The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo usually contacts the survivors or the executor of the estate
for reclamations from Japan. This is less costly than contacting the bank, in terms
of both time and money. Banks in Japan do not release funds until all of the inheritors have been contacted. Fees are also higher
than elsewhere, including foreign exchange fees.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo uses locally produced forms and letters for reclamations
of incorrect payments made to beneficiaries living in Japan. For suggested language
for letters sent to survivors on the deceased international direct deposit (IDD) beneficiary’s
record, see MBR Reflects an Entitled Survivor on the Deceased IDD Beneficiary’s Record,
GN 02408.950.