How to get my mother-in-laws ashes to Japan? -

My mother in law use to serve in the Marines. She was stationed in Japan for several years. She wanted her ashes to be put on the land that she lived over there. Can anyone please tell me what I need to do to get her ashes over there. Please help.

Ok. I am not exactly sure but I believe that Japanese Law doesn t allow people to quot;legallyquot; put/release/spread the ashes of any deceased person here in Japan. I believe that any remains can, according to the law, only be interned in legally recognized quot;cemetariesquot;. Some people are trying to change this law. You can read a little bit more about it here. http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asah... So, unfortunately, I think it might be hard for you to quot;legallyquot; honor your mother s wishes. Perhaps, your best bet would be to contact the nearest Japanese Consulate to you or the Japanese Embassy in Washington DC. You don t have to reveal too much personal information. Just explain you situation in an email or over the phone and perhaps they will be able to tell you what your options are. Transporting remains from one country to another is a pretty hard thing to do. There s tons of red tape. The US Embassy in Tokyo s web page lists the procedures for handling the remains of US Citizens who die in Japan. They seem to be quite involved so I d imagine bringing remains in involves just as much red tape. http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-71... Once again, I think the best thing would be to call the Japanese Embassy in DC or the Consulate nearest to you. http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/ht... Best of luck

I am not sure if you are allowed to mail them to an FOP or not, but if you contact the post office, I am sure they will tell you if you can or not. If you are able, send them to the base where she was to an OIC (officer in charge) and explain the situation, and if he is willing or can give the task to someone, mail the ashes in a sturdy, box where the ashes won t pour out. If you are willing to fly and do it yourself, I am sure customs will let you go if you bring proof from the funeral home where she was cremated.

As far as I know GD is right, it s not permitted to scatter ashes here. But contact the embassy for advice, they might be able to suggest something suitable. I don t think it s legal to mail them though, I believe they have to be in someone s hand luggage. On the other hand, if she actually wanted to be scattered on US military land, then I guess you d need to contact them.

take them in your hand luggage. you may need proof as to what they actually are. Talk to the vramatorium and explain your problem. customs are going to need proof though.

I would like to suggest to coordinate with a funeral home. I think there are certain important things that the funeral homes are familiar with and know how to handle.

I d call the post office first. I m sure there s laws on sending human remains out of the country. You don t want customs to stop them, nor have them get lost. DHL or Fed Ex might be able to handle this special shipping item.