Notification of a divorce
A notification of a divorce should be made at a city, ward, town or village office.
Foreign nationals living in Japan should make a notification of a divorce in accordance with the Family Register Law.
A divorce should be reported to the government of the individual’s nationality. For information on procedures, consult the relevant embassy or consulate.
The conditions for the conclusion of a divorce vary according to the country. Japanese nationals must fulfill the conditions required in Japan, and foreign nationals must fulfill the conditions required in their country.

(1)    Notification period: Voluntary (Within 10 days after the conclusion of a divorce by arbitration, judgment or court ruling)
(2)    Notification applicant: Husband and wife (for divorces by arbitration, the petitioner)
(3)    Required documents:
1.    Notification of a Divorce Form (rikon todoke sho)
This is available at city, ward, town or village offices. This form must have the signature and seal of two adult witnesses.
2.    Copy of one’s Resident’s Registration (jumin hyo)
3.    Passport
4.    (genpyo kisai jiko shomei sho)


Note 1    The authorities responsible for applications, procedures, services and the naming of these may vary according to the city, ward, town or village.
         For details, ask a person who understands Japanese to enquire for you at your city, ward, town or village office.

Note 2    The information given is that confirmed as of July 2002. Note that a new system or system revisions may have been introduced after this date.

This information is from the CLAIR website. The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) was established in July 1988 in response to rising concerns about local level internationalization in Japan.