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
Getting help with this
See the full Japanese elder care glossary, or start with our long-term care insurance guide. If you would rather have someone handle the Japanese side, our care navigation service helps foreign families step by step, and you can contact us with your situation. Definitions are general orientation; rules vary by municipality (see our editorial policy).