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Civil Code of Japan

(This translation reflects the recent amendment effective 1st April, 2020 as long as the Article 1 thru 724-2 are concerned. Regarding Article 725 thru 1044 the translation does not necessarily reflects the recent amendment yet which is to follow.)

 

Part I General Provisions

Chapter ‡T Common Provisions

 

˜1@iFundamental Principles)

(1) Private rights must be congruent with the public welfare.

(2) The exercise of rights and performance of duties must be done in good faith.

(3) Abuse of rights is not permitted.

 

˜2@(Standards for Construction)

This Code must be construed so as to honor the dignity of individuals and the essential equality of both sexes.

 

Chapter ‡U Persons

Section 1 Capacity to Hold Rights

 

˜3@iCapacity to Hold Rightsj

(1) The enjoyment of private rights commences at birth.

(2) Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable laws, regulations, or treaties, foreign nationals enjoy private rights.

 

Section 2 Capacity to Act

 

˜4@iAge of Majority)

The age of majority is 18 years of age. (since 1/Apr./2022)

 

˜5@(Juridical Acts by Minors)

(1) A minor must obtain the consent of the minor's legal representative to perform a juridical act; provided, however, that this does not apply to a juridical act for merely acquiring a right or being released from an obligation.

(2) A juridical act in contravention of the provisions of para (1) is voidable.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), a minor may freely dispose of property that the legal representative has permitted the minor to dispose of for a specified purpose, to an extent that falls within the scope of that purpose. The same applies if the minor disposes of property that the legal representative has permitted the minor to dispose of without specifying a purpose.

 

˜6@(Permission for Minors to Conduct Business)

(1) A minor who is permitted to conduct one or multiple types of business has the same capacity to act as an adult as far as that business is concerned.

(2) In a case as referred to para 1, if there are grounds that make the minor unable to sustain that business, the legal representative may revoke or limit the permission therefor in accordance with the provisions of Part IV (Relatives).

 

˜7@(Decisions for Commencement of Guardianship)

The family court may decide to commence a guardianship in respect of a person who constantly lacks the capacity to appreciate the person's own situation due to a mental disorder, at the request of the person in question, that person's spouse, that person's relative within the 4th degree of kinship, the person's guardian of a minor, the person's supervisor of a minor's guardian, the person's curator, the person's curator's supervisor, the person's assistant, the person's assistant's supervisor, or a public prosecutor.

 

˜8@(Adult Wards; Adult Guardians)

A person subject to a decision for commencement of guardianship becomes an adult ward, and an adult guardian is appointed for that person.

 

˜9@(Juridical Acts by Adult Wards under Guardianship)

A juridical act performed by an adult ward is voidable; provided, however, that this does not apply to the purchase of daily necessities or to any other act involved in day-to-day life.

 

˜10@(Rescission of Decisions for Commencement of Guardianship)

If the grounds prescribed in Art 7 cease to exist, the family court must rescind the decision for the commencement of guardianship at the request of the person in question, that person's spouse, that person's relative within the 4th degree of kinship, the guardian (meaning a minor's guardian or an adult guardian), the guardian's supervisor (meaning the supervisor of a minor's guardian or the adult guardian's supervisor), or a public prosecutor.

 

˜11@(Decisions for Commencement of Curatorship)

The family court may decide to commence a curatorship in respect of a person whose capacity to appreciate their own situation is extremely inadequate due to a mental disorder, at the request of the person in question, the person's spouse, the person's relative within the 4th degree of kinship, the guardian, the guardian's supervisor, the assistant, the assistant's supervisor, or a public prosecutor; provided, however, that this does not apply to a person in respect of whom a cause set forth in Art 7 exists.

 

˜12@(Persons under Curatorship; Curators)

A person subject to a decision for commencement of curatorship becomes a person under curatorship, and a curator is appointed for that person.

 

˜13@(Acts Requiring Consent of Curator)

(1) A person under curatorship must obtain the consent of the curator in order to perform any of the following acts; provided, however, that this does not apply to an act provided for in the proviso of Art 9:

(i)receiving or using any property producing civil fruit;

(ii)borrowing money or guaranteeing an obligation;

(iii)performing an act with the purpose of acquiring or losing any right regarding immovables or other

significant property;

(iv)suing any procedural act;

(v)giving a gift, reaching a settlement, or entering into an arbitration agreement (meaning an arbitration

agreement as provided in Art 2 para (1) of the Arbitration Act);

(vi)accepting or renouncing a succession or dividing an estate;

(vii)refusing an offer of a gift, renouncing a legacy, accepting an offer of gift with burden, or accepting a

legacy with burden;

(viii)constructing a new building, renovating, expanding, or undertaking major repairs;

(ix)granting a lease for a term that exceeds the period set forth in Article 602; or

(x)performing any of the acts set forth in the preceding items as a legal representative of a person with

qualified legal capacity (meaning a minor, adult ward, or person under curatorship or a person under

assistance who is subject to a decision as referred to in Art 17 para (1); the same applies hereinafter).

(2) At the request of a person as referred to in the main clause of Art 11 or the curator or curator's supervisor, the family court may decide that the person under curatorship must also obtain the consent of the curator before performing an act other than those set forth in each of the items of para (1); provided, however, that this does not apply to an act provided for in the proviso to Art 9.

(3) If the curator does not consent to an act for which the person under curatorship must obtain the curator's consent even though it is unlikely to prejudice the interests of the person under curatorship, the family court may grant permission that operates in lieu of the curator's consent at the request of the person under curatorship.

(4) An act for which the person under curatorship must obtain the curator's consent is voidable if the person performs it without obtaining the curator's consent or a permission that operates in lieu of it.

 

˜14@(Rescission of Decisions for Commencement of Curatorship)

(1) If the grounds prescribed in the main clause of Art 11 cease to exist, the family court must rescind the decision for the commencement of curatorship at the request of the person in question, that person's spouse, that person's relative within the fourth degree of kinship, the guardian of a minor, the supervisor of a minor's guardian, the curator, the curator's supervisor, or a public prosecutor.

(2) At the request of a person provided for in the preceding paragraph, the family court may rescind all or part of the decision referred to inArt 13 para (2) e.

 

˜15@(Decisions for Commencement of Assistance)

(1) The family court may decide to commence an assistance in respect of a person whose capacity to appreciate their own situation is inadequate due to a mental disorder, at the request of the person in question, that person's spouse, that person's relative within the fourth degree of kinship, the guardian, the guardian's supervisor, the curator, the curator's supervisor, or a public prosecutor; provided, however, that this does not apply to a person with respect to whom there are grounds as prescribed in Art 7 or the main clause of Art 11.

(2) The issuance of a decision for commencement of assistance at the request of a person other than the person in question requires the consent of the person in question.

(3) A decision for commencement of assistance must be made concurrent with a decision as referred to in Art 17 para (1) or a decision as referred to in Arte 876-9 para (1).

 

˜16@(Persons under Assistance; Assistants)

A person subject to a decision for commencement of assistance becomes a person under assistance, and an assistant is appointed for that person.

 

˜17@(Decisions Requiring Person to Obtain Consent of Assistant)

(1) At the request of the person referred to in the main clause of Art 15 para (1) or the assistant or assistant's supervisor, the family court may decide that the person under assistance must obtain the consent of the person's assistant in order to perform a specific juridical act; provided, however, that the acts that such a decision may establish as those for which the person must obtain the consent of the assistant are restricted to a part of the acts provided for in Art 13, para (1).

(2) In order to decide as referred to in para (1) at the request of a person other than the person in question requires the consent of the person in question.

(3) If the assistant does not consent to an act for which the person under assistance must obtain the assistant's consent even though it is unlikely to prejudice the interests of the person under assistance, the family court may grant permission that operates in lieu of the assistant's consent, at the request of the person under assistance.

(4) An act for which the person under assistance must obtain the assistant's consent is voidable if the person performs it without obtaining the assistance's consent or a permission that operates in lieu of it.

 

˜18@(Rescission of Decisions for Commencement of Assistance)

(1) If the grounds prescribed in the main clause of Art 15 para (1) cease to exist, the family court must rescind the decision for commencement of assistance at the request of the person in question, that person's spouse, that person's relative within the fourth degree of kinship, the guardian of a minor, the supervisor of a minor's guardian, the assistant, the assistant's supervisor, or a public prosecutor.

(2) At the request of a person as prescribed in para (1), the family court may rescind all or part of the decision referred to in Art 17 para (1).

(3) If rescinding the decision referred to in Art 17 para (1) and the decision referred to in Art 876-9, para (1) in their entirety, the family court must rescind the decision for commencement of assistance.

 

˜19@(Relationship between Decisions)

(1) If the family court decides to commence a guardianship and the person in question is a person under curatorship or a person under assistance, it must rescind the decision for commencement of the curatorship or commencement of assistance respecting that person.

(2) The provisions of para (1) apply mutatis mutandis if the court decides to commence a curatorship and the person in question is an adult ward or a person under assistance or if the court decides to commence an assistance and the person in question is an adult ward or a person under curatorship.

 

˜20@(Right to Demand of the Other Party to Dealings Involving a Person with Qualified Legal Capacity)

(1) After a person with qualified legal capacity who is involved in dealings with another party becomes a person with the legal capacity to act (meaning a person whose legal capacity to act is not subject to restrictions; the same applies hereinafter), the other party to those dealings may fix a period of one month or longer and demand that the person give a definite answer within that period of time as to whether the person will ratify an act that the person may rescind. In such a case, if the person fails to send a definite answer within that period of time, the person is deemed to have ratified that act.

(2) The second sentence of para (1) also applies if, before the person with qualified legal capacity becomes a person with the legal capacity to act, the other party to dealings involving the person with qualified legal capacity lodges the demand prescribed in para (1) with the legal representative, curator, or assistant of that person with respect to an act within the scope of their authority, and they fail to send a definite answer within the fixed period of time referred to in that paragraph.

(3) If a person does not send notice within the period of time set forth in para (1) & (2) indicating that the person has completed any special formalities that an act requires, the person is deemed to have rescinded that act.

(4) The other party to dealings involving a person with qualified legal capacity may lodge a demand with a person under curatorship or with a person under assistance who is subject to a decision as referred to in Art 17 para (1) to demand that the person get the curator or assistant to ratify an act within the fixed period referred to in para (1). In such a case, if the person under curatorship or person under assistance does not send notice within that period indicating that the person has gotten the curator or assistant to ratify the act in question, the person is deemed to have rescinded that act.

 

˜21@(Use of Fraudulent Means by Persons with Qualified Legal Capacity)

If a person with qualified legal capacity uses fraudulent means to induce another person to believe that the person is a person with legal capacity to act, the person may not rescind the act in question.

 

Section 3 Domicile

 

˜22@iDomicile)

A person's principal place of daily activity is that person's domicile.

 

˜23@(Residence)

(1) If a person's domicile is unknown, the person's residence is deemed to be the person's domicile.

(2) If a person does not have a domicile in Japan, the person's residence is deemed to be the person's domicile, regardless of whether the person is a Japanese national or a foreign national; provided, however, that this does not apply if the law of domicile is to be applied in accordance with the provisions of the laws that establish the governing law.

 

˜24@(Temporary Addresses)

If a temporary address is selected for an act, that temporary address is deemed to be the domicile as far as that act is concerned.

 

Section 4 Administration of Absentee Property; Declarations of Disappearance

 

˜25@(Administration of Absentee Property)

(1) If a person who has taken leave of the domicile or residence up until then ("absentee") has not appointed an administrator for the person's property ("administrator"), the family court, at the request of an interested person or a public prosecutor, may order the necessary dispositions with regard to the administration of that property. The same applies if the administrator's authority is extinguished during the absence of the absentee.

(2) If an absentee appoints an administrator after an order under the provisions of para (1) has been issued, the family court must rescind that order at the request of the person's administrator, an interested person, or a public prosecutor.

 

˜26@(Replacing Administrators)

If an absentee has appointed an administrator but it is unclear whether the absentee is dead or alive, the family court may replace that administrator with another at the request of an interested person or a public prosecutor.

 

˜27@iDuties of Administrators)

(1) An administrator appointed by the family court pursuant to the provisions of Art 25 & 26 must prepare a list of the property that the administrator is to administer. In such a case, the expenses incurred are paid from the property of the absentee.

(2) If it is unclear whether an absentee is dead or alive and an interested person or a public prosecutor so requests, the family court may also order the administrator appointed by the absentee to prepare the list referred to in para (1).

(3) Beyond what is provided for in para (1) & (2), the family court may order the administrator to make the dispositions that the court finds to be necessary to preserve the property of the absentee.

 

˜28@(Administrators' Authority)

If an administrator needs to perform an act exceeding the authority provided for in Art 103, the administrator may perform that act after obtaining the permission of the family court. The same applies if it is unclear whether the absentee is dead or alive and the administrator needs to perform an act exceeding the authority established by the absentee.

 

˜29@iProvision of Security by and Remuneration for Administrator)

(1)The family court may require an administrator to provide reasonable security with respect to the administration and return of the property.

(2)The family court may grant reasonable remuneration to the administrator from the property of the absentee based on the relationship between the administrator and absentee and other circumstances.

 

˜30@(Declarations of Disappearance)

(1) If it has been unclear for 7 years whether an absentee is dead or alive, the family court may enter a declaration of disappearance at the request of an interested person.

(2) The provisions of para (1) also apply if it has been unclear whether a person who has entered a war zone, was aboard a vessel that has sunk, or was otherwise exposed to a danger likely to result in a person's death is dead or alive, for 1 year after the war has ended, the vessel sank, or such other danger has passed.

 

˜31@(Effect of Declarations of Disappearance)

A person subject to a declaration of disappearance pursuant to the provisions of Art 30 para (1) is deemed to have died when the period of time referred to in that paragraph ended, and a person subject to a declaration of disappearance pursuant to the provisions of Art 30 para (2) is deemed to have died when that danger had passed.

 

˜32@(Rescission of Declarations of Disappearance)

(1)Having received proof that a missing person is alive or that a missing person died at a time different from the time set forth in the preceding Article, the family court, at the request of the missing person or an interested person, must rescind the declaration of that person's disappearance. In this case, the rescission does not affect the validity of any act performed in good faith after the declaration of disappearance but before the rescission thereof.

(2)A person who has acquired property due to a declaration of disappearance loses the rights in question due to its rescission; provided, however, that the person has the obligation to return that property only to the extent currently enriched.

 

Section 5 Presumption of Simultaneous Death

 

˜32-2@iPresumption of Simultaneous Deathj

If more than one person dies and it is unclear whether one of them was still alive after the death of another, it is presumed that they all died at the same time.

 

Chapter ‡V Juridical Persons

 

˜33@(Formation of Juridical Persons)

A juridical person is not formed other than pursuant to the provisions of this Code or other laws

 

˜34@(Incorporation of Public Interest Corporations)

An not-for-profit association or foundation that is involved in academic activities, art, charity, worship, religion, or any other matter of public interest may be established as a juridical person with the permission of the competent government agency.

 

˜35@(Restrictions on the Use of Names)

A person that is neither an incorporated association nor an incorporated foundation must not use in its name the characters "ŽÐ’c–@l", "à’c–@l", or other characters likely to be mistaken for them.

 

˜36@(Foreign Juridical Persons)

(1) With the exception of states, administrative divisions of states, and commercial companies, the formation of foreign juridical persons is not permitted; provided, however, that this does not apply to a foreign juridical persons that is permitted pursuant to the provisions of a law or treaty.

(2) A foreign juridical person permitted pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph possesses the same private rights as those possessed by a juridical person of the same kind that has been formed in Japan;

provided, however, that this does not apply to a right that a foreign national is not entitled to enjoy or to any right for which there are special provisions in a law or treaty.

 

˜37@(Articles of Incorporation)

(1) A person seeking to establish an incorporated association must prepare articles of incorporation and include in it the following particulars:

(i) its purpose;

(ii) its name;

(iii) the locality of its office;

(iv) provisions on assets;

(v) provisions on the appointment and dismissal of managing administrators; and

(vi) provisions on the acquisition and loss of membership.

(2) If a change has been made to a particular set forth in one of the items of para 1, a registration of the change must be made within 3 weeks. In such a case, a change may not be duly asserted against a third party before its registration.

(3) If an order of provisional disposition suspending the execution of duties by a representative or appointing a person to execute duties in place of a representative is issued or if a ruling modifying or revoking such an order of provisional disposition is issued, it must be registered. In such a case, the provisions of the 2nd sentence of para 2 apply mutatis mutandis.

(4) If something that must be registered pursuant to the provisions of para 2 & 3 occurs in a foreign state, the period for registration is counted from the day on which notice of this reached the relevant person.

(5) When a foreign juridical person establishes an office in Japan for the first time, a third party may decline to recognize that corporation's formation until it has been registered in the locality of that office.

(6) Having relocated its office, a foreign juridical person must register the relocation within 3 weeks in the former locality and register the particulars set forth in the items of para (1) within 4 weeks in the new locality.

(7) If a foreign corporation relocates its office within the jurisdictional district of the same registry office, it is sufficient for it to register its relocation.

(8) If the representative of a foreign juridical person fails to complete the registration provided for in this Article, the representative is subject to a civil fine of not more than 500,000 yen.

 

Chapter ‡W Things

 

˜85@iDefinition)

The term "things" as used in this Code means tangible objects.

 

˜86@(Immovables and Movables)

(1)Land and any fixtures thereto are immovables.

(2)Things other than immovables are movables.

 

˜87@(Principal Things and Appurtenances)

(1)If the owner of a first thing attaches a second thing that the owner owns to the first thing to serve the ordinary use of the first thing, the thing that the owner attaches is an appurtenance.

(2)An appurtenance is disposed of together with the principal thing if the principal thing is disposed of.

 

˜88@(Natural Fruits and Civil Fruits)

(1)Products obtained from the intended use of a thing are its natural fruits.

(2)Money and other things that may be obtained in exchange for the use of any thing are civil fruits.

 

˜89@(Ownership of Fruits)

(1)The ownership of natural fruits is acquired by the person entitled to obtain them when they are separated from the original thing.

(2)A person acquires civil fruits in proportion to the duration of the right to obtain them, as calculated on a prorated, daily basis.

 

Chapter V Juridical Acts

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜90@(Public Policy)

A juridical act that is against public policy is void.

 

˜91@(Manifestations of Intention Inconsistent with Default Rules)

If a party to a juridical act manifests an intention that is inconsistent with the provisions of laws and regulations that are not related to public policy, that intention prevails.

 

˜92@(Customs Inconsistent with Default Rules)

If a custom is inconsistent with the provisions of laws and regulations that are not related to public policy and it is found that the party to the juridical act has the intention to abide by that custom, that custom prevails.

 

Section 2 Manifestations of Intention

 

˜93@(Mental Reservations)

(1) The validity of a manifestation of intention is not impaired even if the person making it does so while

knowing that it does not reflect that person's true intention;provided, however, that if the other party knew or could have known that the manifestation was not the true intention of the person who made it, that manifestation of intention is void.

(2) The nullity of a manifestation of intention under the provisions of the proviso to para (1) may not be duly asserted against a third party in good faith.

 

˜94@(False Manifestations of Intention)

(1) A false manifestation of intention that a person makes in collusion with another person is void.

(2) The nullity of a manifestation of intention under the provisions of para (1) may not be duly asserted against a third party in good faith.

(i) a mistake wherein the person lacks the intention that corresponds to the manifestation of intention; or

(ii) a mistake wherein the person making the manifestation of intention holds an understandings that does not correspond to the truth with regard to the circumstances which the person has taken as the basis for the juridical act.

(2) A manifestation of intention under the provisions of para (1) item (ii) may be rescinded only if it has been indicated that the circumstances in question are being taken as the basis for the juridical act.

(3) If a mistake is due to gross negligence on the part of the person making the manifestation of intention, that person may not rescind a manifestation of intention as under para (1), except in the following cases:

(i) if the other party knew, or did not know due to gross negligence, of the mistake on the part of the person making the manifestation of intention; or

(ii) if the other party was under the same mistake as the person making the manifestation of intention.

(4) The rescission of a manifestation of intention under the provisions of para (1) may not be duly asserted against a third party in good faith acting without negligence.

 

˜96@iFraud or Duress)

(1) A manifestation of intention based on fraud or duress is voidable.

(2) If a third party commits a fraud inducing a first party to make a manifestation of intention to a second party, that manifestation of intention is voidable only if the second party knew or could have known that fact.

(3) The rescission of a manifestation of intention induced by fraud under the provisions of para (1) & (2) may not be duly asserted against a third party in good faith acting without negligence.

 

˜97@(Timing of Entry into Effect of Manifestations of Intention)

(1) A manifestation of intention becomes effective at the time notice thereof reaches the other party.

(2) If the other party prevents notice of a manifestation of intention from reaching them without a legitimate reason, the notice is deemed to have reached that party at the time it would have normally reached them.

(3) The effect of a manifestation of intention is not impaired even if the person making it dies, loses mental capacity, or becomes subject to restrictions on their legal capacity to act after having sent the notice.

 

˜98@(Manifestation of Intention by Public Notice)

(1) A manifestation of intention may be made by means of public notice if the person making it is unable to ascertain who the other party is or is unable to ascertain the whereabouts thereof.

(2) Public notice as referred to in para (1) is effected by a notice being posted in the posting area of the relevant court and an indication that that posting has been made being published in the Official Gazette at least once, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure on service by publication; provided, however, that if the court finds it to be suitable, it may order that a notice be posted in the posting area of the city office, ward office, town hall, or any facility equivalent to these in lieu of the relevant information being published in the Official Gazette.

(3) A manifestation of intention by public notice is deemed to have reached the other party once 2 weeks have passed since the day when the relevant information was last published in the Official Gazette or once 2 weeks have passed since the day on which the relevant information started to be posted in lieu of being so published; provided, however, that the effect of a manifestation of intention having reached the other party does not arise if the person making it was negligent in not ascertaining the other party or the whereabouts thereof.

(4) If the person making a manifestation of intention is unable to ascertain who the other party is, the procedures involved in public notice are under the jurisdiction of the summary court that has jurisdiction over the locality where the person making the manifestation of intention is domiciled; if the person making a manifestation of intention is unable to ascertain the whereabouts of the other party, the procedures involved in public notice are under the jurisdiction of the summary court that has jurisdiction over the locality of the last known domicile of the other party.

(5) The court must have the person making a manifestation of intention prepay the expenses associated with a public notice.

 

˜98-2@(Capacity to Receive Manifestations of Intention)

Any person may not assert a manifestation of intention against the other party thereto if that other party had no mental capacity or was a minor or an adult ward at the time of receiving it; provided, however, that this does not apply after either of the following persons learns of the manifestation of intention:

(1)   the legal representative of the other party; or

(ii) the other party, after that other party's mental capacity has been restored or after that other party has become a person with capacity to act.

 

Section 3 Agency

 

˜99@iRequirements and Effect of Acts of Agency)

(1)A manifestation of intention that an agent makes indicating that they will be making a manifestation of intention on behalf of the principal within the scope of the agent's authority binds the principal directly.

(2)The provisions of para (1) apply mutatis mutandis to a manifestation of intention that a third party makes to an agent.

 

˜100@(Manifestation of Intention That the Agent Does Not Indicate as Being Made on Behalf of the Principal)

A manifestation of intention that an agent makes without having indicated that they will be acting on behalf of the principal is deemed to be one that the agent has made on their own account; provided, however, that if the other party knew or could have known that the agent was acting on behalf of the principal, the provisions of Art 99 para (1) apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜101@(Defects in Acts of Agency)

(1 )If the validity of a manifestation of intention that an agent has made to the other party is to be influenced by the absence of intention; by mistake, fraud, or duress; or by the knowledge of or negligence in not knowing of a particular circumstance; whether or not any such fact was present is decided as it concerns the agent.

(2) If the validity of a manifestation of intention that the other party has made to the agent is to be influenced by the recipient's knowledge of or negligence in not knowing of a particular circumstance, whether or not any such fact was present is decided as it concerns the agent.

(3) If an agent who has been entrusted with performing a specific juridical act performs that act, the principal may not assert that the agent did not know of any particular circumstance of which the principal knew. The same applies to any circumstance of which the principal did not know due to the principal's own negligence.

 

˜102@iAgent's Capacity to Act)

An act that a person with qualified legal capacity performs as an agent of another person may not be rescinded on the grounds of qualified legal capacity; provided, however, that this does not apply to an act performed by a person with qualified legal capacity as a legal representative of another person with qualified legal capacity.

 

˜103@(Authority of an Agent with No Specifically Defined Authority)

An agent who has no specifically defined authority has the authority to perform the following acts only:

(i)@acts of preservation; and

(ii)@with the purpose of using or improving a thing or right that is the subject matter of the agency, to the extent that this does not change the nature of that thing or right.

 

˜104@(Appointment of Subagents by Agents)

An agent appointed by mandate may not appoint a subagent unless the authorization of the principal is obtained or there is a compelling reason to do so.

 

˜105@(Appointment of Subagents by Legal Representatives)

A legal representative may appoint a subagent on its own responsibility. In such a case, if there is a compelling reason to do so, the legal representative is only liable to the principal for the appointment and supervision of the subagent.

 

˜106@(Authority of Subagents)

(1) A subagent represents the principal with respect to acts within the scope of the authority thereof.

(2) A subagent has the same rights and obligations as an agent in relation to the principal and third parties within the scope of that subagent's authority.

 

˜107@(Abuse of Authority to Represent)

If an agent performs an act that falls within the scope of that agent's authority to represent for the purpose of benefiting the agent's own interests or the interests of a third party, and the other party knew of or could have ascertained that purpose, that act is deemed to be an act performed by a person without authority to represent.

 

˜108@(Self-Contracting and Representation of Both Parties)

(1) An act that a person performs as an agent of the counterparty or as agent of both parties for the same juridical act is deemed to be an act performed by a person without authority to represent; provided, however, that this does not apply to the performance of an obligation or to an act authorized by the principal in advance.

(2) Beyond what is provided for in the main clause of para (1), an act for which the interest of the agent conflicts with the interest of the principal is deemed to be an act performed by a person without authority to represent; provided, however, that this does not apply to an act authorized by the principal in advance.

 

˜109@(Apparent Authority Due to Indication of Grant of Authority to Represent)

(1) A person who indicates to a third party that the person granted certain authority to represent to another person is liable for an act performed between that other person and that third party within the scope of the authority to represent; provided, however, that this does not apply if the third party knew or did not know due to negligence that the other person has not been granted the authority to represent.

