The information recorded in each family register is based on formal declarations made by citizens to their local government (municipality) at the time of a child’s birth, marriage, etc.

Such registers are maintained only for Japanese citizens; and as family registers are not established for foreigners, they also serve to certify Japanese citizenship.

In Japan, the family register is the only way to certify the identity and family relationships of Japanese citizens, such as identifying the heirs of the decedent and proving the family relationships and marriage. Heirs are identified by the family register in Japan.

Previously, it was required to show all the certified copies of the decedent’s family register to the banks.

However, now, once the heirs submit all the certified copies of the decedent’s family register to the legal bureau, it issues a certificate to show the heirs to the decedent. The heirs of the decedent can submit this certificate to the banks, insurance companies, etc. for the purpose of inheritance instead of submitting the collection of all the certified copies of the decedent’s family register. 

The procedure of inheritance became more convenient.