While a parent still has capacity, they can sign a notarized arrangement naming who will manage their affairs later, which is the closest thing Japan has to a durable power of attorney. It only activates when capacity fails, with oversight. The window is the catch: once dementia sets in, this door closes and court guardianship is all that remains. If a parent is still sharp, raise it now rather than assuming there is time.
Read more: Legal authority and guardianship
Related terms
- 成年後見制度（seinen kouken）— adult guardianship
- 家族信託（kazoku shintaku）— family trust
- 死後事務委任契約（shigo jimu inin）— post-death affairs mandate
Where to go next
This word will come back at the home assessment or in the first care plan. The full Japanese elder care glossary holds 52 terms, and the long-term care insurance guide shows where each one sits in the process.
If you would rather someone handled the Japanese side, our care navigation service does that, and the first consultation is 30 minutes and free. Definitions here are general orientation and rules vary by municipality; see our editorial policy or contact us with your situation.