Death Verification Investigations by Foreign Insurance Companies
Why Is a Third-Party Investigator Needed?
Foreign insurance companies are unable to independently verify the authenticity of Japanese documents submitted by claimants (relatives). As a result, they commission third-party investigation firms like ours to carry out the following:
- Obtain documents directly from the original sources (hospitals, government offices, funeral homes, etc.)
- Conduct verbal confirmation interviews with relevant parties
Why must documents be obtained directly from the source? Documents submitted by claimants cannot be guaranteed to be free from forgery. It is therefore necessary for a third-party firm to obtain equivalent documents directly from the source for cross-verification.
Cultural Differences Between Japan and Other Countries
For Japanese people who are accustomed to deferring to government authorities and institutions, this type of investigation may feel unusual or intrusive. However, it is important for those involved to understand that foreign investigations operate under different principles and procedures.
There is also a significant difference in how death notices (Obituaries) are handled publicly.
| Most Countries | Japan |
Obituaries | Newspapers commonly publish obituaries for ordinary people. | Newspaper obituaries typically feature only public figures. |
Approach to Death | Publicly available information | It is typically regarded as confidential information. |
This cultural difference is often difficult for foreign insurance companies and investigators to understand.
Reference Table: Sources and Documents for Death Verification
Source | Documents / Verification Methods | Notes |
Hospital | Death Certificate, Medical Records, Autopsy Report (sudden death / accidental death) | Power of attorney from the next of kin is required |
Medical Examiner’s Office | Autopsy Report | Power of attorney from next of kin required. Offices exist only in the Tokyo 23 Wards, Osaka City, and Kobe City |
Crematorium (Ceremonial Hall) | Cremation Permit Certificate | Re-issuance is difficult. Interviews with staff are possible |
Funeral Hall (Ceremonial Hall) | Invoices, receipts, etc. | The funeral hall and crematorium may be the same facility |
Funeral Company | Funeral Service Certificate | Power of attorney from the chief mourner is required |
Cemetery / Temple / Church | Gravestone | On-site interviews with staff or visual inspection of the gravestone |
Municipal Office | Residence Record (Jūminhyō) | Power of attorney from a claimant in the same household, or engagement of a licensed attorney required |
Municipal Office | Family Register (Koseki Tōhon / Jōkoseki Tōhon) | Power of attorney from a direct-line relative, or engagement of a licensed attorney required |
Municipal Office | Death Registration Acceptance Certificate | Power of attorney from a direct-line relative is required |
Newspaper | Obituary | Public figures only |
Online Articles | Obituary | Public figures only. Some remote areas, such as Okinawa, have a culture of publicly announcing deaths |
Embassy | Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA) | In the case of a non-Japanese national, the embassy issues a death certificate based on records registered in Japan |
