In general, an heir needs to make renunciation of inheritance within three months of the time he/she has knowledge that there has been a commencement of inheritance for him/her. If an heir does not make renunciation of inheritance within this period, except for certain circumstances. An heir cannot renounce the decedent’s inheritance(Civil Code Art.915).

Under Japanese law, from the time of commencement of inheritance, an heir succeeds to the blanket rights and duties attached to the property of the decedent; (provided that this shall not apply to rights or duties of the decedent that are purely personal) (Civil Code Art. 896).

Please note: If an heir renounces the decedent’s inheritance, the heirs of the decedent’s heir do not inherit the decedent’s property.