Urgent Question for International Genealogists: What exactly do you need from Japanese genealogists?
I’m genuinely struggling to understand what probate genealogists need from me.
Here’s my problem:
The probate genealogy profession doesn’t exist in Japan. When probate genealogists contact me asking for “assistance” with Japanese cases, I honestly have no idea what they’re asking for. They use vague terms like “assist” or “collaborate,” assuming we share common understanding – but we don’t. When I ask for details, they often don’t respond.
Why I’m confused:
Japan’s koseki (family register) system works completely differently from what you’re familiar with:
- Koseki is a comprehensive official certificate of family relationships – it’s the ONLY document needed to establish inheritance rights in Japan
- Any heir can quickly obtain koseki for all family members
- Once you have koseki, you know all heirs and their addresses
- Therefore, “heir search” as a separate professional service doesn’t exist in Japan
About searching individuals in Japan:
The koseki system is effectively a nationwide individual database, BUT accessing it requires:
- Full name in kanji characters
- Date of birth
- Honsekichi (registered domicile)
- Applicant’s identification documents
- AND applicant must be the person listed, direct relative, or heir
There is NO other nationwide searchable database for individuals in Japan besides the koseki system.
What I desperately need to know:
When you say you need “assistance” with Japanese cases, what SPECIFICALLY are you asking for?
- You have an old address but need current location?
- You have romaji names without kanji?
- Decedent is non-Japanese so no koseki access?
- Something else entirely that I’m not understanding?
Please, I’m asking seriously:
If you work with Japanese cases or have tried to work with Japanese genealogists, what specific obstacles are you facing? What do you actually need done?
I genuinely want to help, but I can’t figure out what help is needed because our systems are so fundamentally different.
Your concrete examples would be invaluable.
#Genealogy #JapaneseGenealogy #ProbateGenealogy #HeirSearch #HelpNeeded
