Will Day (Igon no Hi)

What Is Will Day?

Every year on April 15th, Japan observes "Will Day" (Igon no Hi), established by the Kinki Federation of Bar Associations. The date is a play on numbers: according to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, 4 and 15 read as "yoi (4) igon (15)," meaning "a good will" (originally it is said to have been "yu (4) - igon (15)" for "yuigon," will). The observance began when the Kobe Bar Association (now the Hyogo Prefectural Bar Association) held an event on this day in 1997; in 1998 the Kinki Federation of Bar Associations held commemorative events, and since fiscal 2004 the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) has called on bar associations nationwide to take part. The bright spring season, when cherry blossoms bloom, is also said to have been chosen to soften the gloomy image of wills. Around this day, bar associations across Japan hold free consultations on wills and inheritance.

Wills in Japan: Systems and Background

A will is an important way to put your wishes into form and reduce the burden on the family you leave behind.

• Storage of handwritten wills: Since July 2020, handwritten wills can be stored at a Legal Affairs Bureau, reducing the risk of loss or tampering.
• Growing interest: Wills used to be seen as something only for the elderly, but as "end-of-life planning" (shukatsu) has spread, more people are preparing early.

Why a Will Helps Your Family

• Easier procedures: Without a will, all heirs must agree on how to divide the estate. A clear will makes the process easier to move forward.
• Preventing disputes: Inheritance can easily cause disagreements among family members; having the deceased's wishes on record helps prevent them. This is one reason bar associations hold consultations on Will Day.

Fascinating Facts About Wills

• Two readings of the word: The word for "will" is commonly read "yuigon" in everyday speech, but legal professionals often read it "igon."
• "Good Will Day" too: Separately, November 15th is known as "Ii Igon no Hi" (Good Will Day).
• Leonardo da Vinci's birthday: April 15th is also Leonardo da Vinci's birthday. He, too, is said to have left a will entrusting his property and belongings to his pupils and family.
• Digital assets: Online bank accounts, social media accounts, and other "digital assets" have become a new issue, since family members may not even know they exist. Keeping a list is recommended.
• Personal messages: A will can include a supplementary note (fugen jikō) explaining why assets were divided a certain way, along with words of gratitude.

Tips for Spending Will Day

• Open just one page of an end-of-life planning notebook. Start not with money, but by writing a line of thanks to your family or a value you cherish.
• Organize your digital assets: check your smartphone subscriptions and where your family can find important information.
• Have a relaxed conversation with your family about "the future."
• If you have concerns, look up consultation events held by bar associations.

A Day to Turn Care for Your Family into Something Concrete

April 15th is a day to think about wills and take a first step toward putting your wishes into form. A will is not a sad farewell but an act of consideration that lightens the load for those left behind. In the bright days of spring, why not take one small, unhurried step toward being prepared?