(2) If a person who indicates to a third party that the person granted authority to represent to another person is, pursuant to the provisions of para (1), liable for acts performed by that other person in relation to the third party within the scope of the authority to represent, and the other person performs in relation to the third party an act beyond the scope of the authority to represent, the person who makes the indication is liable for that act only if the third party has reasonable grounds for believing that the other person has authority to represent in that act.

 

˜110@iApparent Authority of Act Exceeding Authority)

The provisions of the main clause of Art 109 para (1) apply mutatis mutandis if an agent performs an act exceeding the agent's authority to represent and a third party has reasonable grounds for believing that the agent has the authority as an agent.

 

˜111@(Ground of Extinction of Authority to Represent)

(1) The authority to represent ceases to exist upon:

(i) death of the principal; and

(ii) death of the agent, or being given an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding or a decision for

commencement of guardianship against the agent.

(2)   The authority to represent by mandate ceases to exist, other than on the grounds set forth in the respective items of para (1), upon the termination of the mandate.

 

˜112@(Apparent Authority After Extinction of Authority to Represent)

(1) A person that grants authority to represent to another person is liable towards a third party for an act performed between that other person and the third party within the scope of the authority to represent after the extinction of the authority to represent if that third party does not know the fact that the authority to represent has ceased to exist; provided, however, that this does not apply if the third party does to not know due to negligence the fact.

(2) If a person that grants authority to represent to another person is, pursuant to the provisions of para (1), liable for an act performed between that other person and a third party within the scope of the authority to represent after the extinction of that authority to represent, and the other person performs in relation to the third party an act beyond the scope of the authority to represent, the person that grants authority to represent is liable for that act only if the third party has reasonable grounds for believing that the other person has authority to represent for the act.

 

˜113@(Unauthorized Agency)

(1) A contract concluded by a person who acts as the agent of another person but has no authority to represent does not bind the principal unless the principal ratifies it.

(2) The ratification or refusal to ratify may not be duly asserted against the counterparty unless it is made to that counterparty; provided, however, that this does not apply if the counterparty has come to know the ratification or refusal to ratify.

 

˜114@(Right to Demand of Counterparty of Unauthorized Agency)

In the case referred to in Art 113, the counterparty may demand, by specifying a reasonable period of time, that the principal give a definite answer on whether or not the principal will ratify within that period of time. In this case, if the principal fails to give a definite answer within that period, the principal is deemed to have refused to ratify.

 

˜115@iRight to Rescind of Counterparty of Unauthorized Agency)

A counterparty may rescind a contract that a person without the authority to represent has concluded until the principal ratifies it; provided, however, that this does not apply if the counterparty knew at the time of the conclusion of the contract that the agent had no authority to represent.

 

˜116@iRatification of Act of Unauthorized Agency)

Ratification is retroactive to the time of the conclusion of the contract unless a particular intention is manifested; provided, however, that this may not prejudice the rights of a third party.

 

˜117@(Liability of Unauthorized Agency)

(1) A person who concludes a contract as an agent of another person is liable to the counterparty for the performance of the contract or compensation for loss or damage, as chosen by the counterparty, unless the person proves the authority to represent or the principal ratifies the contract.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply in the following cases:

(i) if the counterparty knew that the person who concluded the contract as an agent of the other person had no authority to represent;

(ii) if the counterparty was negligent in not knowing that the person who concluded the contract as an agent of the other person had no authority to represent; provided, however, that this does not apply if the person who concluded a contract as an agent of the other person knew themselves to have no authority to represent; or

(iii) if the legal capacity to act of the person who concluded the contract as an agent of the other person was subject to restrictions.

 

˜118@iUnauthorized Agency in Unilateral Juridical Act)

With respect to a unilateral juridical act, the provisions of Art 113 thru Art 117 apply mutatis mutandis only if the counterparty, at the time of the act, either agrees for the person holding themselves out as an agent to act without the authority to represent or does not contest the authority to represent of that person. The same applies if a person does a unilateral juridical act vis-a-vis a person without authority to represent with the consent of that person.

 

Section 4 Nullity and Rescission

 

˜119@(Ratification of Void Acts)

A void act does not become effective by ratification; provided, however, that if a party ratifies an act knowing that the act is void, it is deemed that the party did a new act.

 

˜120@(Holder of Right to Rescind)

(1) An act that is voidable on the grounds of the qualified legal capacity to act of the person who did the act may be rescinded only by the person with qualified legal capacity (in the case of an act performed by the person as a legal representative of another person with limited capacity, including that other person with limited capacity), or an agent or successor thereof, or a person who has the authority to give consent thereto.

(2) An act that is voidable on the grounds of a mistake, fraud or duress may be rescinded only by the person who made the defective manifestation of intention, or an agent or successor thereof.

 

˜121@iEffect of Rescission)

An act that has been rescinded is deemed void ab initio.

 

˜121-2@(Obligation of Restoration)

(1) A person that has received payment or delivery as the performance of an obligation based on a void act has an obligation to restore the other party to the original state.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), if a person that receives payment or delivery as the performance of an obligation based on a void gratuitous act did not know that the act was void at the time of receiving the payment or delivery (or if the person did not know that the act was voidable at the time of receiving the payment or delivery in the case of an act which is deemed void ab initio pursuant to the provisions of Art 121 after the receipt of the payment or delivery), has an obligation to return to the extent currently enriched by the act.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), a person who has no mental capacity at the time of performing an act has an obligation to return to the extent currently enriched by the act. The same applies to a person who is a person with qualified legal capacity at the time of performing an act.

 

˜122@iRatification of Voidable Acts)

A voidable act may not be rescinded after the person prescribed in Art 120 ratifies it.

 

˜123@iMethod of Voidance and Ratification)

If the counterparty to a voidable act is identified, the voidance or ratification of that act is made by the manifestation of intention to the counterparty.

 

˜124@iRequirements for Ratification)

(1) The ratification of a voidable act does not become effective unless it is made after the circumstances that made the act voidable cease to exist and the person ratifying the act becomes aware of the right to rescind it.

(2) In the following cases, the ratification referred to in the preceding paragraph is not required to be made after the circumstances that made the act voidable cease to exist:

(i) if a legal representative or a curator or assistant of a person with qualified legal capacity ratifies the

act; or

(ii) if a person with qualified legal capacity (excluding an adult ward) makes the ratification with the

consent of a legal representative, curator or assistant.

 

˜125@(Statutory Ratification)

If, at or after the time when it becomes possible to ratify an act, any of the following facts occur with respect to a voidable act, it is deemed that the act has been ratified; provided, however, that this does not apply if an objection is reserved:

(i) full or partial performance;

(ii) request for the performance;

(iii) novation;

(iv) provision of a security;

(v) assignment of a part of or the whole of a right acquired by the voidable act; or

(vi) compulsory execution.

 

˜126@iLimitation on Period of Right to Rescind)

The right to rescind an act is extinguished by the operation of the prescription if it is not exercised within 5 years from the time when it becomes possible to ratify the act. The same applies if 20 years have passed from the time of the act.

 

Section 5 Conditions and Time Limit

 

˜127@iEffect of Fulfillment of Conditions)

(1) A juridical act subject to a condition precedent becomes effective upon fulfillment of the condition precedent.

(2) A juridical act that is subject to a condition subsequent ceases to be effective upon fulfillment of the condition subsequent.

(3) If the party manifests an intention to make the effects retroactive to the time of or any time prior to the time of the fulfillment, that intention prevails.

 

˜128@(Prohibition of Infringement of Interest of Counterparty Pending Fulfillment of Conditions)

While it is uncertain whether or not a condition will be fulfilled, a party to a juridical act that is subject to a condition may not prejudice the other party's interests that would arise from the juridical act upon fulfillment of the condition.

 

˜129@iDisposition of Rights Pending Fulfillment of Conditions)

While it is uncertain whether or not a condition will be fulfilled, the rights and obligations of the party concerned may be disposed of, inherited or preserved, or a security may be provided therefor, in accordance with the general provisions.

 

˜130@iPrevention of Fulfillment of Conditions)

(1) If a party that would suffer a detriment as a result of the fulfillment of a condition intentionally prevents the fulfillment of that condition, the counterparty may deem that the condition has been fulfilled.

(2) If a party who would enjoy a benefit as a result of the fulfillment of a condition wrongfully has that condition fulfilled, the counterparty may deem that the condition has not been fulfilled.

 

˜131@iFulfilled Conditions)

(1) If a condition has already been fulfilled at the time of a juridical act and that condition is a condition precedent, the juridical act constitutes an unconditional juridical act; if that condition is a condition subsequent, the juridical act is void.

(2) If it has already been established at the time of a juridical act that a condition will not be fulfilled and that condition is a condition precedent, the juridical act is void; if that condition is a condition subsequent, the juridical act constitutes an unconditional act.

(3) In the cases referred to in the provisions of para(1) & (2), the provisions of Art 128 & 129 apply mutatis mutandis until the relevant party becomes aware that the condition has been or has not been fulfilled.

 

˜132@iUnlawful Conditions)

A juridical act subject to an unlawful condition is void. The same applies to a juridical act subject to the condition that an unlawful act not be performed.

 

˜133@iImpossible Conditions)

(1) A juridical act subject to an impossible condition precedent is void.

(2) A juridical act subject to an impossible condition subsequent is an unconditional juridical act.

 

˜134@(Potestative Conditions)

A juridical act subject to a condition precedent is void if the condition is dependent only upon the intention of the obligor.

 

˜135@iEffect of Arrival of Assigned Time)

(1) If a time of commencement is assigned to a juridical act, the performance of that juridical act may not be demanded before the arrival of that assigned time.

(2) If time of expiration is assigned to a juridical act, that juridical act expires upon the arrival of that assigned time.

 

˜136@(Benefit of Time and Waiver)

(1) The time stipulation is presumed to be provided for the benefit of the obligor.

(2) The benefit of time stipulation may be waived; provided, however, that the waiver may not prejudice the interest of the counterparty.

 

˜137@(Acceleration)

The obligor may not assert the benefit of time stipulation if:

(i) the obligor has become subject to the order commencing bankruptcy proceeding;

(ii) the obligor has lost, damaged, or diminished the security; or

(iii) the obligor fails to provide security when it has the obligation to do so.

 

Chapter VI Computation of Period of Time

 

˜138@iCommon Rules on Computation of Period of Time)

The method of computation of a period of time is governed by the provisions of this Chapter unless otherwise provided in the laws and regulations or a judicial order, or unless otherwise provided for by the relevant juridical act.

 

˜139@iCommencement of Period)

When a period is provided for in hours, the period commences immediately at the specified time.

 

˜140@iCommencement of Period)

When a period is provided for in days, weeks, months, or years, the first day of the period is not included in the computation; provided, however, that this does not apply when the period commences at 12 midnight.

 

˜141@iExpiration of Period)

In the case referred to in Art 140, the period expires at the end of the last day.

 

˜142@iExpiration of Period)

If the last day of a period falls on a Sunday, a holiday as provided in the Act on National Holidays, or any other holiday, only when it is customary not to do business on the relevant day, the period expires on the immediately following day.

 

˜143@(Computation of Period with Reference to Calendar)

(1) If a period is provided for in weeks, months, or years, the period is calculated in accordance to the calendar.

(2) If a period does not commence at the beginning of the week, month, or year, that period expires on the day immediately preceding the day which corresponds to the commencement day in the last week, month or year; provided, however, that if the period is provided for in months or years and the last month does not contain a corresponding day, the period expires on the last day of that month.

 

Chapter VII Prescription

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜144@iEffect of Prescription)

The prescription is retroactive to the commencement day.

 

˜145@iInvocation of Prescription)

The court may not make a judicial decision relying on prescription unless a party (in the case of extinctive prescription, including a guarantor, third-party collateral provider, third party acquirer, or any other person with a legitimate interest in the extinction of a right) invokes it.

 

˜146@iWaiver of Benefits of Prescription)

The benefits of the prescription may not be waived in advance.

 

˜147@(Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period and Renewal of Prescription Period on the Ground of Demand by Litigation)

(1) If any of the following grounds exists, the period of prescription does not expire until the ground ceases to exist (if the ground ceases to exist while the right remains undetermined by a final and binding judgment or anything that has the same effect as a final and binding judgment, until 6 months have passed from the time of cessation):

(i) demand by litigation;

(ii) demand for payment;

(iii) settlement referred to in Art 275 para (1) of the Code of Civil Procedure or mediation under the Civil Conciliation Act or the Domestic Relations Case Procedure Act; or

(iv) participation in bankruptcy proceeding, rehabilitation proceeding or reorganization proceeding.

(2) In the case referred to in para (1), if a right is determined by a final and binding judgment or anything that has the same effect as a final and binding judgment, a new period of prescription commences to run at the time when the grounds set forth in the items of that paragraph cease to exist;

 

˜148@(Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period and Renewal of Prescription Period on the Ground of Compulsory Execution)

(1) If any of the following grounds exists, the prescription period does not expire until those grounds cease to exist (or until 6 months after those grounds cease to exist, if they cease to exist due to the withdrawal of a petition or the rescission of a petition for failure to comply with the provisions of the law):

(i) compulsory execution;

(ii) enforcement of a security right;

(iii) auction under the rules of an auction for the enforcement of a security right prescribed in Art 195 of

the Civil Execution Act; or

(iv) asset disclosure procedure prescribed in Art 196 of the Civil Execution Act.

(2) In the case referred to in para (1), a new period of prescription commences to run at the time when the grounds set forth in the items of that paragraph cease to exist; provided, however, that this does not apply if the grounds cease to exist due to the withdrawal of a petition or the rescission of a petition for the failure to comply with the provisions of the law.

 

˜149@(Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period on the Ground of Provisional Seizure)

If either of the following grounds exists, the prescription period does not expire until 6 months have passed from the time when the ground ceases to exist:

(i) provisional seizure; or

(ii) provisional disposition.

 

˜150@(Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period on the Ground of Demand)

(1) If a demand is made, the prescription period does not expire until 6 months have passed since the time of the demand.

(2) A second demand made during the postponement of expiry of the prescription period granted on the ground of the first demand does not have the effect of postponement of expiry of prescription period under the provisions of para (1).

 

˜151@(Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period on the Ground of Agreement on Holding Discussion)

(1) If an agreement on holding a discussion concerning a right is made in writing, the prescription period does not expire until the earliest of the following points in time:

(i) when 1 year has passed from the time of the agreement;

(ii) if the period during which the parties are to hold a discussion is specified by the agreement (limited to a period less than 1 year): when that period has expired; or

(iii) if one of the parties notifies the other party in writing of refusal to continue the discussion: when 6

months have passed from the time of the notice.

(2) If an agreement referred to in para (1) is made a second time during the postponement of expiry of the prescription period granted pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph, the second agreement has the effect of postponement of expiry of prescription period under the provisions of para (1); provided, however, that the period of that effect may not exceed 5 years in total from the time when the prescription period should have expired had the postponement of expiry of the prescription period not been granted.

(3) An agreement referred to in para (1) which is made during the postponement of expiry of the prescription period granted on the ground of a demand does not have the effect of postponement of expiry of prescription period under the provisions of that paragraph. The same applies to a demand made during the postponement of expiry of the prescription period granted pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph.

(4) If an agreement referred to in para (1) is made by means of an electronic or magnetic record, the agreement is deemed to have been made in writing and the provisions of para (1) thru (3) apply thereto.

(5) The provisions of para (4) apply mutatis mutandis to the notice referred to in para (1) item (iii).

 

˜152@(Renewal of Prescription Period on the Ground of Acknowledgment)

(1) If a right is acknowledged, a new period of prescription commences to run at the time of the acknowledgment.

(2) With respect to the disposition of the right of the other party, an acknowledgment referred to in para (1) does not require unlimited capacity to act or authority.

 

˜153@(Scope of Persons Affected by Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period or Renewal of Prescription Period)

(1) The postponement of the expiry of prescription period or the renewal of prescription period under the provisions of Art 147 or 148 is effective only between the parties with respect to whom grounds to postpone the expiry of prescription period or to renew prescription period have arisen and their successors.

(2) The postponement of expiry of prescription period under the provisions of Art 149 thru 151 is effective only between the parties with respect to whom grounds to postpone the expiry of prescription period have arisen and their successors.

(3) The renewal of prescription period under the provisions of Art 152 is effective only between the parties with respect to whom grounds to renew prescription period have arisen and their successors.

 

˜154@(Scope of Persons Affected by Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period or Renewal of Prescription Period)

If the procedure regarding any of the grounds set forth in the items of Art 148, para (1) or the items of Art 149 is not carried out in relation to a person that is to receive the benefit of prescription, it does not have an effect of postponement of expiry of prescription period or renewal of prescription period under the provisions of Art 148 or Art 149 unless the person is notified of it.

 

˜158@(Minor or Adult Ward and Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period)

(1) If a minor or an adult ward has no legal representative during the period of 6 months preceding the expiration of the period of prescription, the prescription period does not expire with respect to that minor or adult ward until 6 months pass from the time when that minor or adult ward becomes a person with a capacity to act, or a legal representative assumes the position.

(2) If a minor or an adult ward has a right vis-a-vis the minor's or the adult ward's father, mother, or guardian who manages the property, the prescription period does not expire with respect to that right until 6 months have passed from the time when that minor or adult ward becomes a person with capacity to act, or a succeeding legal representative assumes the position.

 

˜159@(Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period of Rights Between Husband and Wife)

With respect to rights which the husband or wife has vis-a-vis the other spouse, the prescription period does not expire until 6 months have passed from the time of the dissolution of their marriage.

 

˜160@(Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period Regarding Estate)

With respect to an estate, the prescription period does not expire until 6 months have passed from the time when the heir is identified, the administrator is appointed, or commencement of bankruptcy proceeding is ordered.

 

˜161@(Postponement of Expiry of Prescription Period Due to Natural Disaster)

If it is impossible to carry out the procedure regarding any of the grounds set forth in the items of Art 147, para (1) or the items of Art 148, para (1) upon the expiration of the period of prescription due to a natural disaster or other unavoidable grave incident, the prescription period does not expire until 3 months have passed from the time when that impediment ceases to exist.

 

Section 2 Acquisitive Prescription

 

˜162@iAcquisitive Prescription of Ownership)

(1) A person that possesses the property of another for 20 years peacefully and openly with the intention to own it acquires ownership thereof.

(2) A person that possesses the property of another for 10 years peacefully and openly with an intention to own it acquires ownership thereof if the person was acting in good faith and was not negligent at the time when the possession started.

 

˜163@iAcquisitive Prescription of Property Rights Other Than Ownership)

A person that exercises a property right other than ownership peacefully and openly with the intention to do so on the person's own behalf acquires that right after the passage of 20 years or 10 years, according to the distinction provided for in Art 162.

 

˜164@(Renewal of Acquisitive Prescription Due to Discontinuation of Possession)

The prescription under the provisions of Art 162 is renewed if the possessor discontinues the possession voluntarily or is deprived of that possession by another person.

 

˜165@(Renewal of Acquisitive Prescription Due to Discontinuation of Possession)

The provisions of Art 164 apply mutatis mutandis to the case under Art 163.

 

Section 3 Extinctive Prescription

 

˜166@(Extinctive Prescription of Claims)

(1) A claim is extinguished by prescription in the following cases:

(i) if the obligee does not exercise the right within 5 years from the time when the obligee came to know

that it was exercisable; or

(ii) if the obligee does not exercise the right within 10 years from the time when it became exercisable.

(2) A claim or property right other than ownership is extinguished by prescription if not exercised within 20 years from the time when the right became exercisable.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not preclude the commencement of acquisitive prescription for the benefit of a third party that possesses the subject matter of a right with a time of commencement or a right subject to a condition precedent, at the time of commencing the possession; provided, however, that the holder of the right may demand acknowledgment from the possessor at any time to renew the prescription period.

 

˜167@(Extinctive Prescription of Claim for Compensation for Loss or Damage Resulting from Death or Injury to Person)

To apply the provisions of Art 166 para (1) item (ii) to the extinctive prescription of a claim for damages arising from the death or injury to persons, the phrase "10 years" in that item is deemed to be replaced with "20 years".

 

˜168@(Extinctive Prescription of Claims for Periodic Payments)

(1) A claim for periodic payments is extinguished by prescription in the following cases:

(i) if the obligee does not exercise each claim for the delivery of things such as money arising from the

claim for periodic payments within 10 years from the time when the obligee comes to know that each claim

is exercisable; or

(ii) if the obligee does not exercise each claim prescribed in item (i) within 20 years from the time when it

becomes exercisable.

(2) The obligee of periodic payments may require its obligor at any time to issue a written acknowledgment in order to acquire the evidence of the renewal of the prescription period.

 

˜169@(Extinctive Prescription of Right Determined by Judgment)

(1) The period of prescription of a right determined by a final and binding judgment or anything that has the same effect as a final and binding judgment is 10 years even if a period of prescription shorter than 10 years is provided for.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply to a claim which is not yet due and payable at the time when it is determined.

 

PART II Real Rights

Chapter I General Provisions

 

˜175@iEstablishment of Real Rights)

No real right may be established other than those prescribed by laws including this Code.

 

˜176@iCreation and Transfer of Real Rights)

The creation and transfer of a real right becomes effective solely by the manifestations of intention of the parties.

 

˜177@(Requirements of Perfection of Changes in Real Rights on Immovables)

Acquisitions of, losses of and changes in real rights on immovables may not be duly asserted against any third parties, unless the same are registered pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Real Property Registration Act and other laws regarding registration.

 

˜178@(Requirements of Perfection of Transfer of Real Rights Concerning Movables)

The transfer of a real right on movables may not be duly asserted against a third party, unless the movables are delivered.

 

˜179@(Merger of Rights)

(1) If ownership and another real right on the same thing are acquired by the same person, the other real right is extinguished; provided, however, that this does not apply if that thing or the other real right is the object of the right of a third party.

(2) If a real right other than ownership and another right for which that real right is the object are acquired by the same person, the other right is extinguished. In this case, the provisions of the proviso to para (1) apply mutatis mutandis.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not apply to possessory rights.

 

Chapter II Possessory Rights

Section 1 Acquisition of Possessory Rights

 

˜180@iAcquisition of Possessory Rights)

Possessory rights are acquired by possessing a thing with the intention to do so on one's own behalf.

 

˜181@iPossession through Agents)

Possessory rights may be acquired through an agent.

 

˜182@iActual Delivery and Summary Delivery)

(1) The transfer of possessory rights is effected by the delivery of the thing possessed.

(2) If a transferee or the agent of a transferee is actually holding the thing under possession, the transfer of possessory rights may be effected by the parties' manifestations of intention alone.

 

˜183@(Constructive Transfer with Retention of Possession)

If an agent manifests the intention to thenceforward possess a thing under the agent's own possession on behalf of the principal, the principal thereby acquires the possessory rights

 

˜184@iTransfer of Possession by Instruction)

If a thing is possessed through an agent, the principal orders that agent to thenceforward possess that thing on behalf of a third party, and that third party consents thereto, the third party acquires the possessory rights.

 

˜185@iChange in Nature of Possession)

If it is assumed, due to the nature of the title, that a possessor does not have the intention to own, the nature of the possessor's possession does not change unless that possessor manifests the intention to own to the person that put the thing under that person's possession, or commences possession under a new title with an intention to own from that time.

 

˜186@(Presumption Regarding Nature of Possession)

(1) A possessor is presumed to possess a thing with the intention to own, in good faith peacefully and openly.

(2) If there is evidence of possession at two different points in time, it is presumed that possession continued during that interval.

 

˜187@iSuccession to Possession)

(1) A successor to a possessor may, as the successor chooses, assert either the successor's own possession only, or the successor's own possession together with that of the predecessor.

(2) If a person asserts the possession of the predecessor together with the person's own, that person also succeeds to defects in the same.

 

Section 2 Effect of Possessory Rights

 

˜188@(Presumption of Lawfulness of Rights Exercised with Respect to Possessed Thing)

The possessor is presumed to lawfully have the rights that a possessor exercises with respect to the thing under possession.

 

˜189@iAcquisition of Fruits by Possessor in Good Faith)

(1) A possessor in good faith acquires fruits derived from the thing under possession.

(2) If a possessor in good faith is defeated in an action on the title that legally supports the possession, that possessor is deemed to be a possessor in bad faith as from the time when the action is filed.

 

˜190@(Return of Fruits by Possessors in Bad Faith)

(1) A possessor in bad faith has the obligation to return fruits, and reimburse the price of fruits that the possessor has already consumed, damaged due to negligence, or failed to collect.

(2) The provisions of para (1) apply mutatis mutandis to a person who takes possession of a thing through assault or duress or through concealment.

 

˜191@iCompensation for Loss or Damage by Possessors)

If a possessed thing has been lost or damaged due to grounds attributable to the possessor, a possessor in bad faith is liable to compensate the person recovering the thing for the entire loss or damage, and a possessor in good faith is liable to compensate that person for the loss or damage to the extent currently enriched as a result of that loss or damage; provided, however, that a possessor that is without the intention to own the thing must compensate the person for the entire loss or damage, even if the possessor has acted in good faith.

 

˜192@(Good Faith Acquisition)

A person that commences the possession of movables peacefully and openly by a transactional act acquires the rights that are exercised with respect to the movables immediately if the person possesses it in good faith and without negligence.

 

˜193@iRecovery of Stolen or Lost Property)

In the cases provided for in Art 192, if the possessed thing constitutes stolen or lost property, the victim or the person that lost the thing may demand the return of that thing from the possessor within 2 years from the time of the loss or theft.

 

˜194@iRecovery of Stolen or Lost Property)

If a possessor has purchased stolen or lost property in good faith at an auction, in a public market, or from a merchant that sells similar things, the victim or the person that lost the thing may not recover the thing without reimbursing the possessor for the price paid.

 

˜195@iAcquisition of Rights through Possession of Animals)

A person possessing a non-domestic animal bred by another person acquires the rights to exercise with respect to that animal if the person possessing it was acting in good faith at the beginning of the possession and the owner of the animal does not demand its return from that person within one month from the time when that animal left the possession of its owner.

 

˜196@iPossessors' Claims for Reimbursement of Expenses)

(1) If a possessor returns a thing in the possession thereof, the possessor may have the person recovering the thing reimburse the possessor for the costs the possessor has paid for its preservation and other necessary expenses; provided, however, that if the possessor has acquired fruits, ordinary and necessary expenses are borne by the possessor.

(2) With respect to the costs paid for by a possessor to improve the thing in the possession thereof and other beneficial expenses, the possessor may have the person recovering the thing reimburse the possessor for either the costs the possessor has paid or the amount of the increased value, whichever the person recovering the thing chooses, but only if there is a current increase in value; provided, however, that with regard to a possessor in bad faith, the court may, at the request of the person recovering the thing, grant a reasonable period of time for the same.

