What is a koseki?
A koseki is also known as an Official Family Registry. Koseki are maintained at municipal offices in the town, city or village that a family considers their home. The head of household, usually the oldest son, periodically records updates to koseki. Koseki are considered extremely private in nature and protected by the Japanese government. Koseki are only maintained for 80 years after the most recent entry. After 80 years, the koseki are set aside and most likely destroyed.
