After my last column, I received countless questions about inheritance—a topic that can feel more unbearable than the summer heat.
The most common concern, by far, was the issue of family conflicts that arise from it.
What is this “inheritance war”?
It’s when families are torn apart by disputes over money and assets.
Why does this tragedy happen to so many families?
When most people think of inheritance, they think of taxes.
And yes, it’s true that “tax planning” to reduce future inheritance taxes is important.
But my colleagues and I, all former officials from Japan’s National Tax Agency, are unanimous on this point:
“Tax planning is crucial, but ‘family planning’ is even more important.”