 

˜197@iPossessory Actions)

A possessor may file a possessory action in accordance with the provisions of Art 198 thru Art 202.

The same applies to a person that takes possession on behalf of another person.

 

˜198@iActions for Maintenance of Possession)

If a possessor is obstructed from possession, the possessor may claim for the discontinuation of the obstruction and compensation for loss or damage by filing an action for maintenance of possession.

 

˜199@iActions for Preservation of Possession)

If a possessor is likely to be obstructed from possession, the possessor may demand either the prevention of the obstruction or for the submission of security for the compensation for loss or damage by filing an action for preservation of possession.

 

˜200@iActions for Recovery of Possession)

(1) If a possessor is forcibly dispossessed, the possessor may demand the restitution of the thing and compensation for loss or damage by filing an action for recovery of possession.

(2) An action for recovery of possession may not be filed against a specific successor of a person that forcibly takes possession; provided, however, that this does not apply if that successor had knowledge of the fact that the person has unlawfully taken the possession.


˜201@(Periods of Time for Filing Possessory Actions)

(1) An action for maintenance of possession must be filed during the obstruction or within 1 year after the obstruction stops; provided, however, that if the possessed thing has been damaged due to construction work and either 1 year has passed from the time when the construction was started or the construction has been completed, the action may not be filed.

(2) An action for preservation of possession may be filed so long as the danger of obstruction exists. In this case, the provisions of the proviso to para (1) apply mutatis mutandis if the possessed thing is likely to be damaged by the construction work.

(3) An action for recovery of possession must be filed within1 year from the time when a possessor was forcibly dispossessed.

 

˜202@iRelationship with Actions on Title)

(1) A possessory action does not preclude an action on title that legally supports the possession, and an action on title does not preclude a possessory action.

(2) With respect to possessory actions, no judicial decision may be made on grounds relating to title that legally supports the possession.

 

Section 3 Extinction of Possessory Rights

 

˜203@iGrounds for Extinction of Possessory Rights)

Possessory rights are extinguished when the possessor renounces the intention to possess, or loses possession of the possessed thing; provided, however, that this does not apply if the possessor files an action for recovery of possession.

 

˜204@iGrounds for Extinction of Agent's Possessory Rights)

(1) If a person possesses a thing through an agent, possessory rights are extinguished on the grounds set forth below:

(i) renunciation by the principal of intention to have agent possess;

(ii) manifestation of intention to the principal of an agent to hold the thing possessed on behalf of the

agent itself or a third party; or

(iii) the agent has ceased to hold the thing possessed.

(2) Possessory rights are not extinguished solely as a result of the extinction of the authority to represent.

 

Section 4 Quasi-Possession

 

˜205@iQuasi-Possession)

The provisions of this Chapter apply mutatis mutandis if a person exercises their property rights with the intention to do so on their own behalf.

 

Chapter III Ownership

Section 1 Extent of Ownership

Subsection 1 Content and Scope of Ownership

 

˜206@iContent of Ownership)

An owner has the rights to freely use, profit from and dispose of the thing owned, within the limits of laws and regulations.

 

˜207@iScope of Ownership in Land)

Ownership in land extends to above and below the surface of the land, within the limits of laws and regulations.

 

Subsection 2 Neighboring Relationships

 

˜209@iRequests for Use of Neighboring Land)

(1) An owner of land may request the use of the neighboring land to the extent necessary for constructing or repairing walls or buildings on or in the vicinity of the boundary; provided, however, that the owner may not enter the dwelling house of the neighbor without the approval of the same.

(2) In the case referred to in para (1), if the neighbor sustained damage, the neighbor may claim compensation.

 

˜210@(Right-of-Way over Other Land for Access to Public Roads)

(1) An owner of land that is surrounded by other land and has no access to a public road may pass through the other land that surrounds that owner's land to reach a public road.

(2) Para (1) also applies if an owner cannot reach a public road without passing over a pond, lake, river, waterway, or sea, or if there is an extreme difference in height between the land and the public road on account of a cliff.

 

˜211@(Right-of-Way over Other Land for Access to Public Roads)

(1) In the cases referred to in Art 210, the location and method of passage must be chosen so as to meet the needs of the person that is entitled to the right-of-way under the provisions of that Article and cause the least damage to the other land.

(2) A person that holds the right-of-way under the provisions of Art 210 may construct a road if necessary.

 

˜212@(Right-of-Way over Other Land for Access to Public Roads)

A person that is entitled to the right-of-way under the provisions of Art 210 must pay compensation for damage caused to the other land that the same person passes through; provided, however, that except for damage arising from the construction of a road, compensation may be paid on an annual basis.

 

˜213@(Right-of-Way over Other Land for Access to Public Roads)

(1) If the partition of land creates a parcel of land that has no access to public roads, the owner of that parcel of land may pass to the public roads only through the lands owned by another person that participated in the partition. In this case, it is not necessary to pay compensation.

(2) The provisions of para (1) apply mutatis mutandis if the owner of land transfers part of the land to another person.

 

˜214@iProhibition of Obstruction of Natural Water Streams)

A landowner may not interfere with a natural water stream flowing from a neighboring land.

 

˜215@iRemoval of Impediments to Water Streams)

If a stream is blocked at low-lying ground due to a natural disaster or other unavoidable grave incident, an owner of a higher land may carry out construction work necessary to remove the impediment to the stream at that owner's own expense.

 

˜216@iRepairs of Structures Related to Streams)

If a land suffers or is likely to suffer damage due to destruction or blockage of a structure installed on other land to store, discharge or draw water, the owner of that land may have the owner of that other land repair the structure or remove the impediments, or, if necessary, have the same carry out preventive construction work.

 

˜217@iCustoms with Respect to Allocation of Expenses)

In the cases provided for in Art 215 & ˜216, if there are other customs with respect to the allocation of expenses, those customs prevail.

 

˜218@(Prohibition of Installation of Structures That Discharge Rainwater to Neighboring Lands)

A landowner may not install a roof or other structures that discharge rainwater directly onto neighboring land.

 

˜219@iChanges to Streams)

(1) An owner of a channel, moat, or other such land containing a stream may not change the course or width of the same if the land on the other side is owned by another person.

(2) If the land on both sides of a stream is owned by the owner of the land containing the stream, that owner may change the course or the width of the same; provided, however, that the owner must return the stream to its natural course at the point where the stream meets a neighboring land.

(3) If there are customs that differ from the provisions of para (1) & (2), those customs prevail.

 

˜220@iRunning Water through Lower Ground for Discharge)

An owner of a higher ground may run water through lower grounds to dry out his higher ground in cases where that land is flooded, or to discharge surplus water for household or agricultural or industrial use until the water meets a public stream or sewage system. In such cases, the location and method that cause the least damage to the lower ground must be selected.

 

˜221@iUse of Structures to Direct Water)

(1) A landowner may use a structure installed by the owner of higher or lower land in order to cause water from the landowner's land to pass through that land.

(2) In the cases referred to in para (1), the person using the other person's structure must bear the expenses of the installation and preservation of the structure in proportion to the benefit that person enjoys.

 

˜222@iConstruction and Use of Dams)

(1) If an owner of land containing a stream needs to construct a dam, that owner may construct that dam by fixing it to the other side even if the land on the other side is owned by another person; provided, however, that the owner must pay compensation for damage arising as a result.

(2) The owner of land on the other side of a dam may use the dam referred to in para (1) if that owner owns part of the land containing the stream.

(3) The provisions of Art 221 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the cases referred to in para (2).

 

˜223@iInstallation of Boundary Markers)

A landowner may install boundary markers, sharing the expenses with the owner of the neighboring land.

 

˜224@iExpenses of Installation and Preservation of Boundary Markers)

The expenses of installation and preservation of boundary markers are borne equally by neighbors; provided, however, that measuring expenses are borne in proportion to the area of each land.

 

˜225@iInstallation of Fences)

(1) If two buildings are owned by different owners and there is an open lot between them, each owner may install a fence on the boundary, sharing the expenses with the other owner.

(2) If no agreement is reached between the parties, the fence referred to in para (1) must be a wooden fence, a bamboo fence or a fence made of similar material and must be 2 meters high.

 

˜226@iExpenses of Installation and Preservation of Fences)

The expenses of installation and preservation of the fences under Art 225 are borne equally by the neighbors.

 

˜227@iInstallation of Fences by One of Neighbors)

One of neighboring owners may install a fence using materials better than those provided for in Art 225 para (2) or elevating the height provided for under that paragraph; provided, however, that the relevant owner must bear the increase in expenses arising as a result of the same.

 

˜228@iCustoms Relating to Installation of Fences)

If there are customs that differ from the provisions of Art 225 thru 227, those customs prevail.

 

˜229@iPresumption of Co-ownership of Boundary Markers)

Boundary markers, fences, walls, channels and moats installed on boundary lines are presumed to be co-owned by the neighbors.

 

˜230@iPresumption of Co-Ownership of Boundary Markers)

(1) The provisions of the preceding Art 229 do not apply to a wall on a boundary line that constitutes part of a building.

(2) If the height of a wall that separates two neighboring buildings of different heights is higher than the height of the lower building, para (1) also applies with respect to that portion of that wall that is higher than the lower building; provided, however, that this does not apply to fire walls.

 

˜231@iConstruction Work Raising Height of Co-Owned Walls)

(1) One of neighboring owners may raise the height of a co-owned wall; provided, however, that if the wall cannot withstand the construction work, the relevant owner must reinforce that wall as necessary or rebuild the same at the owner's own expense.

(2) If the height of a wall is raised pursuant to the provisions of para (1), the raised portion is owned solely by the owner that carried out the construction work.

 

˜232@iConstruction Work Raising Height of Co- Owned Walls)

In the cases provided for in Art 231, if a neighbor suffers damage, that neighbor may claim compensation for the same.

 

˜233@iCutting of Branches and Roots of Trees and Bamboo)

(1) If a tree or bamboo branch from neighboring land crosses a boundary line, the landowner may have the owner of that tree or bamboo sever that branch.

(2) If a tree or bamboo root from neighboring land crosses a boundary line, the owner of the land may sever that root.

 

˜234@(Restrictions on Buildings Near Boundary Lines)

(1) In order to construct a building, the building must be distanced 50 cm or more away from the boundary line.

(2) If a person attempts to construct a building in violation of the provisions of para (1), the owner of the neighboring land may have the construction suspended or changed; provided, however, that if 1 year passes from the time when that construction started or if that building is completed, the owner may only claim compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜235@iRestrictions on Buildings Near Boundary Lines)

(1) A person that installs a window or porch (including a veranda) at a distance of less than 1 meter from a boundary line allowing the observation of the residential land of another person must put up a privacy screen.

(2) The distance referred to in para (1) is calculated by measuring the length of a straight line from the point on the window or porch closest to the neighboring land, to where it reaches the boundary line at a right angle.

 

˜236@iCustoms Relating to Construction Near Boundary Lines)

If there are customs that differ from the provisions of Art 234 & 235, those customs prevail.

 

˜237@(Restrictions on Digging Near Boundary Lines)

(1) In order to dig a well, service water pit, sewage pit or compost pit, the same must be distanced two or more meters from the boundary line, and in order to dig a pond, cellar or human waste pit, the same must be distanced 1 or more meters from the boundary line.

(2) In order to bury water pipes, or dig a channel or moat, the same must be distanced from the boundary line by a measurement equivalent to at least half the depth of the same; provided, however, that the distance is not required to be exceeding 1 meter.

 

˜238@iDuty of Care Regarding Digging Near Boundary Lines)

When carrying out a construction referred to in Art 237 near a boundary line, necessary care must be taken to ensure the prevention of earth collapses or leakages of water or contaminated liquids.

 

Section 2 Acquisition of Ownership

 

˜239@(Ownership in Ownerless Property)

(1) Ownership of movables without an owner are acquired by possessing the same with the intention to own.

(2) Ownerless immovables belong to the National Treasury.

 

˜240@iFinding of Lost Property)

If the owner of lost property is not identified within 3 months of the time when public notice thereof is effected as prescribed by the Lost Property Act, the person who found the lost property acquires ownership of the same.

 

˜241@iDiscovery of Buried Things)

If the owner of a buried thing is not identified within 6 months of the time when public notice thereof is effected as prescribed by the Lost Property Act, the finder acquires ownership of the same; provided, however, that with respect to a buried thing discovered inside a thing that belongs to another person, the finder and that other person acquire equally proportionate ownership of that buried thing.

 

˜242@iAccession to Immovables)

The owner of immovables acquires ownership of a thing that has been attached thereto as its appurtenance; provided, however, that the rights of the other person that attached that thing by virtue of a title are not prejudiced.

 

˜243@iAccession to Movables)

If two or more movable properties with different owners can no longer be separated without damage due to accession, the ownership of the composite thing belongs to the owner of the principal movable property. The same applies if excessive expense is required to separate the movables.

 

˜244@iAccession to Movables)

If the distinction of principal and accessory cannot be made between the movables united by accession, the owner of each movable property co-owns the composite thing in proportion to the respective price current at the time of the accession.

 

˜245@iMixture)

The provisions of Art 243 & 244 apply mutatis mutandis if the things of different owners are mixed together and can no longer be distinguished.

 

˜246@iProcessing)

(1) If a person ("processor") adds labor to another person's movables, the ownership of the processed thing belongs to the owner of the material; provided, however, that if the value derived from the work significantly exceeds the value of the material, the processor acquires ownership of the processed thing.

(2) In the cases prescribed in para (1), if the processor provides a portion of the materials, the processor acquires ownership of the processed thing only if the value of provided materials added to the value derived from the labor exceeds the value of the other person's materials.

 

˜247@iEffect of Accession, Mixture or Processing)

(1) If the ownership of a thing is extinguished pursuant to the provisions of Art 242 thru 246, other rights existing on that thing are also extinguished.

(2) In the cases prescribed in para (1), if the owner of a thing has become the sole owner of the thing formed by accession or appurtenance, mixture or processing ("composite thing"), other rights existing on that thing thereafter exist on the composite thing, and if the owner of the thing becomes a co-owner of the composite thing, other rights existing on that thing thereafter exist on that owner's interest in the same.

 

˜248@(Demands for Compensation for Accession, Appurtenance, Mixture or Processing)

A person that suffers loss because of the application of the provisions of Art 242 thru Art 247 may demand compensation in accordance with the provisions of Art 703 & Art 704.

 

Section 3 Co-Ownership

 

˜249@iUse of Property in Co-Ownership )

Each co-owner may use the entire property in co-ownership in proportion to each co-owner's interest.

 

˜250@iPresumption of Proportion of Co-Ownership Interests)

Each co-owner's interest is presumed to be equal.

 

˜251@iChanges to Property in Co-Ownership)

No co-owner may make any alteration to the property in co-ownership without the consent of the other co-owners.

 

˜252@iManagement of Property in Co-Ownership)

The particulars of the management of property in co-ownership are determined by a majority according to the value of the interests of the co-owners, except for cases provided for in Art 251; provided, however, that any of the co-owners may perform acts of preservation alone.

 

˜253@(Obligations to Bear Burdens Regarding Property in Co-Ownership)

(1) Each co-owner pays the expenses of management and bears burdens regarding the property in co-ownership, in proportion to each co-owner's interest.

(2) If a co-owner does not perform the obligations referred to in para (1) within 1 year, other co-owners may acquire that co-owner's interest by paying a reasonable compensation.

 

˜254@iClaims on Property in Co-Ownership)

A claim that one of the co-owners holds against other co-owners with respect to the property in co-ownership may be exercised against their specific successors.

 

˜255@(Waiver of Interests and Death of Co-Owners)

If one of co-owners waives interest or dies without an heir, the-waived interest belongs to the other co-owners.

 

˜256@iDemands for Partition of Property in Co-Ownership)

(1) Each co-owner may demand the partition of property in co-ownership at any time; provided, however, that this does not preclude concluding a contract agreeing not to partition that property for a period not exceeding 5 years.

(2) The contract under the proviso to para (1) may be renewed; provided, however, that the period thereof may not exceed 5 years from the time of the renewal.

 

˜257@iDemands for Partition of Property in Co-Ownership)

The provisions of Art 256 do not apply to the property in co-ownership provided for in Art 229.

 

˜258@iPartition of Property in Co-Ownership by Judicial Decision)

(1) If no agreement is reached among co-owners with respect to the partition of property in co-ownership, a request for partition of the same may be submitted to the court.

(2) In cases referred to in para (1), if the property in co-ownership cannot be partitioned in kind, or it is likely that the value thereof will be significantly reduced by the partition, the court may order the sale of the same at auction.

 

˜259@(Payment of Claims Regarding Co-Ownership)

(1) If one of the co-owners holds a claim regarding co-ownership against other co-owners, upon partition, the portion of the property in co-ownership that belongs to the obligor may be appropriated for the payment of the same.

(2) If it is necessary to sell the portion of the property in co-ownership that belongs to the obligor to obtain the payment referred to in para (1), the obligee may demand the sale of the same.

 

˜260@iParticipation in Partition of Property in Co-Ownership)

(1) A person that holds a right with respect to property in co-ownership and a creditor of any of the co-owners may participate in partitions at their own expense.

(2) If, notwithstanding a request for participation under the provisions of para (1), partition is effected without allowing the participation of the person that submitted the request, that partition may not be duly asserted against the person that submitted the request.

 

˜261@iCo-Owners' Warranties upon Partitions)

Each co-owner provides the same warranty as that of a seller in proportion to each co-owner's interest, with regards to the thing other co-owners have acquired by the partition.

 

˜262@iInstruments Regarding Property in Co-Ownership)

(1) When a partition is completed, each of the persons that participated in the partition must retain the instruments regarding things each of them acquired.

(2) Instruments regarding a thing that is partitioned for some or all co-owners must be retained by the person that acquired the largest portion of that thing.

(3) In the cases referred to in para (2), if no person acquired the largest portion, the person that is to retain the instruments is determined by agreement among the persons that participated in the partition. If no agreement is reached, the court designates the same.

(4) A person that is to retain instruments must allow other persons that participated in the partition to use the instruments at the request of the same.

 

˜263@iRights of Common with Nature of Co-Ownership)

Rights of common that have the nature of co-ownership are governed by local customs and are otherwise subject to the application of the provisions of this Section.

 

˜264@iQuasi Co-Ownership)

The provisions of this Section apply mutatis mutandis if two or more persons share property rights other than ownership; provided, however, that this does not apply if otherwise provided by laws and regulations.

 

Chapter IV Superficies

 

˜265@iContent of Superficies)

A superficiary has the right to use another person's land in order to own structures, or trees or bamboo, on that land.

 

˜266@iRents)

(1) The provisions of Art 274 thru 276 apply mutatis mutandis if the superficiary must pay periodical rent to the owners of the land.

(2) Beyond what is provided for in para (1), provisions on leasehold apply mutatis mutandis to rent to the extent that application is not inconsistent with the nature of the same.

 

˜267@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions Regarding Neighboring Relationships)

The provisions of Subsection 2, Section 1 of Chapter 3 (Neighboring Relationships) apply mutatis mutandis between superficiaries or between a superficiary and a landowner; provided, however, that the mutatis mutandis application of the provisions of Art 229 to superficiaries is limited to cases where structures on the boundary line are installed after the establishment of the superficies.

 

˜268@iDuration of Superficies)

(1) If the duration of superficies is not fixed by the act that established the same and there are no relevant customs, the superficiary may waive that right at any time; provided, however, that if rent must be paid, the superficiary must give notice 1 year or more in advance or pay rent for 1 year that has not yet become due and payable.

(2) If the superficiary does not waive that right pursuant to the provisions of para (1), the court may, at the request of the parties concerned, fix a duration of 20 years or more but not more than 50 years, taking into consideration the kind and status of the structures, or trees or bamboo and other circumstances at the time of the creation of the superficies.

 

˜269@iRemoval of Structures)

(1) When the right of the superficiary is extinguished, the superficiary may restore the land to its original state and remove structures and trees or bamboo on the same; provided, however, that if the owner of the land gives notice that the owner will purchase the same by offering to pay an amount equivalent to the market value, the superficiary may not refuse that offer without reasonable grounds.

(2) If there are customs that differ from the provisions of para (1), those customs prevail.

 

˜269-2@iSuperficies for Underground or Airspace)

(1) An underground space or airspace may be established as the subject matter of superficies for ownership of structures, through the specification of upper and lower extents. In such a case, restrictions on the use of that land may be added in the act that establishes superficies for the purpose of facilitating the exercise of the superficies.

(2) The superficies referred to in para (1) may be established even if third parties hold the rights to use or profit from the land provided that all persons holding those rights or rights on them give their consent. In such a case, persons that hold the rights to use or profit from the land cannot prevent the exercise of the superficies to the same.

 

Chapter V Farming Rights (Emphyteusis)

 

˜270@iContent of Farming Rights)

A farming right holder (emphyteuta) has the right to pay rent and engage in cultivation or livestock farming on another person's land.

 

˜271@(Limitations on Alterations to Land by Farming Right Holders)

A farming right holder may not make any alteration of the land that results in irreparable damage.

 

˜272@(Assignment of Farming Rights or Leasing of Land)

A farming right holder may assign the holder's right to another person or lease the land during the duration of the right to cultivate or farm livestock; provided, however, that this does not apply if those acts are prohibited by the act that established that right.

 

˜273@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions Regarding Lease)

Beyond what is provided for in this Chapter and those provided for in the act of establishment, provisions regarding lease apply mutatis mutandis to the obligations of a farming right holder, to the extent that application is not inconsistent with the nature of the same.

 

˜274@iRent Reductions or Releases)

A farming right holder may not demand release from or reduction in the rent even if there is a loss of profits due to force majeure.

 

˜275@iWaiver of Farming Rights)

If a farming right holder has gained no profit whatsoever for 3 or more consecutive years or has gained profits less than the rent for 5 or more consecutive years due to force majeure, that holder may surrender waive that right.

 

˜276@iDemand for Extinction of Farming Rights)

If a farming right holder fails to pay the rent for two or more consecutive years, the landowner may demand the extinction of the farming right.

 

˜277@iCustoms Regarding Farming Rights)

If there are customs that differ from the provisions of Art 271 thru 276, those customs prevail.

 

˜278@iDuration of Farming Rights)

(1) The duration of a farming right is 20 years or more and 50 years or less. Even if an act of establishment provides for a period longer than 50 years, the duration is 50 years.

(2) The establishment of farming right may be renewed; provided, however, that the duration of that right may not exceed 50 years from the time of renewal.

(3) If an act of establishment does not provide for the duration of the farming right, the duration of that right is 30 years unless there are other customs to the contrary.

 

˜279@iRemoval of Structures)

The provisions of Art 269 apply mutatis mutandis to farming rights.

 

Chapter VI Servitudes

 

˜280@iContent of Servitudes)

A servitude holder has the right to use another person's land for the convenience of their own lands in accordance with purposes prescribed in the act establishing the servitude; provided, however, that this right must not violate the provisions (limited to those that relate to public policy) under Section 1 of Chapter 3 (Extent of Ownership).

 

˜281@iAppurtenant Nature of Servitudes)

(1)@Servitudes are appurtenant to ownership in the dominant land (land of a person entitled to a servitude, enjoying benefits from the land of others) and shall be transferred together with that ownership, or shall be the subject of other rights that exist in relation to the dominant land; provided, however, that this shall not apply if the act establishing the servitude provides otherwise.

(2)@Servitudes may neither be assigned nor made the subject of other rights apart from the dominant land.

 

˜282@iIndivisibility of Servitudes)

(1)@One of the co-owners of land may not extinguish, with respect to his own share, a servitude that exists on behalf of or in relation to the land.

(2)@In cases where land is partitioned or a portion thereof is assigned to others, a servitude shall exist on behalf of or in relation to the respective portions of the same; provided, however, that this shall not apply if the servitude, by its nature, relates only to a portion of the land.

 

˜283@iAcquisition of Servitudes by Prescription)

A servitude may be acquired by prescription so long as it is continuously exercised and can be externally recognized.

 

˜284@iAcquisition of Servitudes by Prescription)

(1) If one of the co-owners of land acquires a servitude by prescription, the other co-owners also acquire the same servitude.

(2) Renewal of prescription period does not become effective against co-owners unless it is made against each co-owner that exercises the servitude.

(3) If there are two or more co-owners that exercise a servitude, even if there is any ground for postponement of expiry of prescription period with respect to one of them, the prescription runs in favor of each co-owner.

 

˜285@iWater Servitude)

(1) If water on servient land (meaning a land of a person other than the servitude holder, made available for the benefit of the dominant land) subject to a servitude for water use is insufficient for the demand of the dominant land and the servient land, the water is to be used in proportion to the demand on each parcel of land, firstly for household purposes with the remaining portion used for other purposes; provided, however, that this does not apply if the act establishing the servitude provides otherwise.

(2) If more than one servitude for water use is created with respect to the same servient land, the subsequent servitude holders may not prevent the use of water by the previous servitude holders.

 

˜286@iObligations of Owners of Servient Land to Install Structures)

If the owner of servient land has borne obligations to install or repair structures for the exercise of a servitude at that owner's own expense by the act establishing the servitude or by a contract concluded after the establishment, specific successors of the owner of the servient land also bear those obligations.

 

˜287@iObligations of Owners of Servient Land to Install Structures)

An owner of servient land may be exempted from obligations of Art 286 at any time by abandoning the ownership in the portion of the land necessary for the servitude and transferring the same to the servitude holder.

 

˜288@iUse of Structures by the Owner of Servient Lands)

(1) The owner of a servient land may use structures installed on the servient land for the exercise of the servitude to the extent the use does not obstruct the exercise of that servitude.

(2) In the cases referred to in para (1), the owner of the servient land must bear the expense for the installation and preservation of the structures in proportion to the benefit that owner receives.

 

˜289@(Extinction of Servitude by Acquisition by Prescription of Servient Lands)

If a possessor of servient land has possessed that land in conformity with the necessary requirements for acquisitive prescription, the servitude is extinguished thereby.

 

˜290@(Extinction of Servitude by Acquisition by Prescription of Servient Lands)

The extinctive prescription under Art 289 is renewed by the servitude holder exercising the relevant rights.

 

˜291@iExtinctive Prescription of Servitudes)

The period of the extinctive prescription provided for in Art 166 para (2) commences upon the final exercise of the servitude if the servitude is not exercised continuously, and upon the occurrence of a fact that prevents the exercise of the servitude if the servitude is exercised continuously.

 

˜292@iExtinctive Prescription of Servitudes)

If dominant land is co-owned by more than one person, and expiry of prescription period is postponed or prescription period is renewed in favor of one co-owner, the postponement of expiry of prescription period or the renewal of prescription period is also effective for the benefit of other co-owners.

