Day to Reflect on the Meaning of a Will (Igon no Imi wo Kangaeru Hi)

What is the Day to Reflect on the Meaning of a Will?

January 13th is observed in Japan as the "Day to Reflect on the Meaning of a Will" (Igon no Imi wo Kangaeru Hi). It was established by Egao Sozoku Sodanshitsu, a general incorporated association based in Minato Ward, Tokyo, that helps people with inheritance matters, and was certified by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2018. The Japan Anniversary Association's website now lists the NPO "Egao de Sozoku wo," which supports people with inheritance issues, as the organization that established the day. The date marks January 13, 2019, when an amendment to Japan's inheritance law relaxed the formal requirements for handwritten wills, and it also works as a wordplay: "i (1) gon no i (1) mi (3)" — "the meaning of a will." The day is meant to prompt people to think about the importance and meaning of a will.

What Is a Will?

A will is a document that records how a person wishes their assets to be divided after death, along with messages for the people they leave behind. Its forms range from legally binding documents to heartfelt letters to family members. Far from being merely an instruction sheet for dividing property, a will can also be an important way of leaving behind a record of one's life.

Types of Wills

In Japan, there are three main types of legally valid wills: the "self-written will" (handwritten by the person themselves), the "notarized will" (drawn up at a notary's office), and the "secret will" (whose contents can be kept confidential). Each has its own characteristics, and the right choice depends on the person's circumstances and goals. Previously, a self-written will had to be entirely handwritten, including the list of assets; since January 13, 2019, that asset list may be prepared on a computer or replaced with copies of bankbooks and similar documents (each page must still be signed and sealed).

Writing a Will

Writing a will is by no means a bad omen. On the contrary, it's a positive act of looking back on one's life and expressing gratitude to the people who matter most. Thinking about what to leave behind, and to whom, can also clarify how you want to live in the present.

A Gift to Your Family

Without a will, it's not uncommon for surviving family members to end up in disputes over how an estate should be divided. Preparing a will in advance can be seen as a final gift—protecting the people you love from being caught up in conflict.

A Way to Express Your Feelings

Even sections without legal force, known as "supplementary notes," can include messages of gratitude and hopes for the future. Words that might feel too embarrassing to say out loud may come more naturally in the form of a written will.

When to Think About Writing a Will

• When your family situation changes, such as through marriage or the birth of a child
• When you acquire significant assets, such as real estate or a business
• When you reach a major life milestone, such as retirement
• When illness or injury prompts you to think about your health
• When the death of someone close leads you to reflect on your own life

Starting With an "Ending Note"

For those who feel that jumping straight into writing a formal will is too daunting, starting with an "ending note" (a personal record of wishes and important information) is a good first step. While it has no legal force, it can help you organize your wishes and information to share with your family, and serve as useful preparation for eventually writing a will.

Making the Most of This Day

The Day to Reflect on the Meaning of a Will is not a day to dwell on death—it's a day to think about how you want to live. What truly matters to you? What do you want to convey, and to whom? This is a good opportunity to spend some time facing yourself honestly. It might just be the first step toward a richer life going forward.