
uniformly across the US.
-- 
Don Kirkman