Japan Civil Code Amendment Enacted: Digital Wills (Hoan Shosho Yuigon) to Be Created — When Does the Seal Requirement End, and What Do You Need If You Write a Will Today?

On June 17, 2026, Japan's National Diet enacted the Act Partially Amending the Civil Code and Other Laws (Act No. 45 of Reiwa 8), which was promulgated on June 24. The amendment makes three major changes to Japan's will system: (1) creating a new type of digital will called the hoan shosho yuigon (custody certificate will), (2) abolishing the seal requirement for handwritten wills, and (3) adding a special emergency form using audio/video recording.

However, as of July 2026, current law still applies. "Enacted" does not mean "immediately in effect." This article explains the implementation timeline and what the rules are if you write a will right now.

The Three Changes and Their Implementation Dates

What Rules Apply If You Write a Will Today?

Since the amendments are not yet in effect, current Civil Code rules govern any will you write today. A summary by will type:

• Handwritten will (juhitsu shosho yuigon): Must be entirely handwritten, dated, signed, and sealed — the seal remains required until the amendment takes effect (approx. June 2027).
• Legal Affairs Bureau custody (Yuigon-sho Hoan-ho): The existing system is still available and fully operational (fee: ¥3,900). The digital version will become available after the relevant amendment takes effect.
• Notarial will (kosho shosho yuigon): Unaffected by the amendment. Executed before a notary and two witnesses; the most secure option for preventing disputes.

What Will the Digital Will System Look Like?

Once implemented, the key features of the hoan shosho yuigon are expected to include:

• Create the will content online via smartphone or PC
• Authenticate with a My Number card or other digital ID and apply an electronic signature
• The Legal Affairs Bureau stores the data and notifies heirs after the testator's death
• No handwriting required — accessible for elderly persons or those with physical disabilities
• No probate (kenshin) required, same as the existing custody system

Why You Shouldn't Wait

The amendment lowers the barriers to will-making — but implementing it takes time. The biggest risk of waiting for the digital will system to launch is that your health or mental capacity may change in the meantime, making it impossible to execute a valid will. At Sakura Chuo Legal Office, we support will creation under the current system and can advise you on which format best fits your circumstances. Contact us for a free initial consultation.

Summary

Japan's Civil Code amendment enacted June 24, 2026 will significantly reshape the will system — but on a phased schedule: the seal abolition takes effect within one year (approx. June 2027), and the digital will system within three years (approx. June 2029). If you write a will today, current rules apply: a seal is still required. Rather than waiting for new systems, now is a good time to put your estate plan in order using the existing framework.