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). The date comes from a play on numbers: "1" is pronounced "i" and the combination 1-3 can be read as "i-gon" (a homophone evoking "igon," meaning "will" or "testament") and also as "i-san," meaning "isan," or "inheritance/estate." At this point early in the new year, the day offers an opportunity to look back on one's life and feelings toward loved ones, and to start thinking about writing 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.

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.