NPO Inks Agreement to Support Inheritance and End-of-Life Planning for Women

Enhancing Women's Support in Inheritance and End-of-Life Planning

On September 27, 2025, the NPO Corporation Inheritance and Real Estate Support Center, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, formalized a collaboration with the National Council of Women's Organizations, led by President Yoko Sakurai. This agreement, focused on inheritance, end-of-life planning, and bequest donation processes, aims to provide a supportive pathway for women and the elderly in addressing sensitive topics surrounding their life stages.

The initiative recognizes the emotional and bureaucratic complexity that often accompanies the end-of-life preparation, especially the issues related to inheritance—such as asset management, familial relationships, and legal documentation. Many women and elderly individuals expressed their concerns about not having accessible, trustworthy guidance when faced with end-of-life decisions. In response, this collaboration strategically combines the local connections of women's organizations with the expertise of professionals in law, taxation, and real estate, creating a more robust support framework.

The Role of Women's Organizations

The National Council of Women's Organizations (abbreviated as Zenjokai), established in 1952, represents a network of women's associations across Japan’s 48 prefectures and designated cities. With a focus on social education, disaster prevention, gender equality, and raising awareness on local issues, Zenjokai has become a crucial advocate for women's empowerment and active participation in society. By partnering with the Inheritance and Real Estate Support Center, the council will enhance its outreach capabilities in areas of inheritance and end-of-life planning.

Objectives of the Collaboration

The primary mission of the agreement is to foster a better-acquainted and accessible environment for women and elderly residents grappling with end-of-life and inheritance concerns. The collaborative efforts encompass several key activities:

1. Awareness and Educational Campaigns: Joint public seminars and consultation events will be organized to disseminate accurate information regarding inheritance and the bequest process, facilitating an informed decision-making atmosphere for community members.

2. Support for Liquidating Non-Cash Assets: Recognizing the challenges associated with untangling complex assets like unoccupied homes or difficult-to-manage properties, the collaboration will streamline the process of converting these assets into cash for donation purposes. This will lighten the load for those wanting to donate but facing obstacles with their non-liquid assets.

3. Free Consultation Services: Notably, this partnership will also ensure that community members can freely consult with legal and financial experts regarding various inheritance-related procedures, such as drafting wills or handling estate registrations. By removing the financial barriers, the initiative aims to provide an inclusive support system for everyone, thus encouraging community members to seek assistance when needed.

Voices from Leadership

Yoko Sakurai, President of Zenjokai, faced numerous inquiries from members regarding the lack of reliable resources for end-of-life and inheritance planning. Through this agreement, she expressed optimism about bolstering the relationship between local women's groups and trusted experts to address these community needs effectively.

Daiki Miyakawa, the Director of the Inheritance and Real Estate Support Center, emphasized that discussions around inheritance should not be viewed as daunting or distant matters but rather essential conversations everyone must have in their lives. He envisions a future where accessible support systems integrate seamlessly into communities, promoting proactive planning among residents.

Future Prospects

The NPO's past collaborations have included efforts in cities like Kawasaki and Yokohama, focusing on developing consultation networks for end-of-life and inheritance-related issues. With the new agreement, there is hope that the wheel of end-of-life support can be further spun nationwide through partnerships with women's organizations, solidifying community-centric approaches to support needs.

In conclusion, the Inheritance and Real Estate Support Center remains committed to fostering a landscape where individuals can prepare for the closing chapter of their lives authentically and confidently. As they move forward, collaboration with various experts and organizations will remain pivotal to achieving these goals, ensuring that every person can navigate the complex waters of end-of-life planning with dignity and peace of mind.

For inquiries regarding this collaboration, you may contact the Inheritance and Real Estate Support Center at [email protected].