 

˜293@iExtinctive Prescription of Servitudes)

If a servitude holder does not exercise a portion of that holder's rights, only that portion is extinguished by prescription.

 

˜294@iRights of Common without the Nature of Co-Ownership)

Rights of common that do not have the nature of co-ownership are governed by local customs and are otherwise subject to the mutatis mutandis application of the provisions of this Chapter.

 

Chapter VII Rights of Retention

 

˜295@iContent of Rights of Retention)

(1) If a possessor of a thing belonging to another person has a claim that has arisen in relation to that thing, that possessor may retain that thing until that claim is satisfied; provided, however, that this does not apply if the relevant claim has not yet fallen due.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply if possession commenced by means of a tortious act.

 

˜296@iIndivisibility of Rights of Retention)

A holder of a right of retention may exercise that holder's rights against the whole of the thing retained until the relevant claim is satisfied in its entirety.

 

˜297@iCollection of Fruits by Holders of Rights of Retention)

(1) A holder of a right of retention may collect fruits derived from the thing retained, and appropriate the same to the satisfaction of that holder's own claim prior to other obligees.

(2) The fruits referred to in para (1) must be appropriated first to the payment of interest on the claim, and any remainder must be appropriated to the satisfaction of the principal.

 

˜298@(Custody of Thing Retained by Holders of Rights of Retention)

(1) The holder of a right of retention must possess the thing retained with the due care of a prudent manager.

(2) The holder of the right of retention may not use, lease or provide as a security the thing retained unless that holder obtains the consent of the obligor; provided, however, that this does not apply to uses necessary for the preservation of that thing.

(3) If the holder of a right of retention violates the provisions of para (1) & (2), the obligor may demand that the right of retention be terminated.

 

˜299@(Demands for Reimbursement of Expenses by Holders of Rights of Retention)

(1) If the holder of a right of retention incurs necessary expenses with respect to the thing retained, that holder may have the owner reimburse the same.

(2) If the holder of a right of retention incurs beneficial expenses with respect to the thing retained, to the extent that there is currently an increase in value as a result of the same, that holder may have the expenses incurred or the increase in value reimbursed at the owner's choice; provided, however, that the court may, at the request of the owner, grant a reasonable period of time for the reimbursement of the same.

 

˜300@(Exercise of Rights of Retention and Extinctive Prescription of Claims)

The exercise of a right of retention does not preclude the running of extinctive prescription of claims.

 

˜301@iExtinction of Rights of Retention by Provision of Security)

An obligor may demand that a right of retention be terminated by providing a reasonable security.

 

˜302@iExtinction of Rights of Retention by Loss of Possession)

A right of retention is extinguished if the holder of the right of retention loses possession of the thing retained; provided, however, that this does not apply if the thing retained is leased or it is made the subject of a pledge pursuant to the provisions of Art 298 para (2).

 

Chapter VIII Statutory Liens

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜303@iContent of Statutory Liens)

The holder of a statutory lien has the rights to have that holder's own claim satisfied prior to other obligees out of the assets of the relevant obligor in accordance with the provisions of laws including this Act.

 

˜304@iExtension of Security Interest to Proceeds of Collateral)

(1) A statutory lien may also be exercised against things including monies that the obligor is to receive as a result of the sale, lease or loss of, or damage to, the subject matter of the statutory lien; provided, however, that the holder of the statutory lien must attach the same before the payment or delivery of the monies or other thing.

(2) The provisions of para (1) also apply to the consideration for real rights created by the obligor on the subject matter of the statutory lien.

 

˜305@iIndivisibility of Statutory Liens)

The provisions of Art 296 apply mutatis mutandis to statutory liens.

 

Section 2 Kinds of Statutory Liens

Subsection 1 General Statutory Lien

 

˜306@iGeneral Statutory Lien)

A person that has a claim arising from the causes set forth below has a statutory lien over the entire assets of the obligor:

(i) expenses for the common benefit;

(ii) an employer-employee relationship;

(iii) funeral expenses; or

(iv) the supply of daily necessaries.

 

˜307@iStatutory Liens for Expenses for Common Benefit)

(1) Statutory liens for expenses for the common benefit exist with respect to the expenses of preservation, liquidation or distribution of the assets of the obligor incurred for the common benefit of all obligees.

(2) With respect to expenses referred to in para (1) that were not beneficial for all obligees, the statutory lien exists solely in relation to obligees that benefited from those expenses.

 

˜308@iStatutory Liens for Employer-Employee Relationships)

Statutory liens for employer-employee relationships exist with respect to salaries and other claims that arise from the employer-employee relationship between the obligor and the employee.

 

˜309@(Statutory Liens for Funeral Expenses)

(1) Statutory liens for funeral expenses exist with respect to the reasonable expenses of a funeral held for the obligor.

(2) The statutory lien referred to in para (1) also exists with respect to the reasonable expenses of a funeral held by the obligor for a relative whom the obligor is bound to support.

 

˜310@iStatutory Liens for Daily Necessaries)

Statutory liens for daily necessaries exist with respect to the supply of food and drink items, fuel and electricity for the most recent 6 months required for the household of the obligor or cohabiting relatives whom the obligor is bound to support and the domestic servants of the same.

 

Subsection 2 Statutory Liens over Movables

 

˜311@iStatutory Liens over Movables)

A person that has a claim arising from the causes set forth below has a statutory lien against specific movables of the obligor:

(i) a lease of immovables;

(ii) a lodging at a hotel;

(iii) the transportation of passengers or luggage;

(iv) the preservation of movables;

(v) the sale of movables;

(vi) the supply of seeds and seedlings or fertilizer (including eggs of silkworms or mulberry leaves provided to feed silkworms);

(vii) agricultural labor; or

(viii) industrial labor.

 

˜312@iStatutory Liens for Leases of Immovables)

Statutory liens for a lease of immovables exist against the movables of the lessee in connection with the rent of the relevant immovables and other obligations of the lessee that arise from that lease relationship.

 

˜313@(Scope of Subject Matter of Statutory Liens for Leases of Immovables)

(1) The statutory lien of a lessor of land exists against movables furnished to that land or buildings for the use of that land, movables provided for the use of that land, and fruits of that land in the possession of the lessee.

(2) The statutory lien of a lessor of a building exists against movables furnished to that building by the lessee.

 

˜314@(Scope of Subject Matter of Statutory Liens for Leases of Immovables)

In the case of an assignment of lease or subleasing, the statutory lien of the lessor extends to the movables of the assignee or sublessee. The same applies to monies that the assignor or sublessor is to receive.

 

˜315@(Scope of Secured Claims under Statutory Liens for Leases of Immovables)

When all of the lessee's assets are to be liquidated, the statutory lien of the lessor exists only with respect to the rent and other obligations for the previous, current and next terms, and obligations to compensate for loss or damage that arise in the previous and current terms

 

˜316@(Scope of Secured Claims under Statutory Liens for Leases of Immovables)

If a lessor has received a security deposit prescribed in Art 622-2 para (1), the lessor has a statutory lien solely against the portion of the lessor's claim that will not be satisfied by that security deposit.

 

˜317@iStatutory Liens for Lodging at Hotels)

Statutory lien for lodging at hotels exist against the hand luggage of a hotel guest left at that hotel, in connection with room charges, and food and beverage charges, that should be borne by the hotel guest.

 

˜318@iStatutory Liens for Transportation)

Statutory liens for transportation exist against luggage in the possession of the carrier, in connection with transportation charges for passengers or freight charges for luggage and expenses incidental to the same.

 

˜319@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions on Good Faith Acquisition)

The provisions of Art 192 thru 195 apply mutatis mutandis to statutory liens under the provisions of Art 312 thru 318.

 

˜320@(Statutory Liens for Preservation of Movables)

Statutory liens for the preservation of movables exist against movables, in connection with expenses required for the preservation of those movables, or expenses required for the preservation, approval or enforcement of rights regarding those movables.

 

˜321@iStatutory Liens for Sale of Movables)

Statutory liens for the sale of movables exist against movables, in connection with the price of those movables and interest on the same.

 

˜322@iStatutory Liens for Supply of Seeds and Seedlings or Fertilizer)

Statutory liens for the supply of seeds and seedlings or fertilizer exist against fruits (including eggs of silk worms or any thing derived from the use of mulberry leaves provided to feed silkworms) derived from land where the seeds and seedlings or fertilizer were used, within 1 year of that use, in connection with the price of those seeds and seedlings or fertilizer and interest on the same.

 

˜323@iStatutory Liens for Agricultural Labor)

Statutory liens for agricultural labor exist against fruits derived from labor, in connection with the most recent year's wages of the person who engages in that labor.

 

˜324@iStatutory Liens for Industrial Labor)

Statutory liens for industrial labor exist against manufactured things derived from labor, in connection with the most recent 3 months' wages of the person who engages in that labor.

 

Subsection 3 Statutory Liens for Immovables

 

˜325@iStatutory Liens for Immovables)

A person that has a claim arising from the causes set forth below has a statutory lien over specific immovables of the obligor:

(i) the preservation of immovables;

(ii) construction work for immovables; or

(iii) the sale of immovables.

 

˜326@iStatutory Liens for Preservation of Immovables)

Statutory liens for the preservation of immovables exist against the relevant immovables, in connection with the expenses required for the preservation of the immovables or the expenses required for the preservation, approval or enforcement of rights regarding the immovables.

 

˜327@iStatutory Liens for Construction Work for Immovables)

(1) Statutory lien for construction work for immovables exists, with respect to immovables, in connection with the expenses of construction work performed by a person that designs, constructs or supervises construction regarding the immovables of the obligor.

(2) The statutory liens referred to in para (1) exist with respect to the relevant increased value alone, but only if there is a current increase in the value of the immovables resulting from the construction work.

 

˜328@iStatutory Liens for Sales of Immovables)

Statutory liens for sales of immovables exist, with respect to immovables, in connection with the price of the immovables and interest on the same.

 

Section 3 Order of Priority of Statutory Liens

 

˜329@iOrder of Priority of General Statutory Liens)

(1) If there are competing general statutory liens, the order of priority follows the order set forth in each item of Art 306.

(2) If there are competing a general statutory lien and a special statutory lien, the special statutory lien has priority over the general statutory lien; provided, however, that statutory liens on expenses for the common benefit have priority being effective against all obligees who benefit from the same.

 

˜330@iOrder of Priority of Statutory Liens over Movables)

(1) If there are competing special statutory liens against the same movables, the order of priority follows the order set forth below. In this case, if there are two or more preservers with respect to the statutory liens for preservation of movables set forth in item (ii), a new preserver has priority over previous preservers:

(i) statutory liens for leases of immovables, lodging at hotels and transportation;

(ii) statutory liens for the preservation of movables; and

(iii) statutory liens for the sale of movables, the supply of seeds and seedlings or fertilizer, agricultural

labor and industrial labor.

(2) In the cases referred to in para (1), if a holder of a statutory lien ranked first knew at the time of acquiring the relevant claim of the existence of a holder of a statutory lien of the 2nd or 3rd rank, that holder may not exercise the relevant rights of priority against those persons. The same applies to the exercise against persons that have preserved things on behalf of the holder of a statutory lien of the first rank.

(3) Regarding fruits, the first rank belongs to persons who engage in agricultural labor, the second rank belongs to persons that supply seeds and seedlings or fertilizer, and the third rank belongs to lessors of land.

 

˜331@iOrder of Priority of Statutory Liens over Immovables)

(1) If there is conflict among special statutory liens against the same immovables, the order of priority follows the order set forth in the items of Art 325.

(2) If the same immovables are subject to successive sales, the order of priority of the statutory liens for the sale of the immovables among sellers follows the chronological order of the sales.

 

˜332@iStatutory Liens with Same Priority)

If there are two or more holders of statutory liens with the same priority with respect to the same object, the holders of statutory liens are paid in proportion to the amounts of their claims.

 

Section 4 Effect of Statutory Liens

 

˜333@iStatutory Liens and Third Party Acquirers)

Statutory liens may not be exercised against the movables that are the subject matter of the same after the obligors have delivered those movables to third party acquirers.

 

˜334@iConflict between Statutory Liens and Pledges on Movables )

If there is conflict between a statutory lien and a pledge on movables, the pledgee of those movables has the same rights as those of the holder of a statutory lien of the first rank under Art 330.

 

˜335@iEffect of General Statutory Liens)

(1) Holders of general statutory liens cannot be paid out of immovables unless they are first paid out of property other than immovables and a claim that is not satisfied remains.

(2) With respect to immovables, holders of general statutory liens must first be paid out of those that are not the subject matters of special security.

(3) If holders of general statutory liens fail to participate in distributions in accordance with the provisions of para (1) & (2), they may not exercise their statutory liens against registered third parties with respect to amounts that would have been paid to them if they had participated in the distribution.

(4) The provisions of para (1) thru (3) do not apply if the proceeds of immovables are distributed prior to the proceeds of assets other than immovables, or if the proceeds of immovables that are the subject matter of a special security are distributed prior to the proceeds of other immovables.

 

˜336@iPerfection of General Statutory Liens)

General statutory liens may be duly asserted against obligees without special security, even if the liens are not registered with respect to the relevant immovables; provided, however, that this does not apply to registered third parties.

 

˜337@(Registration of Statutory Liens for Preservation of Immovables)

In order to preserve the effectiveness of statutory liens for preservation of immovables, registration must be carried out immediately after the completion of the act of preservation.

 

˜338@(Registration of Statutory Liens for Construction Work for Immovables)

(1) In order to preserve the effectiveness of statutory liens for construction work for immovables, the budgeted expenses of the construction work must be registered prior to the commencement of the same. In this case, if the expenses of the construction work exceed the budgeted amount, a statutory lien does not exist with respect to the amount in excess of the same.

(2) The amount of increase in value of immovables that resulted from construction work must be evaluated by an appraiser appointed by the court at the time of the participation in the distribution.

 

˜339@iRegistered Statutory Liens for Preservation of Immovables or Construction Work for Immovables)

Statutory liens registered in accordance with the provisions of Art 337 & 338 may be exercised prior to mortgages.

 

˜340@iRegistration of Statutory Liens for Sales of Immovables)

In order to preserve the effectiveness of statutory liens for the sale of immovables, a statement to the effect that the price of the immovables or interest on the same has not been paid must be registered simultaneously with the execution of the sales contract.

 

˜341@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions regarding Mortgages)

Beyond what is provided for in this Section, the provisions regarding mortgages apply mutatis mutandis to the effects of statutory liens, provided that it is not inconsistent with the nature of the same.

 

Chapter IX Pledges

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜342@iContent of Pledges)

Pledgees shall have the right to possess Thing received from obligors or third parties as security for their

A pledgee has the right to possess a thing received from an obligor or a third party as security for their claims and to have their own claims paid prior to other obligees out of that thing.

 

˜343@iSubject Matter of Pledges)

A thing that cannot be transferred to another person may not be made the subject of a pledge.

 

˜344@iCreation of Pledges)

The creation of a pledge becomes effective thru delivery of the subject matter of the pledge to the obligee.

 

˜345@iProhibition of Possession thru Pledgors as Agents)

A pledgee may not allow a pledgor to possess the thing pledged on behalf of the pledgee.

 

˜346@iScope of Secured Claims under Pledges)

A pledges secures the principal, interest, penalties, expenses of enforcing the pledge, expense of preserving the thing pledged and the compensation of loss or damage arising from failure to perform obligations or latent defects in the thing pledged; provided, however, that this does not apply if the act establishing the pledge provides otherwise.

 

˜347@iRetention of the Thing Pledged)

The pledgee may retain the thing pledged until the claims provided for in Art 346 are satisfied; provided, however, that this right cannot be duly asserted against an obligee that has priority over the pledgee.

 

˜348@iSubpledges)

The pledgee may subpledge the thing pledged within the duration of the pledgee's right, upon the pledgee's own responsibility. In this case, the pledgee is responsible for any loss arising from the subpledge even if the same is caused by force majeure.

 

˜349@iProhibition on Disposition of the Thing Pledged by Contract)

The pledgor may not, either by the acts establishing pledges or by contracts made prior to the due dates for the obligations, allow the pledgee to acquire ownership of the thing pledged as satisfaction of the obligations, nor promise to allow the pledgee to dispose of it in any manner other than is prescribed by law.

 

˜350@(Mutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions on Rights of Retention and Statutory Liens)

The provisions of Art 296 thru 300 and those of Art 304 apply mutatis mutandis to pledges.

 

˜351@(Third-Party Collateral Providers' Rights to Reimbursement)

If a person that creates a pledge to secure an obligation of another person performs that obligation or loses ownership of the thing pledged due to the enforcement of the pledge, that person has the right to reimbursement from the obligor in accordance with the provisions regarding guarantee obligations.

 

Section 2 Pledges on Movables

 

˜352@iRequirements for the Perfection of Pledges on Movables)

A pledgee of movables cannot duly assert the pledge against third parties unless that pledgee is in continuous possession of the thing pledged.

 

˜353@iRecovery of Possession of the Thing Pledged )

A pledgee of movables may, if the pledged thing is usurped, recover the same solely by filing an action for recovery of possession.

 

˜354@(Enforcement of Pledges on Movables)

If the claim of a pledgee of movables is not satisfied, the pledgee may make a request to the court seeking the immediate appropriation of the thing pledged for the satisfaction of that claim in accordance with the evaluation of an appraiser only when there are reasonable grounds. In this case, the pledgee of movables must notify the obligor in advance of the request.

 

˜355@iOrder of Priority of Pledges on Movables)

If more than one pledge is created with respect to the same movables, the order of priority of those pledges follow the chronological order of their creation.

 

Section 3 Pledges of Immovables

 

˜356@(Use of and Obtaining Profit from Immovables by Pledgees)

The pledgee of immovables may use and profit from the immovables that are the subject matter of a pledge in line with the way the relevant immovables are used.

 

˜357@(Management Expenses Borne by Pledgees of Immovables)

The pledgee of immovables pays the expenses of management and otherwise bear burdens in relation to the immovables.

 

˜358@(Prohibition on Demanding Interest by Pledgees of Immovables)

The pledgee of immovables may not demand interest on the relevant claim.

 

˜359@(Special Provisions in Act of Establishment)

The provisions of Art 356 thru 358 do not apply if the acts establishing pledges provide otherwise or execution against earnings from the immovable collateral (referring to the execution against earnings from immovable collateral provided for in Art 180, item (ii) of the Civil Execution Act) has been commenced.

 

˜360@iDuration of Pledges of Immovables)

(1) The duration of pledges of immovables may not exceed 10 years. Even if a longer period is provided for in the act establishing the pledge, the duration of the same is 10 years.

(2) The creation of pledges of immovables may be renewed; provided, however, that the duration of the same may not exceed 10 years from the time of the renewal.

 

˜361@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions on Mortgages)

Beyond what is provided for in this Section, the provisions of the next Chapter (Mortgages) apply mutatis mutandis to pledges of immovables, provided that it is not inconsistent with the nature of the same.

 

Section 4 Pledges of Rights

 

˜362@iSubject Matter of Pledges of Rights)

(1)   A pledge may have a property right for its subject matter.

(2) Beyond what is provided for in this Section, the provisions of Section 1 thru 3 (General Provisions, Pledges on Movables and Pledges of Immovables) apply mutatis mutandis to pledges referred to in para (1), provided that it is not inconsistent with the nature of the same.

 

˜364@iRequirements for Perfection of Pledges over Claims)

The creation of a pledge over a claim (including a pledge over a claim which has not yet arisen) may not be duly asserted against a third party obligor and other third parties unless notice of the creation of the pledge is given to that third party obligor in accordance with the provisions of Art 467, or unless that third party obligors gives consent to the same.

 

˜366@iCollection of Claims by Pledgees)

(1) A pledgee may directly collect the claim that is the subject matter of the pledge.

(2) If monies are the subject matter of a pledged claim, the pledgee may collect the same to the extent of the portion that corresponds to the amount of the pledgee's own claim.

(3) If the due date of the pledged claim referred to in para (2) arrives prior to the due date of the claim of the pledgee, the pledgee may have the third party obligor deposit with official depository that amount to be paid to the pledgee. In this case, the pledge exists over the amount so deposited.

(4) If the subject matter of the pledged claim is not monies, the pledgee has the pledge over the thing received for the satisfaction of the claim.

 

Chapter X Mortgages

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜369@iContent of Mortgages)

(1) A mortgagee has the right to have the mortgagee's claim satisfied prior to other obligees out of the immovables that the obligor or a third party provided to secure the obligation without transferring possession.

(2) Superficies and farming rights may be the subject matter of a mortgage. In this case, the provisions of this Chapter apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜370@iScope of Effect of Mortgages)

A mortgage extends to the things that form an integral part of the immovables that are the subject matter of the mortgage ("mortgaged immovables") except for buildings on the mortgaged land; provided, however, that this does not apply if the act establishing the mortgage provides otherwise or the rescission of fraudulent act may be demanded as prescribed in Art 424 para (3) with regard to the act of the obligor.

 

˜371@iScope of Effect of Mortgages)

If there is a default with respect to a claim secured by a mortgage, the mortgage extends to the fruits of the mortgaged immovables derived after the default.

 

˜372@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions on Right of Retention)

The provisions of Art 296, 304 and 351 apply mutatis mutandis to mortgages.

 

Section 2 Effect of Mortgages

 

˜373@iOrder of Priority of Mortgages)

If more than one mortgage is created with respect to the same immovables, the order of priority of those mortgages follows the chronological order of their registration.

 

˜374@iChanges in Order of Priority of Mortgages)

(1) The order of priority of mortgages may be changed with the agreement of all mortgagees; provided, however, that if there are interested persons, the consent of the same must be obtained.

(2 The changes in order referred to in para (1) do not become effective unless registered.

 

˜375@iScope of Secured Claims under Mortgages)

(1) If a mortgagee has the right to demand periodic payments including interest, that mortgagee may exercise the mortgage solely with respect to payments of the last 2 years before maturity; provided, however, that with respect to prior periodic payments, if special registration is effected after maturity, the mortgagee is not precluded from exercising the mortgage as from the time of that registration.

(2) If the mortgagee has the right to claim compensation for loss or damage resulting from defaults in obligations, the provisions of para (1) also apply mutatis mutandis to the loss or damage of the most recent 2 years; provided, however, that the aggregate period including the interest and other periodic payments may not exceed 2 years.

 

˜376@iDisposition of Mortgages)

(1) A mortgagee may apply the mortgage to secure other claims, or assign or waive that mortgage, or its order of priority, for the benefit of other obligees of the same obligor.

(2) In the cases referred to in para (1), if a mortgagee disposes of the mortgage for the benefit of two or more persons, the order of priority of the rights of persons who benefit from that disposition follows the chronological order of supplemental registration in the registration of the mortgage.

 

˜377@iRequirements for Perfection of Disposition of Mortgages)

(1) In the cases in Art 376, the mortgagee may not duly assert the disposition of mortgages against principal obligors, guarantors, mortgagors or their respective successors unless the disposition is notified to the principal obligors or the principal obligors consent to that disposition in accordance with the provisions of Art 467.

(2) If the principal obligors have received the notice or given the consent pursuant to the provisions of

para (1), payments made without the consent of the persons who benefit of the disposition of the mortgage may not be duly asserted against those beneficiaries.

 

˜378@(Direct Satisfaction of Mortgage with Purchase Price)

If a third party that purchases the ownership or superficies of a mortgaged immovables pays the price of the same to a mortgagee at the request of the same mortgagee, that mortgage is terminated for the benefit of that third party.

 

˜379@iClaims for Extinguishment of Mortgages)

A third party acquirer of a mortgaged immovables may make a claim for the extinguishment of a mortgage as prescribed in Art 383.

 

˜380@iClaims for Extinguishment of Mortgages)

No principal obligor, guarantor or successor of the same may make a claim for the extinguishment of a mortgage.

 

˜381@iClaims for Extinguishment of Mortgages)

A third party acquirer of a mortgaged immovables that is subject to a condition precedent may not make a claim for the extinguishment of a mortgage while it is uncertain whether or not the condition precedent will be fulfilled.

 

˜382@iTiming of Claims for Extinguishment of Mortgages)

A third party acquirer of a mortgaged immovables must make a claim for the extinguishment of a mortgage before attachment under auction procedure as a result of the enforcement of the mortgage takes effect.

 

˜383@(Procedures for Claims for Extinguishment of Mortgages)

If a third party acquirer of a mortgaged immovables makes a claim for the extinguishment of a mortgage, that third party must send the documents set forth below to each registered obligee:

(i)a document that specifies the cause and date of the acquisition, the name and address of the assignor and the acquirer, the nature, location and price of the mortgaged immovables and burdens of the acquirer;

(ii) a certificate of registered information regarding the mortgaged immovables (limited to certificates certifying all registered information currently in effect); and

(iii) a document to the effect that, if an obligee does not enforce the mortgage by filing a petition for auction within 2 months, the third party acquirer of the mortgaged immovables will pay the price provided for in item (i) or an amount specifically fixed in accordance with the order of priority of claims, or will deposit the price or that amount with official depository.

 

˜384@iDeemed Approval of Obligees)

In the cases set forth below, the obligee that has received the documents set forth in each item of Art 383 is deemed to have approved the price or amount that the third party acquirer of the mortgaged immovables has offered as stated in the document set forth in item (iii) of that Article:

(i) if the obligee does not enforce the mortgage by filing a petition for auction within 2 months after receipt of the documents set forth in each item of Art 383;

(ii) if the obligee withdraws a petition under item (i);

(iii) if a decision dismissing a petition under item (i) has become final and binding; or

(iv) if a decision rescinding auction procedures based on a petition under item (i) (excluding rulings under the provisions of Art 63 para (3) or Art 68-3 para (3) of the Civil Execution Act applied mutatis mutandis under Art 188 of that Act, or under the provisions of Art 183, para (2) of that Act if the certified copy under para (1), item (v) of that Article is submitted) has become final and binding.

 

˜385@iNotice of Petitions for Auction)

If an obligee that has received the documents set forth in each item of Art 383 files a petition under Art 384 item (i), that obligee must give notice to that effect to the obligor and assignor of the mortgaged immovables within the period under that item.

 

˜386@iEffect of Claims for Extinguishment of Mortgages)

A mortgage is extinguished if all registered obligees approve the price or amount offered by the third party acquirer of the mortgaged immovables, and the third party acquirer of the mortgaged immovables has paid or deposited with the official depository the price or amount approved.

 

˜387@(Perfection of Leases with Registered Consent of Mortgagees)

(1) A registered lease may be duly asserted against mortgagees that hold mortgages registered prior to the registration of that lease if all mortgagees that hold those mortgages give their consent and those consents are registered.

