英 語

Don’t Decide Your
“Inheritance Problems” Alone
What is inheritance?
Inheritance is the process of passing on property from a spouse or relative. There are two typesof inheritance: legal heirs, designated by law as heirs and “bequests to nonlegal heirs. Legal heirs
are defined by the “scope and priority of heirs”. The person with the highest priority is the“heir”.

Foreign nationals are also heirs if the“Scope and order of heirs” applies.
In Japan, inheritance is carried out inaccordance with Japanese law if thedeceased decedent was a Japanese citizen.
Even foreign nationals have the samerights and obligations to inherit property asheirs of Japanese nationality.

There is a risk to inheritance

Inheritors

Order

Spouse is always heir (1/2 of estate)Children/grandchildren(If no children, grandchildren)
Parents(If there are no parents)
Grandfather/Grandmother
Brother or sister of the deceased(If there are no brothers or sisters,then) nephews and nieces

1stplace
2nd
place
3rd
place

Inheritances vary anddepend on the kind of person the decedent was. When we think of inheritance,
we think of cash, deposits, buildings, securities, etc., but it may involve
obligations and risks in some cases. If the decedent was the head of a farmhousehold, inheriting fields or forest may create obligations and risks tomanage them. In some case you have to inherit negative assets such as debts
or loans.

Renunciation of inheritance is an act of contract
If the property to be inherited is more negative, or if there are obligations that will becomeburdensome in the future, or if you are returning to your home country because of the death ofyour husband you can renounce your inheritance. Disinheritance is a contractual act and cannot
be changed later. Consult a legal professional or a friend when you inherit (or disinherit). Do noteasily affix your seal or agree to sign anything.

How can I consult a legal professional?
It is especially complicated if the heirs are foreign nationals. Legal
professionals are lawyers and judicial scriveners. If you do not have acontracted specialist, you can use “Houterasu (free legal consultation center).
You can also utilize free legal advice from the local government.
If you need translation or interpretation services related to inheritance,
Fujimino International Cultural Exchange Center will assist this service fora fee.
◆◆ 2 ◆◆英 語Life Consultation
Monday to Friday 10:00 to 16:00

My wife and I are foreign citizens. We have a daughter, who started first grade this year. We
are looking for a classroom to help our daughter with her homework and studies after school
and on weekends. Are there any such classes?
There are many free learning support classes offered by Japanese volunteers in Saitama
Prefecture.
You can find language class near your home on the website “Child Support Network Saitama（ https://kodomoouen.pref.saitama.lg.jp/map/shien”
or Asuport （ https://kodomoshiennetasuport.net/）.
At FICEC’s International Children’s Club, many children with foreign roots study every Saturday
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
What should I do if I lost my residence card or passport?
Foreign nationals 16 years of age or older must carry their residence card with them at all times.
If you lose your residence card or passport, go to a police station or police box immediately toreport the loss and obtain a “certificate of acceptance”. Take the certificate to the embassy of yournationality in Japan for reissuance. For details, consult Foreign Residents Information Center(Tel. 0570-013904).

You can read Public Relations“Fujimi” in multiple languages

Public Relations is full of important
information about the community andcity services. In Fujimi-shi, public
relations can be read on smartphones andPCs in multiple languages. Down load theapp from the QR code or access thebrowser version.

The event is held on the first Sunday of every
month at 2:00 p.m. This is a gathering to enjoy
conversation in English only for 90 minutes.
Would you like to make friends over tea?
● Date/Time: Sunday, November 6, 14:00 ～15:30● Place/ FICEC● Participation fee/ 500 yen (for tea)
● Capacity/12 persons● Application／049-256-4290

The Japan 3-Day March
Why don't you join us for a walk throughthe Japanese autumn scenery?

11/
You can also join this eventon the day of the event!

100,000 people gather for the International Walking
Festival!
The tour will walk around Higashimatsuyama Cityand other areas rich in nature. There are 50, 40, 30,20, 10, and 5-kilometer courses to choose from tosuit your fitness level. The start time differs
depending on the course.
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