A will is a legally binding document that clearly expresses how you wish to distribute your assets after your passing — specifying who will receive what, and how.
Its main purpose is to prevent inheritance disputes and to ensure your wishes are carried out as intended.
There are several types of wills in Japan, including holographic wills, notarized wills, and sealed wills.

Legal heirs are those who are entitled by law to inherit the estate of a deceased person.
Before any inheritance division discussions can take place, it is essential to confirm exactly who the legal heirs are.
This confirmation process is referred to as "Procedures to Identify Legal Heirs".

Specific legatee: A person designated in the will to receive specific property or assets.
Person with special relationship to the deceased: A person who lived with or cared for the deceased, or had another special relationship.
In such cases, a decision by the Family Court may be required.

If the deceased left no will, the heirs will discuss and decide how to divide the estate through an inheritance division conference.
Once an agreement is reached, the contents are documented in a Written Agreement on Division of Inheritance, signed and sealed by all heirs.

During this process, the heirs will determine which assets are to be inherited and in what proportions—usually based on statutory inheritance shares.
Subsequent procedures, such as property title transfers and inheritance tax filings, are also discussed.

Preparing a written agreement helps prevent future disputes by clearly documenting the consent of all parties.
It is important to list not only the deceased’s positive assets but also any liabilities (such as debts) to ensure a complete and fair inheritance process.