(2) For a mortgagee to give the consent referred to in para (1), the approval of the persons that hold rights for which the mortgage is the subject matter and other persons that will suffer detriment as a result of the consent of the mortgagee must be obtained.

 

˜388@iStatutory Superficies)

If the land and a building on that land belong to the same owner, a mortgage is created with respect to that land or building, and the enforcement of that mortgage causes them to belong to different owners, it is deemed that a superficies has been created with respect to that building. In this case, the rent is fixed by the court at the request of the parties.

 

˜389@iAuction of Buildings on Mortgaged Lands)

(1) If a building is constructed on a mortgaged land after the creation of a mortgage, the mortgagee may auction the building together with the land; provided, however, that the right of priority of that mortgagee may be exercised solely against the proceeds of the land.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply if the owner of that building has rights with respect to the possession of the mortgaged land that may be duly asserted against the mortgagee.

 

˜390@(Purchases of Mortgaged Immovables by Third Party Acquirers)

A third party acquirer of a mortgaged immovables may be the purchaser at the auction of the same.

 

˜391@iClaims for Reimbursement of Expenses by Third Party Acquirers of Mortgaged Immovables)

If a third party acquirer of a mortgaged immovables has incurred necessary or beneficial expenses with respect to the mortgaged immovables, that third party may obtain reimbursement of the same out of the proceeds of the mortgaged immovables prior to other obligees, in accordance with the distinctions in Art 196.

 

˜392@(Distribution of Proceeds in Cases of Joint Mortgages)

(1) If an obligee holds mortgages on several immovables to secure the same claim, and the proceeds of those immovables are to be distributed simultaneously, the burden of the claim is divided in proportion to the value of each of the immovables.

(2) If an obligee holds mortgages on several immovables to secure the same claim, and the proceeds from only one of the immovables are to be distributed, the mortgagee may receive the payment of the entire claim out of those proceeds. In this case, subordinated mortgagees may exercise their mortgages in subrogation of that mortgagee, up to the amount that that mortgagee that receives payment would otherwise be entitled to receive from the proceeds of other immovables, in accordance with the provisions of para (1).

 

˜393@(Supplemental Registration of Subrogation in Case of Joint Mortgages)

A person that exercises a mortgage by way of subrogation pursuant to the provisions of the second sentence of Art 392 para (2) may note that subrogation in the registration of that mortgage.

 

˜394@(Payment from Assets Other than Mortgaged Immovables)

(1) A mortgagee may receive payment from assets other than the mortgaged immovables only for the portion of that mortgagee's claim that is not paid from the proceeds of the relevant mortgaged immovables.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply if the proceeds of other assets are to be distributed prior to the proceeds of the mortgaged immovables. In these cases, each other obligee may demand that the amount to be distributed to the mortgagee be deposited in order to have the mortgagee receive payment under the provisions of that paragraph.

 

˜395@iSuspension of Delivery by Users of Mortgaged Buildings)

(1) A person that uses or profits from a building subject to a mortgage by virtue of a lease that cannot be duly asserted against the mortgagee, and that is set forth as follows ("mortgaged building user") is not required to deliver that building to the purchaser thereof until 6 months have passed from the time when the purchaser purchased that building at auction:

(i) a person that has been using or profiting from the building since prior to the commencement of auction

procedures; or

(ii) a person that is using or profiting from the building by virtue of a lease given after the commencement

of auction procedures by the administrator of compulsory administration or execution against earnings

from immovable collateral.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply if the purchaser, specifying a reasonable period of time, issues a notice to the mortgaged building user demanding payment of consideration for a period of 1 month or more with respect to the use of the building referred to in that paragraph that has been made after the time of purchase by the purchaser, and no payment is made within that reasonable period of time.

 

Section 3 Extinction of Mortgages

 

˜396@iExtinctive Prescription of Mortgages)

No mortgage is extinguished by prescription in relation to obligors and mortgagors unless it is extinguished simultaneously with the claim the mortgage secures.

 

˜397@(Extinction of Mortgages by Acquisition by Prescription of Mortgaged I Immovables)

If a person that is neither an obligor nor a mortgagor has possessed the mortgaged immovables in complete conformity with the requirements for acquisitive prescription, the mortgage is extinguished thereby.

 

˜398@iRenunciation of Mortgaged Superficies)

Even if a holder of superficies or a farming right holder that created mortgage on that holder's superficies or farming right renounces the relevant rights, the renunciation may not be duly asserted against the mortgagee.

 

Section 4 Revolving Mortgages

 

˜398-2@(Revolving Mortgages)

(1) Mortgages may be created, by an establishing act, in order to secure unspecified claims of a certain scope, up to the limit of a maximum amount.

(2) The scope of the unspecified claims to be secured by the mortgage under the provisions of para (1) ("revolving mortgage") must be prescribed by limiting the scope to claims arising from specific contracts with the obligor for continuous transactions or other claims arising from certain kinds of transactions with the obligor.

(3) Claims that arise continuously with the obligor pursuant to a specific cause, claims under negotiable instruments or checks, or electronically recorded monetary claims (meaning electronically recorded monetary claims prescribed in Art 2 para (1) of the Electronically Recorded Monetary Claims Act); the same applies in Art 398-3 para (2)) may be treated as claims that are to be secured by a revolving mortgage, notwithstanding the provisions of para (2).

 

˜398-3@(Scope of Secured Claims under Revolving Mortgages)

(1) A revolving mortgagee may exercise the relevant revolving mortgage up to the maximum amount with respect to all of crystallized principal as well as periodic payments including interest and compensation for loss or damage resulting from failure to perform obligations.

(2) If a claim under a negotiable instrument or check or electronically recorded monetary claim acquired from causes other than the transactions with the obligor is agreed to be treated as a claim to be secured by a revolving mortgage, and any of the following grounds exist, that revolving mortgage may be exercised only with respect to claims acquired before those grounds arose; provided, however, that even with respect to claims acquired after the grounds arose, the exercise of the revolving mortgage is not precluded as far as the claims were acquired without knowledge of those grounds:

(i) the suspension of payments by the obligor;

(ii) a petition to commence bankruptcy proceeding, the commencement of rehabilitation proceeding, the

commencement of reorganization proceeding or the commencement for special liquidation with respect to

the obligor; or

(iii) a petition for commencement of auction procedure in relation to a mortgaged immovables or

attachment for disposition of delinquency.

 

˜398-4@(Alterations in Scope of Secured Claims under Revolving Mortgages and of Obligors)

(1) The scope of the claims to be secured by a revolving mortgage may be changed if the change is effected before the principal is crystallized. The same applies with respect to change of obligors.

(2) In order to effect the changes referred to in the preceding paragraph, it is not required that the approval of third parties including subordinated mortgagee be obtained.

(3) If the change under paragraph (1) is not registered before the principal is crystallized, it is deemed that the change was not effected.

 

˜398-5@(Changes in Maximum Amounts of Revolving Mortgages)

Changes in the maximum amount of a revolving mortgage may not be made unless the consent of the interested parties is obtained.

 

˜398-6@(Provisions of Principal Crystallization Date of Revolving Mortgage)

(1) With respect to the principal secured by a revolving mortgage, the date when the principal is to be crystallized may be specified or changed.

(2) The provisions of Art 398-4, para (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the cases referred to in para (1).

(3) The date under para (1) must be within 5 years of the day when the date was prescribed or changed.

(4) If registration with respect to a change in the date under para (1) is not effected before the old date, the principal secured is crystallized on that old date.

 

˜398-7@(Assignments of Secured Claims under Revolving Mortgages)

(1) A person that acquires a claim from a revolving mortgagee before the principal is crystallized may not exercise the revolving mortgage with respect to that claim. The same applies to a person that made payment for or on behalf of an obligor before the principal was crystallized.

(2) If an obligation is assumed before the principal is crystallized, the revolving mortgagee may not exercise the revolving mortgage with respect to the obligation of the person that assumes the obligation.

(3) If the assumption of obligation releasing an old obligor is effected before the principal is crystallized, the obligee may not transfer the revolving mortgage to the obligation assumed by the new obligor, notwithstanding the provisions of Art 472-4, para (1).

(4) If any novation due to the substitution of the obligee is effected before the principal is crystallized, the obligee before the novation may not transfer the revolving mortgage to the obligations after the novation, notwithstanding the provisions of Art 518 para (1). The same applies to the obligee in the case of novation due to the substitution of the obligor before the principal is crystallized.

 

˜398-8@(Succession of Revolving Mortgagees or Obligors)

(1) If succession involving a revolving mortgagee commences before the principal is crystallized, the revolving mortgage secures the claims that exist at the time of the commencement of succession and otherwise secures claims that were agreed upon by the heirs and the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage and that an heir acquires after the commencement of succession.

(2) If succession involving an obligor commences before the principal is crystallized, the revolving mortgage secures the obligations that exist at the time of the commencement of succession and otherwise secures the claims that were agreed upon by the revolving mortgagee and the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage and that an heir assumes after the commencement of succession.

(3) The provisions of Art 398-4, para (2) apply mutatis mutandis if an agreement as referred to in para (1) & (2) is reached.

(4) If the agreements referred to in para (1)& (2) are not registered within 6 months of the commencement of succession, the principal secured is deemed to have been crystallized at the time of the commencement of succession.

 

˜398-9@(Mergers of Revolving Mortgagees or Obligors)

(1) If there is a merger with respect to a revolving mortgagee before the principal is crystallized, the revolving mortgage secures the claims that exist at the time of the merger and otherwise secures claims that a corporation that survives the merger or a corporation that is incorporated by the merger acquires after the merger.

(2) If there is a merger with respect to an obligor before the principal is crystallized, the revolving mortgage secures the obligations that exist at the time of the merger and otherwise secures the obligations that a corporation that survives the merger or a corporation that is incorporated by the merger assumes after the merger.

(3) In the cases provided for in para (1) and (2), the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage may demand that the principal secured be crystallized; provided, however, that this does not apply, in the cases referred to in para (2), if the relevant obligor is the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage.

(4) If a demand under the provisions of para (3) is made, the principal secured is deemed to have been crystallized at the time of the merger.

(5) The demand under the provisions of para (3) may not be made if 2 weeks have passed since the day when the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage acquired knowledge of the merger. The same applies if 1 month has passed from the day of the merger.

 

˜398-10@(Company Splits of Revolving Mortgagees or Obligors)

(1) If, before the principal is crystallized, a company split in which the relevant revolving mortgagee is the company to be split is effected, the revolving mortgage secures the claims that exist at the time of the split and otherwise secures claims acquired after the split by the split company and the company incorporated by the split, or claims acquired after the split by the company that succeeded to some or all of the rights and obligations of the split company regarding its business.

(2) If, before the principal is crystallized, a split in which the relevant obligor is the company to be split is effected, the revolving mortgage secures the obligations that exist at the time of the split and otherwise secures obligations that are assumed after the split by the split company and the company incorporated by the split, or claims acquired after the split by the company that assumed some or all of the rights and obligations of the split company regarding its business.

(3) The provisions of para (3) thru (5) of Art 398-9 apply mutatis mutandis to cases under para (1) & (2).

 

˜398-11@(Disposition of Revolving Mortgages)

(1) Before the principal is crystallized, a revolving mortgagee may not dispose of a revolving mortgage under the provisions of Art 376 para (1); provided, however, that the revolving mortgagee is not precluded from applying that revolving mortgage to secure other claims.

(2) The provisions of Art 377 para (2) do not apply to payments made before the principal is crystallized in the cases provided for in the proviso to para (1).

 

˜398-12@(Assignments of Revolving Mortgages)

(1) Before the principal is crystallized, a revolving mortgagee may assign a revolving mortgage, with the approval of the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage.

(2) A revolving mortgagee may divide the revolving mortgage into two revolving mortgages and assign either of the same pursuant to the provisions of para (1). In this case, the rights for which that revolving mortgage is the subject matter is extinguished with respect to the revolving mortgage that was assigned.

(3) In order to effect an assignment under the provisions of para (2), the approval of the person that holds the rights for which that revolving mortgage is the subject matter must be obtained.

 

˜398-13@(Partial Assignments of Revolving Mortgages)

Before the principal is crystallized, a revolving mortgagee may, with the approval of the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage, effect a partial assignment of the revolving mortgage (meaning assignments of revolving mortgages that the assignor effects without dividing the revolving mortgage in order to co-own the same with the assignee; hereinafter the same applies in this Section).

 

˜398-14@(Co-Ownership of Revolving Mortgages)

(1) Co-owners of a revolving mortgage are paid in proportion to the amount of their respective claims; provided, however, that if before the principal is crystallized, a proportion other than the above is agreed upon, or if it is agreed upon that a certain person will be paid prior to another, that agreement prevails.

(2) A co-owner in a revolving mortgage may, with the consent of the other co-owners, assign rights of the same pursuant to the provisions of Art 398-12 para (1).

 

˜398-15@(Assignments or Waivers of Order of Priority of Mortgages and Assignments or Partial Assignments of Revolving Mortgages)

If a revolving mortgagee that has accepted an assignment or waiver of the order of priority of a mortgage has assigned or partially assigned that mortgagee's revolving mortgage, the assignee benefits from the assignment or waiver of that order of priority.

 

˜398-16@(Joint Revolving Mortgages)

The provisions of Art 392 & 393 apply with respect to a revolving mortgage only when the fact that the revolving mortgage has been simultaneously established on several immovable properties to secure the same claim is registered.

 

˜398-17@(Changes in Joint Revolving Mortgages)

(1) An change in the scope, obligors or maximum amount of the claims to be secured, or assignment or partial assignment of the revolving mortgages for which registration is effected in accordance with Art 398-16 does not take effect unless registration is effected with respect to all immovable properties over which that revolving mortgages are established.

(2) The principal secured by the revolving mortgage for registered pursuant to Art 398-16 is crystallized even when grounds on which the principal is crystallized arise only with respect to one immovable property alone.

 

˜398-18@(Aggregate Revolving Mortgages)

A person that has a revolving mortgage on several immovable properties may exercise the right of priority with respect to the proceeds of each immovable property up to the respective maximum amounts, except for cases provided for in Art 398-16.

 

˜398-19@(Requests for Crystallizing of Principal of Revolving Mortgages)

(1) If 3 years have passed from the time of the creation of a revolving mortgage, the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage may request the crystallizing of the principal secured. In this case, the principal secured is crystallized when 2 weeks have passed since the time of that request.

(2) A revolving mortgagee may request the crystallizing of the principal secured at any time. In this case, the principal secured is crystallized on the request of the same.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not apply if the date on which the principal secured is to be crystallized is specified.

 

˜398-20@(Grounds for Crystallizing of Principal of Revolving Mortgages)

(1) The principal secured by a revolving mortgage is crystallized in the following cases:

(i) if the revolving mortgagee has filed, with respect to the mortgaged immovables, a petition for auction

or execution against earnings from immovable collateral or the attachment under the provisions of Art 304 as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Art 372; provided, however, that this provision applies only if the commencement of either auction procedures or execution procedures against earnings from immovable collateral, or an attachment has been effected;

(ii) if the revolving mortgagee has effected an attachment for disposition of delinquency against the

mortgaged immovables;

(iii) if 2 weeks have passed from the time when the revolving mortgagee acquired knowledge of the commencement of auction procedures or attachment for disposition of delinquency against the mortgaged immovables; or

(iv) if the obligor or mortgagor of the revolving mortgage has become subject to an order commencing

bankruptcy proceeding.

(2) If the commencement of auction procedures, the attachment under item (iii) of para (1) or the order commencing bankruptcy proceeding under item (iv) of para (1) ceases to be effective, it is deemed that the principal secured was not crystallized; provided, however, that this does not apply if a person has acquired that revolving mortgage or a right for which the revolving mortgage is the subject matter on the assumption that the principal was crystallized.

 

˜398-21@(Requests for Reductions in Maximum Amount of Revolving Mortgages)

(1) After the principal is crystallized, the mortgagor of the revolving mortgage may request a reduction in the maximum amount of that revolving mortgage, to the amount of the obligations actually in existence plus the amount of the periodic payments including interest and the amount of compensation for loss or damage due to default in obligations that will arise in the following 2 years.

(2) As to the reduction in the maximum amount of a revolving mortgage registered pursuant to Art 398-16, it suffices to make the request referred to in para (1) with respect to one of those immovable properties.

 

˜398-22@(Requests for Extinguishment of Revolving Mortgages)

(1) If the amount of the obligations currently in existence after the principal is crystallized exceeds the maximum amount of a revolving mortgage, the person that created the revolving mortgage to secure the obligations of another person or a third party that has acquired ownership, superficies, farming rights, or a lease that can be duly asserted against any third party with respect to the mortgaged immovables may request the extinguishment of that revolving mortgage on paying or depositing with an official depository an amount equivalent to that maximum amount. In this case, that payment or deposit has the effect of performance of the obligation.

(2) A revolving mortgage that has been registered pursuant to Art 398-16 is extinguished if the request for extinguishment referred to in para (1) is made with respect to one immovable property.

(3) The provisions of Art 380 and 381 apply mutatis mutandis to the requests for extinguishment under

para (1).

 

Part III Claims

Chapter I General Provisions

Section 1 Subject Matter of Claim

 

˜399@iSubject Matter of Claim)

Even something that cannot be given an estimated monetary value may be the subject matter of a claim.

 

˜400@iDuty of Care in Cases of Delivery of Specific Things)

If the subject matter of a claim is the delivery of a specific thing, the obligor must retain the thing with the due care of a prudent manager, which is determined in light of the contract or other sources of claims and the common sense in the transaction, until the delivery.

 

˜401@iFungible Claim)

(1) If the object of a claim is designated only with reference to a type and its quality cannot be determined in light of the nature of the juridical act or intention of the parties, the obligor must deliver a thing of medium quality.

(2) In the case referred to in para (1), if the obligor has completed the acts necessary to deliver the thing, or has designated the thing the obligor is to deliver with the consent of the obligee, that thing thenceforth constitutes the subject matter of the claim.

 

˜402@iMonetary Claim)

(1) If the subject matter of a claim is money, the obligor, at the obligor's own choice, may make the payment in currency of any kind; provided, however, that this does not apply to if the delivery of a specific kind of currency is the subject matter of the claim.

(2) If the specific kind of currency that is the subject matter of the claim has lost its mandatory circulating power at the time of the payment, the obligor must make payment in other currency.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) apply mutatis mutandis if the delivery of the currency of a foreign state is the subject matter of the claim.

 

˜403@iMonetary Claim in Foreign Currency)

If the amount of the claim is designated in the currency of a foreign state, the obligor may make the payment in Japanese currency converted with the foreign exchange rate at the place of the performance.

 

˜404@iStatutory Interest Rate)

(1) Unless the parties manifest a particular intention with respect to a claim which bears interest, the rate of the interest is the statutory interest rate as of the time when the interest first accrues.

(2) The statutory interest rate is 3% per annum.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (2), pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order, the statutory interest rate is to change pursuant to the provisions of para (4) for each term consisting of 3 years.

(4) The statutory interest rate for each term is the rate calculated by adding or deducting the rate equivalent to the difference between the benchmark rate for the most recent term during which there was a change in the statutory interest rate pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph ("most recent term of change") and the benchmark rate for the current term (any part of the ratio which is less than 1% is disregarded), to or from the statutory interest rate for the most recent term of change.

(5) The term "benchmark rate" prescribed in para (4) means the rate announced by the Minister of Justice as the rate calculated by dividing, by 60, the sum of the average interest rate for short-term loans for each month (meaning the average of the interest rates for loans (limited to loans for a term of less than 1 year) extended by banks in each month)) during the period from January of the year 6 years prior to the year which contains the first day of each term to December of the year 2 years prior to the year which contains the first date of each term (any part of the rate which is less than 0.1% is disregarded), pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order.

 

˜405@iIncorporation of Interest into Principal)

If the payment of interest corresponding to one year or more is delayed, and if the obligor does not pay that interest notwithstanding the demand by the obligee, the obligee may incorporate that interest into the principal.

 

˜406@iAttribution of Right of Choice in Cases of Alternative Obligation)

If the subject matter of the claim is to be determined by a choice being made from among more than one performance, the right to choose belongs to the obligor.

 

˜407@iExercise of Right to Choose)

(1) The right to choose under Art406 is exercised by manifesting the intention to the counterparty.

(2) The manifestation of intention referred to in para (1) may not be withdrawn without the consent of the counterparty.

 

˜408@iTransfer of Right to Choose)

If a claim is due and, notwithstanding a demand by the counterparty specifying a reasonable period of time, the party that holds the right to choose does not exercise the right within that period of time, the right to choose is transferred to the counterparty.

 

˜409@iRight to Choose of Third Party)

(1) If a third party makes the choice, that choice is made by manifesting intention to either the obligee or the obligor.

(2) In the case prescribed in para (1), if the third party is unable to make the choice or has no intention to make the choice, the right to choose is transferred to the obligor.

 

˜410@iIdentification of Alternative Obligation Due to Impossibility)

If a performance included in the subject matter of a claim is impossible, and the impossibility is by negligence of the party that has the right to choose, the claim exists to the extent of the remaining performances.

 

˜411@iEffect of Choice)

The choice becomes effective retroactively as of the time of the accrual of the claim; provided, however, that this may not prejudice the rights of a third party.

 

Section 2 Effects of Claims

Subsection 1 Liability for Non-Performance

 

˜412@iTime of Performance and Delay in Performance)

(1) If a fixed due date is assigned to the performance of an obligation, the obligor is liable for delay from the time that due date arrives.

(2) If an uncertain due date is assigned to the performance of an obligation, the obligor is liable for delay from the time when the obligor receives the request for performance after the due date arrives or the time when the obligor becomes aware of the arrival of that due date, whichever comes earlier.

(3) If no time limit is assigned to the performance of an obligation, the obligor is liable for delay from the time the obligor receives the request for performance.

 

˜412-2@(Impossibility of Performance)

(1) If the performance of an obligation is impossible in light of the contract or other sources of claims and the common sense in the transaction, the obligee may not request the performance of the obligation.

(2) The impossibility of the performance of an obligation based on a contract as of the time of the formation of the contract does not preclude claiming compensation for loss or damage that arises from the impossibility of the obligation pursuant to the provisions of Art 415.

 

˜413@iObligee's Delay in Acceptance)

(1) If the obligee refuses, or is unable, to accept the tender of the performance of an obligation, and the subject matter of the obligation is the delivery of a specific thing, it is sufficient for the obligor to retain the thing by exercising care identical to that the obligor exercises for the obligor's own property, during the period from the time of the tender of the performance until the delivery of the thing.

(2) If the obligee's refusal or inability to accept the performance of an obligation results in increasing the expenses for the performance, the amount of increase is borne by the obligee.

 

˜413-2@(Impossibility of Performance during Obligor's Delay in Performance or Obligee's Delay in Acceptance, and Grounds Attributable)

(1) If the performance of an obligation becomes impossible due to grounds not attributable to either party during a period in which the obligor is liable for delay in performance of the obligation, the impossibility of performance is deemed to be due to grounds attributable to the obligor.

(2) If the obligee refuses or is unable to accept the performance of an obligation, and the performance of the obligation becomes impossible due to grounds not attributable to either party after the obligor's tender of the performance, the impossibility of performance is deemed to be due to grounds attributable to the obligee.

 

˜414@(Compelling Performance)

(1) If an obligor voluntarily fails to perform an obligation, the obligee may request the court to enforce obligor to perform through methods such as direct compulsion, execution by substitution, or indirect compulsion, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Execution Act and other laws and regulations concerning the procedure for compulsory execution; provided, however, that this does not apply if the nature of the obligation does not permit the enforcement.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not preclude claiming compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜415@(Compensation for Loss or Damage Due to Non-Performance)

(1) If an obligor fails to perform consistent with the purpose of the obligation or the performance of an obligation is impossible, the obligee may claim compensation for loss or damage arising from the failure; provided, however, that this does not apply if the failure to perform the obligation is due to grounds not attributable to the obligor in light of the contract or other sources of obligation and the common sense in the transaction.

(2) If the obligee is entitled to claim compensation for loss or damage pursuant to the provisions of para (1), and any of the following cases applies, the obligee may claim compensation for loss or damage in lieu of the performance of the obligation:

(i) the performance of the obligation is impossible;

(ii) the obligor manifests the intention to refuse to perform the obligation; or

(iii) the obligation has arisen from a contract, and the contract is cancelled or the obligee acquires the right to

cancel the contract on the ground of the obligor's failure to perform the obligation.

 

˜416@iScope of Compensation for Loss or Damage)

(1) The purpose of the claim for compensation for the loss or damage for failure to perform an obligation is to have the obligor to pay the compensation for loss or damage which would ordinarily arise from the failure.

(2) The obligee may also claim the compensation for damage which has arisen from any special circumstances if the party did foresee, or should have foreseen, the circumstances.

 

˜417@(Method of Compensation for Loss or Damage)

Unless a particular intention is manifested, the amount of the compensation for loss or damage is determined with reference to monetary value.

 

˜417-2@(Deduction of Interim Interest)

(1) In the case of determining the amount of compensation for loss or damage in relation to profits to be acquired in the future and deducting an amount equivalent to interest that is to accrue until the time of acquiring the profits, the deduction is made by applying the statutory interest rate applicable as of the time when the claim for the compensation for loss or damage arises.

(2) The para (1) also applies in the case of determining the amount of compensation for loss or damage to cover expenses to be incurred in the future and deducting an amount equivalent to interest that is to accrue until the time of incurring the expenses.

 

˜418@(Comparative Negligence)

If the obligee is negligent regarding the failure to perform the obligation or the occurrence or spreading of a damage caused thereby, the court determines the liability for compensation for loss or damage and the amount thereof by taking these elements into consideration.

 

˜419@(Special Provisions for Monetary Debt)

(1) The amount of the compensation for loss or damage for failure to perform an obligation to deliver money is determined with reference to the statutory interest rate as of the time when the obligor first assumes the responsibility for the delay; provided, however, that if the agreed-upon interest rate exceeds the statutory interest rate, the agreed-upon interest rate prevails.

(2) The obligee is not be required to prove loss or damage with respect to the compensation for loss or damage referred to in para (1).

(3) The obligor may not raise the defense of force majeure with respect to the compensation for loss or damage referred to in para (1).

 

˜420@iLiquidated Damages)

(1) The parties may agree on the amount of liquidated damages with respect to the failure to perform the obligation.

(2) The agreement on liquidated damages do not preclude the request for performance or the exercise of the cancellation right.

(3) A penalty is presumed to constitute liquidated damages.

