Japan Enacts Bill Overhauling Guardianship System

On June 17, 2026, Japan's parliament enacted a bill to revise the Civil Code, overhauling the country's adult guardianship system for individuals with dementia and others. The House of Councillors approved the bill by a majority vote, with support from multiple political parties.

The revision allows individuals to opt out of support under the adult guardianship system based on their needs, a change from the current requirement of restoring decision-making capabilities to terminate such support. It consolidates the existing three types of guardianship into a single category of assistant, allowing the setting of assistants' powers on a case-by-case basis, such as support related to inheritance and real estate sales.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new system where specified assistants can revoke important asset-related transactions when support recipients lack the capacity to make judgments, subject to family court approval. Another significant change is the creation of digital wills, which can be created on computers and smartphones, with data stored at the Justice Ministry's regional legal affairs bureaus. Testators are required to read aloud the full text to bureau staff in person or through online meetings to ensure authenticity.

The new adult guardianship system is set to start within two years and six months, and the digital wills system within three years. These reforms aim to provide more flexible and individualized support for those requiring guardianship, reflecting a shift towards respecting personal autonomy and adapting to technological advancements.

For more details, refer to the original article: Japan Enacts Bill Overhauling Guardianship System