Examples of Inheritance Methods Key Points for Changing Ownership by Asset Type: Bank Accounts, Stocks, Vehicles, Membership Rights, Cryptocurrency Examples of Inheritance Methods

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Author Aki Kojima

Certified Public Tax Accountant with an MBA, member of the Association of Micro M&A Professionals, and licensed real estate agent. I provide tax advisory services, asset management consulting, and support for business owners, freelancers, and sole proprietors. I have extensive experience in international sales, accounting, labor relations, recruiting, and IT management. In addition to my professional work, I write articles and books on taxation and financial education. I enjoy swimming, reading, photography, and spending time in nature with my two children.

November 18, 2025

November 18, 2025

This time, let’s take a comprehensive look at the process for changing ownership in the event of an inheritance.

Savings and Deposits

For savings and deposits, inheritance is completed by visiting the bank to change the account holder’s name. In this case, the necessary documents include the family register, seal registration certificate, the third copy of the will, transaction records for the financial institution account, passbook, cash card, and inheritance tax documents.

Securities

The method of inheritance for listed stocks differs slightly from that for deposits and savings.

In contrast, for securities, the heirs must first open a new account. The inheritance process is completed by transferring all the stocks held by the deceased into that account. For this transfer, procedural documents such as a name change request form must be submitted.

Non-listed Stock

For non-listed shares, the securities company does not hold the shares on its books. In such cases, the company that issued the shares must handle the transfer of ownership. For transfers, you will similarly need to submit documents such as a share transfer request form.

Automobile

When inheriting a vehicle, you can change the ownership by submitting a transfer registration application to the regional transport bureau or similar office that oversees the deceased person’s address. For those who already own a vehicle and do not need to acquire another one, they may dispose of it by scrapping or selling it. However, even in this case, a temporary transfer of ownership to the heir is required.

For processing at the Land Transport Bureau, the Transport Department, branch offices, etc., the following documents are required: family register seal certificate, will, tripartite division document, automobile registration certificate, automobile storage location certificate, transfer registration application form, etc.

Membership Rights

In some cases, golf club memberships or resort hotel memberships held by the deceased may also require a change of ownership. Contacting the relevant party should clarify the procedure. However, some golf club memberships stipulate that the membership ceases upon the member’s death. In such cases, the membership cannot be inherited and will likely be terminated.

Additionally, if the inheritor doesn’t play golf or the golf course is too far away to keep, you should discuss selling it. Be sure to confirm the procedures for that golf course or resort hotel.

Inheritance of Transportation IC Cards

In this cashless era, you may inherit a transportation IC card. In such cases, it’s less about changing the name and more about refunding the remaining balance. A quick search will show you how to do it. Often, services will refund the account balance or electronic money. This is because some cashless payment systems, like the Maehara system, don’t support inheriting the account itself.

Inheritance of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is often traded through platforms called exchanges or trading platforms. Therefore, the procedures for changing ownership vary depending on the specific exchange or trading platform. For example, it is common to prepare documents such as a death certificate, family register, and inheritance papers, then submit proof of cryptocurrency holdings and complete the necessary applications and procedures. It is best to confirm the specifics directly with the exchange in question.

Summary

As such, the method of inheritance can vary depending on the asset. One reason inheritance procedures can be so challenging is that each item must be handled individually. Let’s tackle each one correctly and manage the process effectively.

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