 

˜421@iLiquidated Damages)

The provisions of Art 420 apply mutatis mutandis if the parties agree in advance to appropriate anything other than money as compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜422@iSubrogation for Compensation for Loss or Damage)

If an obligee receives the full value of a thing or right which is the subject matter of the claim as compensation for loss or damage, the obligor subrogates the obligee to that thing or right by operation of law.

 

˜422-2@(Right to Demand Substitute)

If the obligor acquires a right or profit as a substitute for the subject matter of the obligation due to the same cause as the one that has rendered the performance of the obligation impossible, the obligee may demand the transfer of the right or reimbursement of the profit from the obligor, to the extent of the amount of damage sustained thereby.

 

Subsection 2 Obligee's Right of Subrogation

˜423@(Requirements for Obligee's Right of Subrogation)

(1) An obligee may exercise the right of the obligor ("subrogor's right") when it is necessary to do so in order to preserve the obligee's own claim; provided, however, that this does not apply to rights which belong exclusively to and are personal to the obligor or rights which are immune from attachment.

(2) The obligee may not exercise the subrogor's right unless and until the obligee's claim becomes due; provided, however, that this does not apply to an act of preservation.

(3) The obligee may not exercise the subrogor's right if the obligee's claim is not enforceable by compulsory execution.

 

˜423-2@(Scope of Exercise by Subrogation)

If the obligee exercises the subrogor's right, and the subject matter of the subrogor's right is divisible, the obligee may exercise the subrogor's right only to the extent of the amount of the obligee's own claim.

 

˜423-3@(Payment or Delivery to Obligee)

If the obligee exercises the subrogor's right, and the subject matter of the subrogor's right is the payment of money or delivery of movables, the obligee may demand that the other party make the payment or delivery to the obligee. In such a case, if the other party makes the payment or delivery to the obligee, the subrogor's right is extinguished thereby.

 

˜423-4@(Defense of the Other Party)

If the obligee exercises the subrogor's right, the other party may duly assert against the obligee any defense that can be asserted against the obligor.

 

˜423-5@(Obligor's Authority to Collect and Dispose)

Even if the obligee exercises the subrogor's right, the obligor is not precluded from independently collecting or otherwise disposing of the subrogor's right. In such a case, the other party is not precluded from performing the obligation to the obligor with respect to the subrogor's right.

 

˜423-6@(Notice of Suit to Be Given by Obligee That Has Filed Action Concerning Exercise of Subrogor's Right)

If the obligee files an action concerning the exercise of the subrogor's right, the obligee must give a notice of suit to the obligor without delay.

 

˜423-7@(Obligee's Right of Subrogation to Preserve the Right to Request Registration)

A person that has acquired by assignment from another person a property for which the acquisition or loss of rights and the change to rights cannot be duly asserted against a third party unless registered may exercise the assignor's right to request a third party to complete the registration procedure if the assignor does not exercise that right. In such a case, the provisions of Art 423-4 thru 423-6 apply mutatis mutandis.

 

Subsection 3 Obligee's Right to Demand Rescission of Fraudulent Act

Division i Requirements for Obligee's Right to Demand Rescission of Fraudulent Act

 

˜424@iObligee's Demand for Rescission of Fraudulent Act)

(1) An obligee may demand the court to rescind an act which the obligor commits knowing that it will prejudice the obligee; provided, however, that this does not apply if a person that benefits from that act ("beneficiary") does not know, at the time of the act, that the obligee will be prejudiced.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply to an act with a subject matter other than property rights.

(3) The obligee may make the demand under the provisions of para (1) ("demand for rescission of fraudulent act") only if the obligee's claim has arisen from a cause that existed before the act prescribed in para (1).

(4) The obligee may not make demand for rescission of fraudulent act if the obligee's claim is not enforceable by compulsory execution.

 

˜424-2@(Special Provisions for Act of Disposing of Property in Exchange for Reasonable Value)

If the obligor commits an act of disposing of a property held thereby, and, in exchange, acquires a reasonable value from the beneficiary, the obligee may make demand for rescission of fraudulent act with respect to that act only if the act satisfies all of the following requirements:

(i) the act is actually likely to cause the obligor to engage in a disposition that will be prejudicial to other obligees such as concealment and gratuitous conveyance ("concealment or other disposition") by changing the kind of the property through that disposition such as realization of immovables;

(ii) the obligor, at the time of the act, has the intention to engage in concealment or other disposition of any property such as money that the obligor acquires as in exchange for the act; and

(iii) the beneficiary, at the time of the act, knows that the obligor has the intention to engage in concealment or other disposition.

 

˜424-3@(Special Provisions for Provision of Security to Specific Obligee)

(1)The obligee may make demand for rescission of fraudulent act with respect to an act concerning the provision of a security or extinguishment of an obligation that is committed by the obligor with regard to an existing obligation, only if the act satisfies all of the following requirements:

(i) the act is committed while the obligor is unable to pay debts (meaning the condition in which the obligor, due

to lack of ability to pay, is generally and continuously unable to pay debts as they become due); and

(ii) the act is committed by the obligor in collusion with the beneficiary with the intention to prejudice other

obligees.

(2) If the act prescribed in para (1) is not within the scope of the obligor's obligation or the time of the act is not such that is required as the obligor's obligation, and it satisfies all of the following requirements, the obligee may make demand for rescission of fraudulent act with respect to that act, notwithstanding the provisions of that paragraph:

(i) the act is committed within 30 days before the obligor became unable to pay debts; and

(ii) the act is committed by the obligor in collusion with the beneficiary with the intention to prejudice other

obligees.

 

˜424-4@(Special Provisions for Substitute Performance for Excessive Consideration)

With respect to an act concerning the extinguishment of an obligation which has been committed by the obligor, if the value of the payment or delivery received by the beneficiary exceeds the amount of the obligation extinguished by that act, and the act satisfies the requirement prescribed in Art 424, the obligee may make demand for rescission of fraudulent act with regard to the part other than the part corresponding to the amount of the obligation extinguished, notwithstanding the provisions of Art 424-3 para (1).

 

˜424-5@(Demand for Rescission of Fraudulent Act against Subsequent Acquirer)

If the obligee is entitled to make demand rescission for fraudulent act against the beneficiary, and a person subsequently acquires the property which has been transferred to the beneficiary, the obligee may also make demand for rescission of fraudulent act against the subsequent acquirer only in the situations specified in the following items according to the categories set forth in the respective items:

(i) if the subsequent acquirer acquires the property from the beneficiary:the subsequent acquirer, at the time of the acquisition, knows that the obligor's act will be prejudicial to the obligee; or

(ii) if the subsequent acquirer acquires the property from another subsequent acquirer:the relevant subsequent acquirer and all the subsequent acquirers that previously acquired the property, at the time of their respective acquisitions, know that the obligor's act will be prejudicial to the obligee.

 

Division ii Method of Exercising Right to Demand Rescission of Fraudulent Act

 

˜424-6@(Demand of Return of Property or Reimbursement of Value)

(1) In making demand for rescission of fraudulent act against the beneficiary, the obligee may demand the rescission of the act committed by the obligor and also demand the return of the property which has been transferred to the beneficiary as a result of that act. If it is difficult for the beneficiary to return the property, the obligee may demand the reimbursement of its value.

(2) In making demand for rescission of fraudulent act against the subsequent acquirer, the obligee may demand the rescission of the act committed by the obligor and also demand the return of the property which has been acquired by the subsequent acquirer. If it is difficult for the subsequent acquirer to return the property, the obligee may demand the reimbursement of its value.

 

˜424-7@(Defendant and Notice of Suit)

(1) In an action concerning demand for rescission of fraudulent act, the person specified in each of the following items according to the categories set forth in the respective items stands as a defendant:

(i) an action concerning demand for rescission of fraudulent act against the beneficiary: the beneficiary; or

(ii) an action concerning demand for rescission of fraudulent act against the subsequent acquirer: the

subsequent acquirer that is the other party to the demand for rescission of fraudulent act.

(2)   If the obligee files an action concerning demand for rescission of fraudulent act, the obligee must give notice of

suit to the obligor without delay.

 

˜424-8@(Scope of Fraudulent Act to Be Rescinded)

(1) If the obligee makes demand for rescission of fraudulent act, and the subject matter of the act committed by the obligor is divisible, the obligee may demand rescission of the act only to the extent of the amount of the obligee's own claim.

(2) The para (1) also applies if the obligee demands the reimbursement of value pursuant to the provisions of the 2nd sentence of Art 424-6, para (1) or the 2nd sentence of para (2) of that Article.

 

˜424-9@(Payment or Delivery to Obligee)

(1) If the obligee demands the return of property from the beneficiary or subsequent acquirer pursuant to the provisions of the first sentence of Article 424-6, para (1) or the first sentence of para (2) of that Article, and the subject matter of the demand for return is the payment of money or delivery of movables, the obligee may demand that the beneficiary make the payment or delivery to the obligee or that the subsequent acquirer make the delivery to the obligee. In such a case, if the beneficiary or subsequent acquirer makes the payment or delivery to the obligee, they are not required to make the payment or delivery to the obligor.

(2) The para (1) also applies if the obligee demands the reimbursement of value from the beneficiary or subsequent acquirer pursuant to the provisions of the 2nd sentence of Art 424-6, para (1) or the 2nd sentence of para (2) of that Article.

 

Division iii Effect of Exercise of Right to Demand Rescission of Fraudulent Act

 

˜425@(Scope of Persons Affected by Upholding Judgment)

A final and binding judgment upholding demand for rescission of fraudulent act is effective against the obligor and all obligees.

 

˜425-2@(Beneficiary's Right for Counter-Performance Received by Obligor)

If an act concerning the disposition of property conducted by the obligor (excluding an act concerning the extinguishment of an obligation) is rescinded, the beneficiary may demand that the obligor return the counter-performance that the beneficiary completed in order to acquire the property. If it is difficult for the obligor to return the counter-performance, the beneficiary may demand the reimbursement of its value.

 

˜425-3@(Restoration of Beneficiary's Claim)

If an act concerning the extinguishment of an obligation conducted by the obligor is rescinded (excluding the case of rescission pursuant to the provisions of Art 424-4), and the beneficiary returns the payment or delivery received from the obligor or reimburse its value, this restores the beneficiary's claim against the obligor to its original state.

 

˜425-4@(Right of Subsequent Acquirer Subject to Demand for Rescission of Fraudulent Act)

If an act done by the obligor is rescinded by the demand for rescission of fraudulent act made against the subsequent acquirer, the subsequent acquirer may exercise the right specified in each of the following items according to the categories set forth in the respective items; provided, however, that this is limited to the value of the counter-performance which was completed by the subsequent acquirer in order to acquire the property from the predecessor or the value of the claim which was extinguished as a result of the acquisition of the property by the subsequent acquirer from the predecessor:

(i) if the act prescribed in Art 425-2 is rescinded:the beneficiary's right to demand return of the counter- performance or right to demand reimbursement of its value from the obligor, which should have arisen pursuant to the provisions of that Article if the act were rescinded by the demand for rescission of fraudulent act against the beneficiary; or

(ii) if the act prescribed in Art 425-3 is rescinded (excluding the case of rescission pursuant to the provisions of Art 424-4):the beneficiary's claim against the obligor, which should have been restored pursuant to the provisions of Art 425-3 if the act were rescinded by demand for rescission of fraudulent act against the beneficiary.

 

Division iv Limitation on Period for Right to Demand Rescission of Fraudulent Act

 

˜426@iLimitation on Period for Right to Demand Rescission of Fraudulent Act)

No action for demand for rescission of fraudulent act may be filed if 2 years have passed from the time when the obligee came to know that the obligor committed the act knowing that it would be prejudicial to the obligee. The same applies if 10 years have passed from the time of the act.

 

Section 3 Claims and Obligations with Multiple-Parties

Subsection 1 General Provisions

 

˜427@iDivisible Claims and Divisible Obligations)

If there are more than one obligee or obligor, unless a particular intention is manifested, each obligee or each obligor has rights or obligations in equal ratios.

 

Subsection 2 Indivisible Claims and Indivisible Obligations

 

˜428@iIndivisible Claim)

The provisions of Subsection III (Joint and Several Claims) (excluding the provisions of Art 433 & 435) apply mutatis mutandis if the subject matter of a claim is indivisible by nature and the claim is held by two or more obligees.

 

˜429@(Novation or Release between Obligor and One Obligee of Indivisible Claim)

Even if there is a novation or release between one of the obligees of an indivisible claim and the obligor, other obligees may request the obligor to perform the obligation in whole. In such a case, the benefit which should have been allocated to that one obligee if that obligee did not lose the relevant right must be reimbursed to the obligor.

 

˜430@(Indivisible Obligation)

The provisions of Subsection IV (Joint and Several Obligation) (excluding the provisions of Art 440) apply mutatis mutandis if the subject of an obligation is indivisible by nature and there are multiple obligors.

 

˜431@iChanging into Divisible Claims or Divisible Obligations)

If an indivisible claim becomes a divisible claim, each obligee may request the performance only of the share of the claim to which each obligee is entitled, and if an indivisible obligation becomes a divisible obligation, each obligor is liable only for the share of the obligation for which each obligor is liable.

 

Subsection 3 Joint and Several Claims

 

˜432@iRequest by Joint and Several Obligees for Performance)

If the subject matter of a claim is divisible by nature, and two or more persons hold the claim jointly and severally based on the provisions of laws and regulations or the manifestation of intention of the parties, each obligee may request the performance in whole or in part for the benefit of all obligees, and the obligor may perform for each obligee for the benefit of all obligees.

 

˜433@(Novation or Release between Obligor and One Joint and Several Obligee)

If there is a novation or release between one of the joint and several obligees and the obligor, the other obligees may not request performance of the part concerning the benefit which should have been allocated to that one obligee if the obligee did not lose the relevant right.

 

˜434@(Set-Off between Obligor and One Joint and Several Obligee)

If the obligor has a claim against one of the joint and several obligees, and the obligor invokes a set-off, the set-off becomes effective against other joint and several obligees as well.

 

˜435@(Merger of Obligor with One Joint and Several Obligee)

If there is a merger between one of the joint and several obligees and the obligor, the obligor is deemed to have performed the obligation.

 

˜435-2@(Principle of Relative Effect)

Except in cases prescribed in Art 432 thru 435, any act of one of the joint and several obligees or any circumstances which have arisen with respect to one of the joint and several obligees do not become effective in relation to other joint and several obligees; provided, however, that if one of the other joint and several obligees and the obligor manifest a particular intention, their intention prevails with respect to the effect in relation to the remaining other joint and several obligees.

 

Subsection 4 Joint and Several Obligations

 

˜436@iRequest to Joint and Several Obligors for Performance)

If the subject matter of an obligation is indivisible by nature, and two or more persons bear the obligation jointly and severally based on the provisions of laws and regulations or the manifestation of intention of the parties, the obligee may request one of the joint and several obligors, or all of the joint and several obligors, simultaneously or successively, to perform the obligation, in whole or in part.

 

˜437@(Invalidity of Juridical Act with Respect to One of Joint and Several Obligors)

Even if there are grounds for the invalidity or rescission of a juridical act with respect to one of the joint and several obligors, the validity of the obligation of other joint and several obligor is not impaired.

 

˜438@(Novation between Obligee and One Joint and Several Obligor)

If novation takes place between one of the joint and several obligors and the obligee, the claim is extinguished for the benefit of all joint and several obligors.

 

˜439@(Set-Offs by One Joint and Several Obligor)

(1) If one of the joint and several obligors has a claim against the obligee and invokes a set-off, the claim is extinguished for the benefit of all joint and several obligors.

(2) Until the joint and several obligor that has the claim referred to in para (1) invokes a set-off, other joint and several obligors may refuse to perform the obligation to the obligee only to the extent of that joint and several obligor's share of the obligation.

 

˜440@(Merger with One of Joint and Several Obligors)

If there is a merger between one of the joint and several obligors and the obligee, the joint and several obligor is deemed to have performed the obligation.

 

˜441@(Principle of Relative Effect)

Except in cases prescribed in Art 438, Art 439 para (1) and Art 440, any circumstances which have arisen with respect to one of the joint and several obligors is not effective in relation to other joint and several obligors; provided, however, that if the obligee and one of the other joint and several obligors manifest a different intention, their intention prevails with respect to the effect in relation to the remaining other joint and several obligees.

 

˜442@iRight to Reimbursement among Joint and Several Obligors)

(1) If one of the joint and several obligors performs the obligation or otherwise obtain a common discharge in exchange for that obligor's own property, the joint and several obligor has the right to reimbursement from other joint and several obligors for the amounts in proportion to their respective shares of the obligation of the amount of the property expended by the joint and several obligor in order to obtain the discharge (if the amount of property exceeds the amount after the common discharge, the amount thus discharged), regardless of whether the amount discharged exceeds the amount of the joint and several obligor's own share.

(2) The reimbursement under the provisions of para (1) includes the compensation of the statutory interest which accrues on or after the day of the performance of the obligation or other discharge, and the compensation for unavoidable expenses and other loss or damage.

 

˜443@(Limitation on Reimbursement to Joint and Several Obligor That Has Failed to Give Notice)

(1) If one of the joint and several obligors performs the obligation or otherwise obtains a common discharge in exchange for that obligor's own property, while knowing the existence of other joint and several obligors but without giving notice of the common discharge to the other joint and several obligors, another joint and several obligor has a defense that can be duly asserted against the obligee, the other joint and several obligor may duly assert that defense against the joint and several obligor that obtained the discharge to the extent of the other obligor's share of the obligation. In such a case, if the other joint and several obligor duly asserts a set-off as defense against the joint and several obligor that obtained the discharge, the joint and several obligor may request the obligee to perform the obligation which should have been extinguished due to set-off.

(2) If one of the joint and several obligors that has performed the obligation or otherwise obtained a common discharge in exchange for that obligor's own property, while knowing the existence of other joint and several obligors, fails to give notice of the acquisition of the discharge to the other joint and several obligors, and as a result, another joint and several obligor performs the obligation or performs another act in good faith to obtain discharge in exchange for that obligor's own property, the other joint and several obligor may deem that the act performed to obtain the discharge is valid.

 

˜444@(Allocation of Share of Person Who Does Not Have Sufficient Financial Resources for Reimbursement)

(1) If one of the joint and several obligors does not have the sufficient financial resources to make the reimbursement, the portion that is unable to be reimbursed is borne by the joint and several obligor that demands the reimbursement and the other joint and several obligors that have the financial resources, in proportion to their respective shares of the obligation.

(2) In the case prescribed in para (1), if neither the joint and several obligor that demands the reimbursement nor the other obligors that have the financial resources have shares of the obligation, the portion that is unable to be reimbursed is borne equally among the joint and several obligor that demands the reimbursement and the other obligors that have the financial resources.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1) & (2), if the joint and several obligor that demands the reimbursement is unable to receive the reimbursement due to negligence, that joint and several obligor may not request other joint and several obligors to bear their respective shares of the obligation.

 

˜445@iRelease of One Joint and Several Obligor and Right to Reimbursement)

Even if one of the joint and several obligors is released from the obligation or the prescription period expires for one of the joint and several obligors, other joint and several obligors may exercise the right to reimbursement referred to in Art 442 para (1) against that one joint and several obligor.

 

Subsection 4 Guarantee Obligation

Division i General Provisions

 

˜446@iResponsibility of Guarantor)

(1) A guarantor has the responsibility to perform the obligation of the principal obligor when the latter fails to perform that obligation.

(2) No guarantee contract becomes effective unless it is made in writing.

(3) If a guarantee contract is concluded by electronic or magnetic record which records the terms thereof, the guarantee contract is deemed to be made in writing, and the provisions of para (2) apply.

 

˜447@iScope of Guarantee Obligation)

(1) The guarantee obligation includes interest, penalty and compensation for loss or damage in connection with the principal obligation, and all other charges secondary to that obligation.

(2) A guarantor may stipulate the amount of penalty or compensation for loss or damage with regard to the guarantor's own guarantee obligation only.

 

˜448@(Burden of Guarantor, and Subject Matter or Terms of Principal Obligation)

(1) If the burden of a guarantor is more onerous than the principal obligation as to either its subject matter or terms, it is reduced to the extent of the principal obligation.

(2) Even if the subject matter or terms of the principal obligation are made more onerous after the conclusion of a guarantee contract, the burden of the guarantor remains unchanged.

 

˜449@iGuarantee of Voidable Obligations)

If a guarantor that guarantees an obligation which may be voidable due to the principal obligor's limited capacity to act, is aware, at the time of entering into a guarantee contract, of the cause for its voidability, that guarantor is presumed to have assumed an independent obligation of the same subject matter in the event of non-performance by the principal obligor or rescission of the obligation.

 

˜450@iRequirements for Guarantor)

(1) If an obligor has the obligation to provide a guarantor, that guarantor must:

(i) be a person with capacity to act; and

(ii) have sufficient financial resources to pay the obligation.

(2) If the guarantor ceases to meet the requirements set forth in item (ii) of para (1), the obligee may demand that some other person meeting the requirements set forth in any item of the same paragraph be substituted for that guarantor.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not apply if the obligee has designated the guarantor.

 

˜451@iProviding Other Security)

If an obligor is unable to provide a guarantor meeting the requirements set forth in any item of Art 450 para (1), the obligor may provide other security in lieu thereof.

 

˜452@iDefense of Demand)

If an obligee has requested performance of an obligation from the guarantor, the guarantor may request the obligee to demand performance of the principal obligor first; provided, however, that this does not apply if the principal obligor is subject to an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding or if the principal obligor's whereabouts are unknown.

 

˜453@iDefense of Debtor's Financial Resources)

Even after the obligee has made a demand to the principal obligor in accordance with the provisions of Art 452, the obligee must first execute on the property of the principal obligor if the guarantor proves that the principal obligor has the financial resources to pay the obligation and that the execution can be easily performed.

 

˜454@iSpecial Provisions for Joint and Several Guarantee)

If a guarantor has assumed an obligation jointly and severally with the principal obligor, the guarantor does not have the rights set forth in Art 452 & 453.

 

˜455@iEffect of Defense of Demand and Defense of Debtor's Financial Resources)

If after the guarantor makes a request or gives proof pursuant to the provisions of Art 452 or 453, the obligee fails to demand or to levy execution and becomes unable to obtain full performance from the principal obligor as a result of that, the guarantor is released from the obligation to the extent that the obligee would have received payment if the obligee had immediately demanded or levied execution.

 

˜456@iCases with Multiple Guarantors)

If there are multiple guarantors, the provisions of Art 427 apply even if their obligations arise from individual acts.

 

˜457@ (Effect of Circumstance Which Arises with Respect to the Principal Obligor)

(1) The postponement of expiry of prescription period and the renewal of prescription period due to grounds such as a request for performance in relation to the principal obligor are also effective in relation to the guarantor.

(2) A guarantor may assert against the obligee a defense that can be raised by the principal obligor.

(3) If the principal obligor has a right to set-off, right to rescind or right to cancel against the obligee, the guarantor may refuse to perform the obligation to the obligee to the extent that the principal obligor should have been released from the obligation by exercising these rights.

 

˜458@(Effect of Circumstance Which Arises with Respect to Jointly and Severally Liable Guarantor)

The provisions of Art 438, Art 439 para (1), Art 440 & 441 apply mutatis mutandis to circumstances which arise with regard to the guarantor that bears the obligation jointly and severally with the principal obligor.

 

˜458-2@(Obligee's Duty to Provide Information on the Status of Performance of Principal Obligation)

If a guarantor gives a guarantee as requested by the principal obligor, the obligee, upon request of the guarantor, must provide, without delay, the guarantor with information concerning whether or not there has been a default in terms of the principal of the principal obligation or any interest, penalty or compensation for loss or damage in connection with the principal obligation or any other charges secondary to the obligation, as well as the remaining amount of these items and the amount of those already due.

 

˜458-3@(Obligee's Duty to Provide Information If Principal Obligor Forfeits the Benefit of Time)

(1) If the principal obligor has the benefit of time forfeits the benefit, the obligee must notify the guarantor to that effect within 2 months from the time when the obligee comes to know the principal obligor's forfeiture of the benefit.

(2) If the obligee fails to notify the guarantor as referred to in para (1) within the period referred to that paragraph, the obligee may not request the guarantor to perform the guarantee obligation for any delay damages that have accrued after the principal obligor is accelerated and becomes immediately due until the obligee notifies the guarantor pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph (excluding those that should have accrued even if the principal obligor maintains the benefit of time).

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not apply if the guarantor is a corporation.

 

˜459@(Right to Reimbursement of Guarantor Guaranteeing by Request)

(1) If a guarantor gives a guarantee as requested by the principal obligor, and performs the obligation on behalf of the principal obligor or performs any other act that causes the obligation to be extinguished in exchange for the guarantor's own property ("act for extinguishment of obligation"), the guarantor has a right to reimbursement from the principal obligor for the amount of property expended for that act (if the amount of property exceeds the amount of the principal obligation extinguished by the act for extinguishment of obligation, the amount thus extinguished).

(2) The provisions of Art 442, para (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the cases set forth in para (1).

 

˜459-2@(Right to Reimbursement in Case of Guarantor Guaranteeing by Request Who Performed Obligation Before Due Date)

(1) If a guarantor gives a guarantee as requested by the principal obligor and performs an act for extinguishment of obligation before the due date of the principal obligation, the guarantor has the right to reimbursement from the principal obligor to the extent that the principal obligor was enriched at the time of the act. In such a case, if the principal obligor alleges to have had grounds for set-off prior to the day of the act for extinguishment of obligation, the guarantor may request the obligee to perform the obligation which should have been extinguished due to the set-off.

(2) Reimbursement under the provisions of para (1) includes the statutory interest which accrues on and after the due date of the principal obligation and compensation for loss or damage including expenses which could not have been avoided even if an act for extinguishment of obligation were performed on or after the due date.

(3) The right to reimbursement referred to in para (1) may not be exercised before the due date of the principal obligation.

 

˜460@iRight of Guarantor Guaranteeing by Request to Reimbursement in Advance)

If a guarantor has given a guarantee as requested by the principal obligor, the guarantor may exercise in advance the right to reimbursement against the principal obligor if:

(i) the principal obligor is subject to an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding, and the obligee does not participate in the distribution of the bankruptcy estate;

(ii) the obligation is due; provided, however, that no extension of time granted by the obligee to the principal obligor after the conclusion of the guarantee contract may be duly asserted against the guarantor; and

(iii) the guarantor is, without negligence, rendered a judicial decision ordering the guarantor to perform the obligation to the obligee.

 

˜461@iCases in Which a Principal Obligor Reimburses Guarantor)

(1) If a principal obligor reimburses a guarantor pursuant to the provisions of Art 460, the principal obligor may demand the guarantor to provide security or to obtain an exemption for the principal obligor until the obligee receives the full satisfaction of the entire obligation.

(2) In the case prescribed in para (1), the principal obligor may be released from the obligation for reimbursement by making a deposit with an official depository, by providing security, or by procuring the discharge of the liabilities of the guarantor.

 

˜462@(Right to Reimbursement of Guarantor Guaranteeing without Request by Principal Obligor)

(1) The provisions of Art 459-2, para (1) apply mutatis mutandis if a person, that has given guarantee without the request of the principal obligor, performs an act for extinguishment of obligation.

(2) A person that has become a guarantor against the will of the principal obligor has the right to reimbursement only to the extent currently enriched. In this case, if the principal obligor asserts to have grounds for set-off against the obligee prior to the day of the demand for reimbursement, the guarantor may demand that the obligee perform the obligation which would have been extinguished by that set-off.

(3) The provisions of Art 459-2, para (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the exercise of the right to reimbursement if the guarantor referred to in para (1) & (2) performs an act for extinguishment of obligation before the due date of the principal obligation.

 

˜463@(Limitation on Reimbursement for Guarantor Who Failed to Give Notice)

(1) If a guarantor gives a guarantee as requested by the principal obligor and performs an act for extinguishment of obligation without giving prior notice to the principal obligor, the principal obligor may assert against the guarantor any defense that could have been asserted against the obligee. In such a case, if the principal obligor asserts a set-off against the guarantor, the guarantor may request the obligee to perform the obligation which should have been extinguished due to the set-off.

(2) If a guarantor gives a guarantee as requested by the principal obligor and performs an act for extinguishment of obligation in good faith because of the principal obligor's failure to notify the guarantor of the principal obligor's performance of an act for extinguishment of obligation, the guarantor may deem that the guarantor's own act for extinguishment of obligation is valid.

(3) If the principal obligor performs an act for extinguishment of obligation after the guarantor has performed an act for extinguishment of obligation, the principal obligor may deem that the guarantor's own act for extinguishment of obligation is valid, not only if the guarantor has given guarantee against the will of the principal obligor but also if the principal obligor has performed an act for extinguishment of obligation in good faith because of the guarantor's failure to notify the principal obligor of the guarantor's performance of act for extinguishment of obligation.

 

˜464@(Right to Reimbursement of Guarantor for Joint and Several Obligation or Indivisible Obligation)

A person that has become a guarantor for one of the joint and several obligors or for one of the indivisible obligors has the right to reimbursement from the other obligors only to the extent of that person's share of the obligation.

 

˜465@iRight of Joint Guarantors to Reimbursement for One Obligation)

(1) If there are multiple guarantors, and one guarantor has paid the entire amount of the obligation or any amount exceeding that guarantor's share because the principal obligation is indivisible, or because there is a special provision to the effect that each guarantor should pay the entire amount, the provisions of Art 442 thru 444 apply mutatis mutandis.

(2) Except in the cases prescribed in para (1), if one of the guarantors that are not jointly and severally liable has paid the entire amount or any amount exceeding that guarantor's share, the provisions of Art 462 apply mutatis mutandis.

 

Division ii Contract for Revolving Guarantee by Individual

 

˜465-2@(Liability of Guarantor of Contract for Revolving Guarantee by Individual)

(1) A guarantor to a guarantee contract under which the principal obligation is one or more unidentified obligations within a certain specified scope ("contract for revolving guarantee") and the guarantor is not a corporation ("contract for revolving guarantee by an individual") is liable to perform the obligation in terms of the amounts of the principal of the principal obligation, any interest, penalty and compensation for loss or damage in connection with the principal obligation, and all the other charges secondary to the obligation, as well as the amount of any penalty or compensation for loss or damage which is agreed- upon on with regard to the guarantee obligation, up to a certain maximum amount which pertains to all of these amounts.

(2) A contract for revolving guarantee by an individual does not become effective unless it provides for the maximum amount prescribed in para (1).

(3) The provisions of Art 446 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the provisions concerning a maximum amount prescribed in para (1) in a contract for revolving guarantee by an individual.

 

˜465-3@(Principal Crystallization Date for Contract for Revolving Guarantee by Individual for Loans)

(1) If a contract for revolving guarantee by an individual under which the scope of the principal obligation includes an obligation to be borne as a result of loans or receiving a discount of a negotiable instrument ("loan obligation"; "contract for revolving guarantee by an individual for loans") provides for the date on which the principal of the principal obligation should be crystallized ("principal crystallization date"), and it also provides that the principal crystallization date is to fall on or after the day on which 5 years have passed after the day of the conclusion of the contract for the revolving guarantee by an individual for loans, the provisions concerning the principal crystallization date do not become effective.

(2) If a contract for revolving guarantee by an individual for loans does not provide for a principal crystallization date (or if the provisions concerning the principal crystallization date do not become effective pursuant to the provisions of para (1)), the principal crystallization date is to fall on the day on which 3 years have passed from the day of the conclusion of the contract for revolving guarantee by an individual for loans.

(3) If a change of the principal crystallization date provided for in a contract for revolving guarantee by an individual for loans is to be effected, and the principal crystallization date as changed falls on a day later than the day on which 5 years have passed after the day of the change, that change of the principal crystallization date does not become effective; provided, however, that this does not apply if the change of the principal crystallization date is effected within 2 months immediately preceding the principal crystallization date, and the principal crystallization date as changed falls on a day within 5 years from the original principal crystallization date.

(4) The provisions of Art 446 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the provisions concerning a principal crystallization date in a contract for revolving guarantee by an individual for loans and a change thereof (excluding provisions to the effect that the principal crystallization date is to fall on a day within 3 years from the day of the conclusion of that contract for revolving guarantee by an individual for loans, and any change which is intended to change the principal crystallization date to a day preceding the original principal crystallization date).

 

˜465-4@(Grounds for Crystallization of Principal in Contract for Revolving Guarantee by Individual)

(1) The principal of the principal obligation under a contract for revolving guarantee by an individual is crystallized in the following cases; provided, however, that in the case set forth in item (i), it is crystallized only if the procedure for compulsory execution or enforcement procedure of a security right is commenced:

(i) if an obligee files a petition for compulsory execution or enforcement of any security right for a claim for payment of money with regard to any property of the guarantor;

(ii) if the guarantor receives an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding; or

(iii) the relevant principal obligor or guarantor has died.

(2) Beyond the case prescribed in para (1), the principal of the principal obligation under a contract for revolving guarantee by an individual for loans is crystallized in the following cases; provided, however, that in the case set forth in item (i), it is crystallized only if the procedure for compulsory execution or enforcement procedure of a security right is commenced:

(i) if the obligee files a petition for compulsory execution or enforcement of a security right for a claim for

payment of money with regard to property of the principal obligor; or

(ii) if the principal obligor receives an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding.

 

˜465-5@(Right to Reimbursement in Contract for Revolving Guarantee When the Guarantor Is a Corporation)

(1) If a contract for revolving guarantee under which the guarantor is a corporation does not provide for the maximum amount prescribed in Art 465-2 para (1), a guarantee contract under which the principal obligation is an obligation arising from the right to reimbursement held by the guarantor of the contract for revolving guarantee against the principal obligor does not become effective.

(2) If a contract for revolving guarantee under which the guarantor is a corporation and the scope of the principal obligation includes a loan obligation does not provide for the principal crystallization date, or its provisions concerning the principal crystallization date or any change thereof would not become effective should the provisions of Art 465-3, para (1) or (3) be applied, a guarantee contract under which the principal obligation is an obligation arising from the right to reimbursement held by the guarantor of the revolving guarantee contract against the principal obligor does not become effective. The same applies to a contract for revolving guarantee under which the scope of the principal obligation includes an obligation arising from the right to reimbursement.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not apply if the guarantor of a guarantee contract under which the principal obligation is an obligation arising from the right to reimbursement or of a contract for revolving guarantee under which the scope of the principal obligation includes an obligation arising from the right to reimbursement is a corporation.

 

Division 3 Special Provisions for Guarantee Contract for Obligations Arising from Business

 

˜465-6@(Preparation of Notarial Instrument and Effect of Guarantee)

(1) A guarantee contract under which the principal obligation is a loan obligation assumed for business or a contract for a revolving guarantee under which the scope of the principal obligation includes a loan obligation assumed for business does not become effective unless the person that will become a guarantor manifests, prior to the conclusion of the contract, the intention to perform the guarantee obligation by means of a notarial instrument prepared within one month prior to the day of conclusion of the contract.

(2) The notarial instrument referred to in para (1) must be prepared in compliance with the following formalities:

(i) the person that will become a guarantor gives the notary oral instructions regarding the particulars specified

in (a) or (b) below for the category of contract set forth therein:

(a) a guarantee contract (excluding the one set forth in (b)):the obligee and obligor of the principal obligation, the principal of the principal obligation, whether any interest, penalty or compensation for loss or damage in connection with the principal obligation or any other charges secondary to the obligation are provided for in the contract and, if so, the details thereof, as well as the fact that the person that will become a guarantor has the intention to pay the entire amount of the obligation if the principal obligor fails to perform the obligation (if the person that will become a guarantor seeks to assume the obligation jointly and severally with the principal obligor, the intention to pay the entire amount of the obligation, regardless of whether the obligee has made a demand to the principal obligor, whether the principal obligor is able to perform the obligation, or whether the principal obligor has any other guarantor); or

(b) a contract for a revolving guarantee: the obligee and obligor of the principal obligation, the scope of the principal obligation, the maximum amount under the contract for revolving guarantee, whether the principal crystallization date is provided for in the contract and, if so, the details thereof, as well as the fact that the person that will become a guarantor has the intention to pay the entire amount of the obligation with regard to the principal of the principal obligation and any interest, penalty, and compensation for loss or damage in connection with the principal obligation and any other charges secondary to the obligation, which are to arise by the principal crystallization date or the time when an event that causes the crystallization of the principal takes place, such as the events set forth in the items of Art 465-4 para (1) or the items of para (2) of that Article, up to the maximum amount, if the principal obligor fails to perform the obligation (if the person that will become a guarantor seeks to assume the obligation jointly and severally with the principal obligor, the intention to pay the entire amount of the obligation, regardless of whether the obligee has made a demand to the principal obligor, whether the principal obligor is able to perform the obligation, or whether the principal obligor has any other guarantor);

(ii) the notary takes dictation from the person that will become the guarantor, and reads this aloud to, or allows its inspection by, the person that will become the guarantor;

(iii) the person that will become a guarantor signs and seals the instrument after having approved the accuracy of the dictation taken by the notary; provided, however, that if the person that will become a guarantor is unable to sign, the notary may include a supplementary note giving the reason therefor in lieu of the signature of that person; and

(iv) the notary includes a supplementary note to the effect that the instrument has been prepared in compliance with the formalities set forth in items (i) thru (iii) and signs and seals the instrument.

(3)   The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not apply if the person that will become a guarantor is a corporation.

 

˜465-7@(Special Provisions for Formalities of Notarial Instrument on Guarantee)

(1) If a person that will become a guarantor of a guarantee contract or a contract for a revolving guarantee referred to in Art 465-6 para (1) is unable to speak, the person must make a statement in front of the notary of the particulars specified in para (1) item (i), (a) or (b) of that Article for the category of contract set forth therein, through an interpreter or by that person's own hand, in lieu of the oral instructions referred to in the same item. In such a case, to apply the provisions of para (1) item (ii), the term "oral instructions" in that item is deemed to be replaced with "statement through an interpreter or by that person's own hand".

(2) If a person that will become a guarantor of a guarantee contract or contract for revolving guarantee referred to in Art 465-6 para (1) is unable to hear, the notary may convey the content of the dictation taken as prescribed in para (2), item (ii) of that Article to the person that will become a guarantor, through an interpreter, in lieu of the reading it aloud as referred to in the same item.

(3) If a notary prepares a notarial instrument in compliance with the formalities prescribed in para (1) & (2), the notary must include a supplementary note to that effect on the instrument.

 

˜465-8@(Preparation of Notarial Instrument and Effect of Guarantee for Right to Reimbursement)

(1) The provisions of Art 465-6 para (1) & (2) and Art 465-7 apply mutatis mutandis to a guarantee contract under which the principal obligation is a loan obligation assumed for business or a guarantee contract under which the principal obligation is an obligation relating to the right to reimbursement held by a guarantor against the principal debtor under a revolving guarantee contract under which the scope of the principal obligation includes a loan obligation assumed for business. The same applies to a contract for revolving guarantee under which the scope of the principal obligation includes an obligation relating to that right to reimbursement.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply if the person that will become a guarantor is a corporation.

 

˜465-9@(Exclusion from Application of Provisions Concerning Preparation of Notarial Instrument and Effect of Guarantee)

The provisions of Art 465-6 thru 465-8 do not apply to a guarantee contract under which the person that will become a guarantor is any of the following persons:

(i) corporation, its managing administrator, director, executive officer, or any person equivalent thereto; or

(ii) if the principal obligor is a corporation, any of the following persons:

(a) a person that holds the majority of voting rights of all shareholders (excluding voting rights in respect of shares that do not allow voting rights to be exercised for all matters that may be resolved at a shareholders meeting) of the principal obligor;

(b) if the majority of voting rights of all shareholders of the principal obligor is held by another stock company: a person that holds the majority of voting rights of all shareholders of that other stock company; or

(c) if the majority of voting rights of all shareholders of the principal obligor is held by another stock company and a person that holds the majority of voting rights of all shareholders of that other stock company: a person that holds the majority of voting rights of all shareholders of that other stock company;

(d) if the principal obligor is a corporation that is not a stock company: a person equivalent to the person set forth in (a), (b) or (c); or

(iii) a person that conducts business jointly with the principal obligor (excluding one that is a corporation) or the principal obligor's spouse who actually engages in the business conducted by the principal obligor.

 

˜465-10@(Duty to Provide Information upon Conclusion of Contract)

(1) If the principal obligor requests a person to give guarantee for an obligation to be assumed for business as the principal obligation or give revolving guarantee for an obligation to be assumed for business that is included in the scope of the principal obligation, the principal obligor must provide the person so requested with information concerning the following particulars:

(i) the status of assets, and income and expenditure;

(ii) whether the principal obligor has any obligation other than the principal obligation, and the amount and status of performance thereof; and

(iii) if the principal obligor has provided or seeks to provide any other security for the principal obligation, an indication of this and the details of the security.

(2) If, because the principal obligor fails to provide information concerning the particulars set forth in para (1) items (i) thru (iii) or provides information that is factually inaccurate, the person requested to guarantee misunderstands these particulars and manifests the intention to offer or accept the offer of a guarantee contract based on the misunderstanding, the guarantor may rescind the guarantee contract if the obligee knew or could have known that the principal obligor failed to provide information concerning these particulars or provided information that was factually inaccurate.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not apply if the person that gives guarantee is a corporation.

 

Section 4 Assignment of Claims

 

˜466@iAssignability of Claims)

(1) A claim may be assigned; provided, however, that this does not apply if its nature does not permit the assignment.

(2) Even if a party to a claim manifests the intention to prohibit or restrict the assignment of the claim ("manifestation of intention to restrict assignment"), the validity of the assignment of the claim is not impaired.

(3) In the case prescribed in para (2), the obligor may refuse to perform the obligation to a third party such as the assignee that knew or did not know due to gross negligence that the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment was made, and may duly assert against such third party any event that results in extinguishment of the obligation such as payment to the assignor.

(4) The provisions of para (3) do not apply if the obligor does not perform the obligation, and the third party prescribed in that paragraph makes a demand to the obligor for the performance to the assignor by specifying a reasonable period of time, but the obligor does not perform the obligation within that period.

 

˜466-2@(Deposit Made by Obligor for Claim Subject to Manifestation of Intention to Restrict Assignment)

(1) If a claim for payment of money subject to the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment is assigned to a third party, the obligor may deposit the amount of money equivalent to the full amount of the claim with an official depository having jurisdiction over the place of performance of the obligation (including the current domicile of the assignor if the place of performance of the obligation is determined on the basis of the current domicile of the obligee).

(2) An obligor that has made a deposit pursuant to the provisions of para (1)h must notify the assignor and the assignee of the deposit without delay.

(3) Only the assignee is entitled to request the refund of the money deposited pursuant to the provisions of

para (1).

 

˜466-3@(Deposit Made by Obligor for Claim Subject to Manifestation of Intention to Restrict Assignment)

In the case prescribed in Art 466-2 para (1), if an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding is issued with regard to the assignor, the assignee (limited to the one that has acquired the full amount of the claim referred to in that paragraph and that may duly assert the assignment of the claim against a third party such as the obligor) may have the obligor deposit the amount of money equivalent to the full amount of the claim with an official depository having jurisdiction over the place of performance of the obligation even if the assignee knew or did not know due to gross negligence that the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment was made. In such a case, the provisions of Art 466-2 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜466-4@(Attachment of Claim Subject to Manifestation of Intention to Restrict Assignment)

(1) The provisions of Art 466 para (3) do not apply to an attaching obligee that has enforced compulsory execution against a claim that is subject to the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), if a third party such as the assignee knew or did not know due to gross negligence that the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment was made, and the obligee of the assignee or other third party enforces compulsory execution against the claim referred to in that paragraph, the obligor may refuse to perform the obligation and duly assert against an attaching obligee any event that results in extinguishing the obligation such as payment to the assignor.

 

˜466-5@(Effect of Manifestation of Intention to Restrict Assignment of Claim for Deposits)

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Art 466 para (2), the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment which is made by a party with regard to a claim for deposits in a deposit account ("claim for deposits") may be duly asserted against a third party such as the assignee that knew or did not know due to gross negligence that the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment was made.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply to an attaching obligee that has commenced compulsory execution against a claim for deposits that is subject to the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment.

 

˜466-6@(Assignability of Claim Yet to Arise)

(1) The assignment of a claim does not require the claim to have already arisen by the time of the manifestation of intention to assign it.

(2) If a claim is assigned, and the claim is yet to arise by the time of the manifestation of intention to assign it, the assignee by operation of law acquires the claim when it arises.

(3) In the case prescribed in para (2), if the assignor makes the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment by the time when the assignor gives notice under the provisions of Art 466-5 or the obligor gives consent under the provisions of that Article ("time of completion of perfection"), a third party such as the assignee is deemed to have known this, and the provisions of Art 466 para (3) (or Art 466-5 para (1) if the claim subject to the manifestation of intention to restrict assignment is a claim for deposits) apply thereto.

 

˜467@(Requirement for Perfection of Assignment of Claim)

(1) The assignment of a claim (including the assignment of a claim that is yet to arise) may not be duly asserted against the applicable obligor or any other third party, unless the assignor gives notice thereof to the obligor or the obligor has consented to the same.

(2) Notice or consent as referred to in para (1) may not be duly asserted against a third party other than the obligor unless the notice or the consent is made using an instrument bearing a certified date.

 

˜468@iDefense of Obligor upon Assignment of Claim)

(1) An obligor may duly assert against the assignee any event that has taken place with regard to the assignor by the time of completion of the perfection.

(2) For the purpose of the application of the provisions of para (1) in the case referred to in Art 466 para (4), the phrase "at the time of the completion of the perfection" in that paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "at the time when a reasonable period of time referred to in Art 466 para (4) has elapsed"; and to apply the provisions of that paragraph in the case referred to in Art 466-3, the phrase "at the time of the completion of the perfection" in that paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "at the time when the obligor receives a request from the assignee referred to in Art 466-3 to make a deposit with an official depository pursuant to the provisions of that Article".

 

˜469@(Right to Set-Off upon Assignment of Claim)

(1) An obligor may duly assert against the assignee a set-off based on a claim against the assignor that the obligor acquired before the time of satisfaction of the requirement for perfection.

(2) The para (1) also applies to a claim against the assignor that the obligor acquires after the time of the completion of the perfection if the claim is any of the following; provided, however, that this does not apply if the obligor acquires a claim of another person after the time of the completion of the perfection:

(i) a claim that has arisen from a cause that existed before the time of the completion of the perfection; or

(ii) beyond what is set forth in item (i), a claim that has arisen from a contract under which the claim acquired by the assignee has arisen.

(3) To apply the provisions of para (1) & (2) in the case referred to in Art 466 para (4), the phrase "at the time of the completion of the perfection" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "at the time when a reasonable period of time referred to in Article 466 para (4) has elapsed"; and to apply these provisions in the case referred to in Art 466-3, the phrase "at the time of the completion of the perfection" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "at the time when the obligor receives a request from the assignee referred to in Art 466-3 to make a deposit with an official depository pursuant to the provisions of that Article".

 

Section 5 Assumption of Obligation

Subsection 1 Assumption of Obligation Not Releasing Obligor

 

˜470@(Requirements for and Effect of Assumption of Obligation Not Releasing Obligor)

(1) An additional obligor resulting from the assumption of obligation not releasing an obligor assumes, jointly and severally with the initial obligor, an obligation of the same content as the obligation assumed by the initial obligor to the obligee.

(2) The assumption of obligation not releasing an obligor may be effected by a contract between the obligee and the person that becomes the additional obligor.

(3) The assumption of obligation not releasing an obligor may also be effected by a contract between the initial obligor and the person that becomes the additional obligor. In such a case, the assumption of obligation not releasing an obligor becomes effective when the obligee gives consent to the person that becomes the additional obligor.

(4) The assumption of obligation not releasing an obligor to be effected pursuant to the provisions of para (3) is governed by the provisions concerning a third party beneficiary contract.

 

˜471@(Defense by Additional Obligor in Assumption of Obligation Not Releasing Obligor)

(1) An additional obligor may duly assert against the obligee any defense that could have been asserted by the initial obligor at the time when the assumption of obligation not releasing an obligor became effective, with regard to the obligation that the additional obligor has assumed through the assumption of obligation not releasing the obligor.

(2) If the initial obligor has a right to rescind or right to cancel against the obligee, the additional obligor may refuse to perform the obligation to the obligee to the extent that the initial obligor should have been released from the obligation by exercising either of these rights.

 

Subsection 2 Assumption of Obligation Releasing Old Obligor

 

˜472@(Requirements for and Effect of Assumption of Obligation Releasing Old Obligor)

(1) A new obligor resulting from the assumption of obligation releasing an old obligor assumes an obligation of the same content as the obligation of the initial obligor to the obligee, and the initial obligor is released from their own obligation.

(2) The assumption of obligation releasing an old obligor may be effected by a contract between the obligee and the person that becomes the replacing obligor. In such a case, the assumption of obligation releasing an old obligor becomes effective when the obligee notifies the initial obligor of the conclusion of that contract.

(3) The assumption of obligation releasing an old obligor may also be effected if the initial obligor and the person that becomes the replacing obligor conclude a contract and the obligee gives consent to the person that becomes the replacing obligor.

 

˜472-2@(Defense by New Obligor in Assumption of Obligation Releasing Old Obligor)

(1) A new obligor may duly assert against the obligee any defense that could have been asserted by the initial obligor at the time when the assumption of obligation releasing an obligor became effective, with regard to the obligation that the replacing obligor has assumed through the assumption of obligation releasing the obligor.

(2) If the old obligor has a right to rescind or right to cancel against the obligee, the new obligor may refuse to perform the obligation to the obligee to the extent that the initial obligor could have been released from the obligation by exercising either of these rights should the assumption of obligation releasing the obligor not be effected.

 

˜472-3@(Right to Reimbursement of New Obligor Resulting from Assumption of Obligation Releasing Old Obligor)

A new obligor resulting from the assumption of obligation releasing an old obligor does not acquire a right to reimbursement from the obligor.

 

˜472-4@(Transfer of Security Resulting from Assumption of Obligation Releasing Old Obligor)

(1) An obligee may transfer a security right that has been created as security for the obligation from which the initial obligor is released pursuant to the provisions of Art 472 para (1) to the obligation assumed by the replacing obligor; provided, however, that if a person other than the replacing obligor created the security right, the obligee must obtain consent from that person.

(2) The transfer of a security right under the provisions of para (1) must be effected by manifesting the intention to the replacing obligor in advance or upon the transfer.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) apply mutatis mutandis if there is a person that gave guarantee for the obligation from which the initial obligor is released pursuant to the provisions of Art 472 para (1).

(4) In the case referred to in para (3), the consent referred to in para (1) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to para (3) does not become effective unless it is given in writing.

(5) If the consent referred to in para (4) is given by means of an electronic or magnetic record in which its content is recorded, the consent is deemed to have been given in writing, and the provisions of that paragraph apply thereto.

 

Section 6 Extinction of Claims

Subsection 1 Performance

Division i General Provisions

 

˜473@(Performance)

If the obligor performs an obligation to the obligee, the claim is extinguished.

 

˜474@iPerformance by Third Parties)

(1) A third party may also perform an obligation.

(2) A third party that has no legitimate interest in performing an obligation may not perform the obligation against the will of the obligor; provided, however, that this does not apply if the obligee did not know that the performance is against the will of the obligor.

(3) The third party prescribed in para (2) may not perform the obligation against the will of the obligee; provided, however, that this does not apply if the third party performs the obligation as requested by the obligor, and the obligee knew this.

(4) The provisions of para (1) thru (3) do not apply if the nature of an obligation does not permit the performance by a third party or if a party manifests the intention to prohibit or restrict the performance by a third party.

 

˜475@(Recovery of Thing Transferred in Performance of Obligation)

If a person effecting performance has delivered a thing owned by another person in performance of the obligation, the person so effecting performance may not recover that thing without effecting valid performance de novo.

 

˜476@(Effect of Performance If Thing Delivered in Performance of Obligation Is Consumed or Assigned)

In a case as referred to in Art 475, if an obligee in good faith consumes or assigns things received in performance of an obligation, that performance is valid. In such a case, if the obligee has received a claim for compensation from a third party, the obligee is not precluded from seeking reimbursement from the person performing the obligation.

 

˜477@(Performance by Payment into Account for Deposits)

Performance made by making payment into the obligee's account for deposits becomes effective when the obligee acquires a right to demand the refund of the amount paid, against the obligor of the claim to be paid from deposits.

 

˜478@(Performance to Person That Appears to Be Authorized to Accept)

Performance made to a person that does not constitute a person authorized to accept the performance (meaning the obligee or a third party authorized to accept performance based on the provisions of laws and regulations or the manifestation of intention of the parties) but that appears to be the person authorized to accept the performance in light of common sense in the transaction is effective only if the person effecting performance was acting in good faith and without negligence.

 

˜479@iPerformance to Person Other Than Person with Right to Performance)

Except as provided in Art 478, any performance made to a person other than the person with right to performance is effective only to the extent that the obligee is enriched as a result thereof.

 

˜481@(Performance by Third Party Obligor of Claim Attached)

(1) If a third party obligor of a claim that has been attached performs the obligation to that third party's own obligee, the attaching obligee is entitled to request the third party obligor to perform the obligation de novo to the extent of the damage sustained by the attaching obligee.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not preclude the relevant third party obligor from exercising the right to reimbursement from the obligee.

 

˜482@iSubstitute Performance)(Accord and Satisfaction)

If a person that has right to perform an obligation ("performer") concludes a contract with the obligee to the effect that the person is to have the obligation extinguished by making, in lieu of the payment or delivery to be performed by the obligor, another type of payment or delivery, and the performer makes that other type of payment or delivery, the payment or delivery thus made has the same effect as that of the performance of the obligation.

 

˜483@iDelivery of Specific Thing on As-Is Basis)

If the subject matter of a claim is the delivery of a specific thing, and the quality of the thing may not be determined as of the time when the delivery is due in light of the cause from which the claim has arisen such as a contract and the common sense in the transaction, the person that performs the obligation must deliver the thing on an "as-is" basis as of the time when the delivery is due.

 

˜484@iPlace and Time of Performance)

(1) Unless a particular intention is manifested with respect to the place where the performance should take place, the delivery of a specific thing must be effected at the place where that thing was located when the relevant claim accrued, and the discharge of any other obligation must be effected at the current domicile of the obligee.

(2) If the trading hours are specified by laws and regulations or customs, performance may be made or demanded only within the trading hours.

 

˜485@iExpense of Performance)

Unless a particular intention is manifested with respect to the expenses of performance, those expenses are borne by the obligor; provided, however, that if the obligee caused the expenses of performance to increase by relocating the domicile thereof or taking any other act, the amount of increase due to this is borne by the obligee.

 

˜486@iRequest for Issuance of Receipt)

A person performing an obligation may request the person accepting the performance to issue a receipt.

 

˜487@iRequest for Return of Instrument Evidencing Claims)

If there is an instrument evidencing a claim and the person making the performance has made full performance, that person may demand the return of the instrument.

 

˜488@(Appropriation of One Payment or Delivery among Two or More Obligations Requiring the Same Kind of Payment or Delivery)

(1) If an obligor bears to a single obligee two or more obligations which require the same kind of payment or delivery, and the payment or delivery provided in performance of the obligations is not sufficient to extinguish all of these obligations (excluding the case prescribed in Art 489 para (1)), the person that makes the performance may, at the time of the payment or delivery, designate a particular obligation to which that performance should be appropriated before any others.

(2) If the person performing an obligation does not make the designation under the provisions of para (1), the person receiving the performance may, at the time of such receipt, designate a particular obligation to which such performance should be appropriated before any others; provided, however, that this does not apply if the person performing the obligation immediately raises an objection to that appropriation.

(3) The designation of the appropriation of the performance under para (1) & (2) is effected thru a manifestation of intention to the counterparty.

(4) Neither the person that makes the performance nor the person that accepts the performance makes designation under the provisions of para (1) or (2), the performance is appropriated pursuant to the provisions of the following items:

(i) if the obligations include those which are due and those which are not yet due, the performance is appropriated to those which are due;

(ii) if all obligations are due, or none of the obligations is due, the performance is appropriated in the order of the obligations which are to result in more benefit to the obligor when performed;

(iii) if all obligations would have equal benefit to the obligor when performed, the performance is appropriated in the order of the obligations which have, or should have, the earliest due date; or

(iv) the performance of obligations which are equal in terms of the particulars set forth in item (ii) & (iii) is appropriated in proportion to the amount of each obligation.

 

˜489@(Appropriation to Principal, Interest and Expenses Payable)

(1) If the obligor is liable to pay interest and expenses in addition to principal with respect to one or more obligations (if the obligor bears two or more obligations, limited to when the obligor bears these obligations requiring the same kind of payment or delivery to the same obligee), and the person that performs the obligations makes payment or delivery which is not sufficient to extinguish the obligation in its entirety must be appropriated first to expenses, and then to interest and principal, in this order.

(2) The provisions of Art 488 apply mutatis mutandis in the case referred to in para (1) in which the person makes payment or delivery which is not sufficient to extinguish any of expenses, interest or principal in whole.

 

˜490@(Appropriation of Performance by Agreement)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Art 488 & 489, if the person that makes performance and the person that accepts performance agree on the order of appropriation of performance, the performance is appropriated according to the agreed-upon order.

 

˜491@(Appropriation in Cases More Than One Performance Should Be Tendered)

If more than one performance should be tendered to discharge a single obligation, if the person that must perform tenders any performance which is not sufficient to extinguish such obligation in its entirety, the provisions of Art 488 thru 490 apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜492@iEffect of Tender of Performances)

Upon tendering the performance, the obligor is relieved from any and all responsibilities which may arise from the non-performance of the obligation.

 

˜493@iMethod of Tender of Performances)

The tender of the performance must be made actually consistent with the main purport of the obligation; provided, however, that if the obligee refuses to accept that performance in advance or if any act is required on the part of the obligee with respect to the performance of the obligation, it is sufficient for the obligor to request the acceptance thereof by giving a notice that the tender of the performance has been prepared.

 

Division ii Deposit of Subject-Matter of Performance

 

˜494@iDeposit)

In the following cases, a performer may deposit the subject matter of the performance with an official depository for the benefit of the obligee. In such a case, the claim is extinguished when the performer makes the deposit:

(i) the performer tenders the performance, and the obligee refuses to accept it; or

(ii) the obligee is unable to accept the performance.

(2) The para (1) also applies if the performer is unable to ascertain the obligee; provided, however, that this does not apply if the performer is negligent in this respect.

 

˜495@iMethod of Deposit)

(1) The deposit under the provisions of Art 494 must be made with the official depository having jurisdiction over the place where the relevant obligation is performed.

(2) If there is no specific provision in laws and regulations with respect to the official depository, the court, at the request of the performer, must designate the depository and appoint a custodian of the thing to be deposited.

(3) A person that has effected a deposit pursuant to the provisions of Art 494 must notify the obligee of the deposit without delay.

 

˜496@iRecovery of Deposited Thing)

(1) As long as the obligee does not accept the deposit, or the judgment which pronounces that the deposit is effective does not become final and binding, the performer may recover the deposited thing. In such case, it is deemed that no deposit has been effected.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply in cases any pledge or mortgage has been extinguished due to the deposit.

 

˜497@iThing Not Suitable for Deposit)

In the following cases, the performer may, with the permission of the court, sell the thing that is the subject matter of performance at public auction and deposit the proceeds of such sales with an official depository:

(i) the thing is not suitable for deposit;

(ii) the price of the thing is likely to decline due to causes such as loss and damage;

(iii) excessive expenses are required for the preservation of the thing; or

(iv) beyond the cases set forth in item (i) thru (iii), there are circumstances that make it difficult to deposit the thing.

 

˜498@(Demand for Return of Deposited Thing)

(1) If the property that is the subject matter of performance or the proceeds referred to in Art 497 are deposited, the obligee may demand the return of the deposited thing.

(2) If the obligor is to effect performance in exchange for payment or delivery by the obligee, the obligee may not receive deposited thing without making that payment or delivery.

 

Division iii Subrogation by Performance

 

˜499@(Requirements for Subrogation by Performance)

A person that has performed the obligation for the benefit of the obligor is subrogated to the claim of the obligee.

 

˜500@(Requirements for Subrogation by Performance)

The provisions of Art 467 apply mutatis mutandis in the case referred to in Art 499 (unless a person with a legitimate interest in making performance is subrogated to the claim of the obligee).


˜501@iEffect of Subrogation by Performance)

(1) A person that is subrogated to the claim of the obligee pursuant to the provisions of Art499 & 500 may exercise any and all rights possessed by the obligee as the effect of, and as a security for, the claim held by the obligee.

(2) The exercise of rights under the provisions of para (1) is allowed only to the extent that the person that is subrogated to the claim of the obligee is entitled to seek reimbursement from the obligor based on the person's own rights (if one of the guarantors is subrogated to the claim of the obligee in relation to other guarantors, only to the extent that the guarantor is entitled to seek reimbursement from the other guarantors based on that guarantor's own rights).

(3) In the case referred to in para (1), the following provisions apply in addition to the provisions of para (2):

(i) a third party acquirer (meaning a person that has acquired from the obligor the property that is the subject of security) is not subrogated to the claim of the obligee in relation to any guarantors or third-party collateral providers;

(ii) one of the third party acquirers is subrogated to the claim of the obligee in relation to other third party acquirers in proportion to the price of each property;

(iii) the provisions of item (ii) apply mutatis mutandis if one of the third-party collateral providers is subrogated to the claim of the obligee in relation to other third-party collateral providers;

(iv) between a guarantor and a third-party collateral provider, the subrogation to the claim of the obligee is effected depending on the number of these persons involved; provided, however, that if there are two or more third-party collateral providers, they are subrogated to the claim of the obligee in proportion to the price of each property with respect to the amount which remains after deduction of the share of the guarantor; and

(v) a person that has acquired from a third party acquirer the property that is the subject of security is deemed to be a third party acquirer, and the provisions of item (i) & (ii) apply thereto; and a person that has acquired from a third-party collateral provider the property that is the subject of security is deemed to be a third-party collateral provider, and the provisions of item (i), (iii) and (iv) apply thereto.

 

˜502@iSubrogation by Partial Performance)

(1) If performance by subrogation occurs with respect to one part of a claim, the subrogee, with the consent of the obligee, may exercise the rights of the subrogee together with the obligee in proportion to the value of the subrogee's performance.

(2) Even in a case as referred to in para (1), the obligee may exercise the obligee's right independently.

(3) The right to be exercised by the obligee in the case referred to in para (1) & (2) prevails over the right to be exercised by the subrogee with regard to money to be obtained as a result of the exercise of the rights such as the proceeds from the sale of the property that is the subject of security for the claim of the obligee.

(4) In the case referred to in para (1), the cancellation of a contract based on the failure to perform the obligation may be effected only by the obligee. In such a case, the obligee must reimburse to the subrogee the value of the performance that the subrogee effected plus interest.

 

˜503@iDelivery of Instrument Evidencing Claims by Obligee)

(1) An obligee that has received full performance by way of subrogation must deliver to the subrogee the instruments regarding the claim and any collateral that the obligee possesses.

(2) If performance by subrogation occurs with respect to a part of a claim, the obligee must enter the particulars of that subrogation in the instruments regarding the claim and allow the subrogee to supervise the custody of the collateral that the obligee possesses.

 

˜504@iLoss of Security by Obligee)

(1) If there is a person that has legitimate interest in performing an obligation ("person entitled to subrogation"), and the obligee causes the security thereof to be lost or diminished intentionally or negligently, the person entitled to subrogation is relieved from responsibility to the extent that that person can no longer seek the reimbursement due to the loss or diminution in the security available upon subrogation. If the person entitled to subrogation is a third-party collateral provider, the same applies to a third party that has acquired from the person entitled to subrogation the property that is the subject of security and to the specific successor thereof.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply if the obligee is found to have reasonable grounds in light of the common sense in the transaction for causing the security to be lost or diminished.

 

Subsection 2 Set-offs

 

˜505@iRequirements for Set-offs)

(1) If two persons bear an obligation to each other that has the same kind of purpose and if both obligations are due, each obligor may be relieved from the obligation by setting off the value of that obligation against the corresponding amount of the obligation of the other obligor; provided, however, that this does not apply if the nature of the obligation does not permit such a set-off.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), if a party manifests the intention to prohibit or restrict a set-off, that manifestation of the intention may be duly asserted against a third party only if the third party knew or did not know due to gross negligence it.

 

˜506@iMethod and Effect of Set-offs)

(1) Set-offs are effected through the manifestation of one party's intention to the other. In such a case, no condition or time limit may be added to the manifestation of intention.

(2) A manifestation of intention as referred to in para (1) is effective retroactive to the time when the obligations of both parties became eligible to be set-off.

 

˜507@iSet-offs between Obligations with Different Places of Performance)

Set-offs may be effected even if the places of performance of both obligations are different. In such case, the party seeking to effect the set-off must compensate the counterparty for any damage suffered as result of such set-off.

 

˜508@(Set-Offs Using a Claim Extinguished by Prescription as Claim Used to Assert Set-Off)

If a claim extinguished by prescription was eligible for set-off prior to its extinguishment, the obligee may use that claim for the set-off.

 

˜509@(Prohibition of Effecting Set-offs Against Claims Arising from Tortious Acts as Passive Sett-Off Claim)

The obligor of either of the following obligations may not duly assert a set-off against the obligee; provided, however, that this does not apply if the obligee acquires a claim corresponding to the relevant obligation from another person:

(i) an obligation for compensation for loss or damage based on a tort committed in bad faith; or

(ii) an obligation for compensation for loss or damage for death or injury to person (excluding the one set forth in item (i)).

 

˜510@(Prohibition of Set-offs Against Any Claim Exempt from Attachment as Passive Set-Off Claim)

If any claim is exempt from attachment, the obligor of that claim may not assert the set-off as defense against the obligee of that claim.

 

˜511@(Prohibition of Set-offs Against Any Claim Subject to Injunction)

(Prohibition of Set-Offs Against Any Claim Attached)

(1) A third party obligor of a claim which has been attached may not assert sett-off as defense with any claim acquired after the attachment against the attaching obligee, but may duly assert against the same a set-off based using a claim acquired before the attachment.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), if a claim acquired after the attachment has arisen from a cause that existed before the attachment, the third party obligor may use that claim for a set-off against the attaching obligee; provided, however, that this does not apply if the third party obligor acquires the claim of another person after the attachment.

 

˜512@(Appropriation of Set-Off)

(1) If an obligee manifests the intention to effect a set-off using one or more claims held by the obligee against the obligor against one or more obligations borne by the obligee to the obligor, the claims held and the obligations borne by the obligee are extinguished by a set-off at the corresponding amount, in the order of time when they become eligible for set-off, unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties.

(2) In the case referred to in para (1), if the claims held by the obligee that seeks a set-off are insufficient to extinguish all of the obligations borne by the obligee, the following provisions apply, unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties:

(i) if the obligee has 2 or more obligations (excluding the case prescribed in item (ii)), the provisions of Art 488 para (4) items (ii) thru (iv) apply mutatis mutandis; and

(ii) if the obligee is liable to pay interest and expenses in addition to principal with regard to one or more obligations borne by the obligee, the provisions of Art 489 apply mutatis mutandis; in this case, the term "Art 488" in para (2) of that Article is deemed to be replaced with Art 488 "para (4) items (ii) thru (iv)".

(3) In the case referred to in para (1), if the obligations held by the obligee that seeks a set-off are insufficient to extinguish all of the claims held by the obligee, the provisions of para (2) apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜512-2@(Appropriation of Set-Off)

The provisions of Art 512 apply mutatis mutandis to a set-off if the claims held by the obligee against the obligor include a claim for which more than one payment or delivery should be made as the performance of a single obligation. The same applies to a set-off if the obligations borne by the obligee to the obligor include an obligation for which more than one payment or delivery should be made as the performance of a single obligation.

 

Subsection 3 Novation

 

˜513@iNovation)

If the parties conclude a contract which gives rise to a new obligation that falls under any of the following as a replacement of the previous obligation, the previous obligation is extinguished by novation:

(i) an obligation that makes a material change to the content of the performance of the previous obligation;

(ii) an obligation for which the previous obligor is substituted by a third party; or

(iii) an obligation for which the previous obligee is substituted by a third party.

 

˜514@iNovation by Substitution of Obligor)

(1) A novation by substitution of obligor may be effected by a contract concluded between the obligee and a person that becomes the obligor after the novation. In such a case, the novation becomes effective when the obligee notifies the obligor prior to the novation of the conclusion of the contract.

(2) The obligor after the novation by substitution of obligor does not acquire a right to reimbursement from the obligor prior to the novation.

 

˜515@iNovation by Substitution of Obligee)

(1) A novation by substitution of obligee may be effected by a contract concluded among the obligee prior to the novation, a person that becomes the obligee after the novation, and the obligor.

(2) A novation by substitution of obligee may not be duly asserted against a third party unless it is made using an instrument bearing a certified date.

 

˜518@iTransfer of Security to Obligation After Novation)

(1) To the extent of the amount of the obligation prior to the novation, the obligee (in the case of a novation by substitution of obligee, the obligee prior to the novation) may transfer the pledge or mortgage created as the security of that obligation to the obligation in effect after the novation; provided, however, that if any third party created that security, the consent of the third party must be obtained.

(2) The transfer of the pledge or mortgage referred to in para (1) must be effected by manifesting the intention to the other party to the novation (in the case of a novation by substitution of obligee, the obligor) in advance or upon the transfer.

 

Subsection 4 Release

 

˜519@iReleasej

If an obligee manifests the intention to release an obligor from an obligation to that obligor, the obligee's claim is extinguished.

 

Subsection 5 Merger

 

˜520@iMergerj

If a claim and obligation becomes vested in the same person, such claim is extinguished; provided, however, that this does not apply if such a claim is the subject matter of the right of a third party.

 

Section 7 Negotiable Instruments of Value

Subsection 1 Negotiable Instruments Payable to Order

 

˜520-2@(Assignment of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

Assignment of a negotiable instrument payable to order does not become effective unless the instrument is indorsed and delivered to the assignee.

 

˜520-3@(Method of Indorsement of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

With regard to assignment of a negotiable instrument payable to order, the provisions concerning the method of indorsement in the Negotiable Instrument Act apply mutatis mutandis depending on the nature of the negotiable instrument payable to order.

 

˜520-4@(Presumption of Right of Holder of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

If the holder of a negotiable instrument payable to order proves that holder's rights by means of an uninterrupted series of indorsements, the holder is presumed to lawfully hold rights embodied on the instrument

 

˜520-5@(Good Faith Acquisition of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

If a person, for any reason, loses possession of a negotiable instrument payable to order, and the holder of the instrument proves the holder's rights pursuant to the provisions of Art@520-4, the holder is not obligated to return the instrument; provided, however, that this does not apply if the holder has acquired the instrument in bad faith or due to gross negligence.

 

˜520-6@(Limitation on Defense of Obligor in Case of Assignment of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

The obligor of a negotiable instrument payable to order may not duly assert against an assignee in good faith any grounds which could have been duly asserted against the obligee before the assignment of the instrument, except for the particulars written on the instrument or any result which necessarily arises from the nature of the instrument.

 

˜520-7@(Pledge of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

The provisions of Art 520-2 thru 520-6 apply mutatis mutandis to the creation of a pledge on a negotiable instrument payable to order.

 

˜520-8@(Place of Payment of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

Payment of a negotiable instrument payable to order must be made at the current domicile of the obligor.

 

˜520-9@(Presentation of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order and Delay in Performance)

Even if a due date is specified for the performance of an obligation of a negotiable instrument payable to order, the obligor of the instrument is responsible for the delay on and after the time the holder of the instrument presents it and requests its performance after the due date has arrived.

 

˜520-10@(Right to Examine of Obligor of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

The obligor of a negotiable instrument payable to order has the right, but not the duty, to examine the identity of the holder of the instrument and the signature and seal affixed thereon; provided, however, that the payment of the obligation is invalid if the obligor is acting in bad faith or is grossly negligent.

 

˜520-11@(Forfeiture of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

A negotiable instrument payable to order may be made invalid through the public notification proceedings prescribed in Art 100 of the Non-Contentious Case Procedures Act.

 

˜520-12@(Method of Exercising Right in Case of Forfeiture of Negotiable Instrument Payable to Order)

If the holder of a negotiable instrument payable to order for the delivery of things such as money or of negotiable instruments of value loses the negotiable instrument payable to order, and files a petition for public notification prescribed in Art 114 of the Non-Contentious Case Procedures Act, the holder may have the obligor deposit the subject matter of the obligation or have the same perform the obligation in line with the purport of the negotiable instrument payable to order by providing reasonable security.

 

Subsection 2 Registered Negotiable Instruments Payable to Holder

 

˜520-13@(Assignment of Registered Negotiable Instrument Payable to Holder)

Assignment of a registered negotiable instrument payable to holder (meaning a negotiable instrument on which the name of the obligee is written with a supplementary note that payment should be made to its holder) does not become effective unless the instrument is delivered to the assignee.

 

˜520-14@(Presumption of Right of Holder of Registered Negotiable Instrument Payable to Holder)

The holder of a registered negotiable instrument payable to holder is presumed to lawfully hold rights embodied on the instrument.

 

˜520-15@(Good Faith Acquisition of Registered Negotiable Instrument Payable to Holder)

If a person, for any reason, loses possession of a registered negotiable instrument payable to holder, and the holder of the instrument proves that holder's rights pursuant to the provisions of Art 520-14, the holder is not obligated to return the instrument; provided, however, that this does not apply if the holder has acquired the instrument in bad faith or due to gross negligent.

 

˜520-16@(Limitation on Defense of Obligor in Case of Assignment of Registered Negotiable Instrument Payable to Holder)

The obligor of a registered negotiable instrument payable to holder may not duly assert against an assignee in good faith any grounds which could have been duly asserted against the obligee before the assignment of the instrument, except for the particulars written on the instrument or any result which necessarily arises from the nature of the instrument.

 

˜520-17@(Pledge of Registered Negotiable Instrument Payable to Holder)

The provisions of Art 520-13 thru 520-16 apply mutatis mutandis to the creation of a pledge on a registered negotiable instrument payable to holder.

 

˜520-18@(Application Mutatis Mutandis of Provisions on Negotiable Instruments Payable to Order)

The provisions of Art 520-8 thru 520-12 apply mutatis mutandis to registered negotiable instruments payable to holder.

 

Subsection 3 Other Registered Negotiable Instruments

 

˜520-19@(Other Registered Negotiable Instruments)

(1) Negotiable instruments on which the name of the obligee is written, other than negotiable instruments payable to order and registered negotiable instruments payable to holder, may be assigned or made the subject of a pledge only in compliance with the formalities concerning the assignment of claims or the creation of a pledge for this purpose, and only with the effect of the assignment or the creation.

(2) The provisions of Art 520-11 & 520-12 apply mutatis mutandis to the negotiable instruments referred to in para (1).

 

Subsection 4 Bearer Instruments

 

˜520-20@(Bearer Instruments)

The provisions of Subsection 2 (Registered Negotiable Instruments Payable to Holder) apply mutatis mutandis to bearer instruments.

 

Chapter II Contracts

Section 1 General Provisions

Subsection 1 Formation of Contracts

 

˜521@(Freedom of Conclusion and Terms of Contract)

(1) Unless otherwise provided for in laws and regulations, any person may freely decide whether or not to conclude a contract.

(2) Parties to a contract may freely decide the terms of the contract, subject to the restrictions prescribed by laws and regulations.

 

˜522@(Formation and Formality of Contract)

(1) A contract is formed when a party manifests the intention to offer to conclude a contract ("offer") showing the terms of the contract and the other party accepts the offer.

(2) Unless otherwise provided for in laws and regulations, it is not required to satisfy any formalities such as preparation of a written document in order to form a contract.

 

˜523@(Offers That Specify Period for Acceptance)

(1) An offer which specifies a period for acceptance may not be revoked; provided, however, that this does not apply if the offeror reserves the right to revoke.

(2) If an offeror does not receive notice of acceptance of the offer referred to in para (1) within the period referred to in that paragraph, the offer ceases to be effective.

 

˜524@(Effect of Delayed Acceptance)

The offeror may deem a delayed acceptance to be a new offer.

 

˜525@(Offers That Do Not Specify Period for Acceptance)

(1) An offer made without specifying a period for acceptance may not be revoked until the passage of a reasonable period of time for the offeror to receive a notice of acceptance; provided, however, that this does not apply if the offeror reserves the right to revoke.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), an offer referred to in that paragraph which has been made to a person with whom the offeror is having a dialogue may be revoked at any time while the dialogue continues.

(3) If an offeror does not receive from a person with whom the offeror is having a dialogue a notice of acceptance of the offer referred to in para (1) while the dialogue continues, the offer ceases to be effective; provided, however, that this does not apply if the offeror manifests the intention to maintain the effect of the offer after the end of the dialogue.

 

˜526@(Death of Offeror)

If an offeror dies, comes to be in a constant state wherein the offeror lacks mental capacity, or becomes subject to restrictions on legal capacity to act after issuing notice of the offer, and the offeror has manifested the intention not to make the offer effective should any of these facts occur, or the other party comes to know that any of these facts has occurred before issuing a notice of acceptance, that offer is not effective.

 

˜527@(Time of Formation of Contract When No Notice of Acceptance Is Required)

If no notice of acceptance is required due to the offeror's manifestation of intention or customs of the transaction, a contract is formed upon the occurrence of any fact which should be regarded as a manifestation of intention of acceptance.

 

˜528@(Acceptances Modifying Offers)

If the offeree has accepted the offer by adding a condition or making other modifications, it is deemed that the offeree has refused the offer and made a new offer.

 

˜529@(Offers of Reward to the Public)

A person that makes an offer to the public indicating that a person that performs an certain act will be given a certain reward ("offer of reward to the public") is obligated to give the reward to the person that performs the act, regardless of whether or not the person performing that act knows of the offer.

 

˜529-2@(Offers of Reward to the Public Made by Specifying Period for Performance of Requested Act)

(1) An offeror of reward to the public may not revoke the offer to the public made by specifying a period during which the requested act should be performed; provided, however, that this does not apply if, in the offer to the public, the offeror reserves the right to revoke the offer.

(2) The offer to the public referred to in para (1) ceases to be effective if no person completes the requested act within that period.

 

˜529-3@(Offers of Reward to the Public Made Without Specifying Period for Performance of Requested Act)

An offeror of reward to the public may revoke the offer to the public made without specifying a period during which the requested act should be performed, if no person completes the requested act; provided, however, that this does not apply if, in the offer to the public, the offeror manifests the intention not to revoke the offer.

 

˜530@(Method of Revocation of Offers of Reward to the Public)

(1) Revocation of an offer to the public by the same method as the one used to make a previous offer to the public is effective in relation to any person that does not know about it.

(2) Revocation of an offer to the public may be carried out by a method that is different from the one used to make a previous offer to the public; provided, however, that the revocation is effective only in relation to persons who know about it.

 

˜531@iRight to Receive Rewards Offered to the Public)

(1) If more than one person has performed the act requested in an offer to the public, only the person performing the act first holds the right to receive the reward.

(2) If two or more persons have performed the act referred to in para (1) simultaneously, each holds the right to receive an equal share of the reward; provided, however, that the person to receive the reward is selected by lot if the reward is indivisible by nature or if the offer prescribes that only one person will receive the reward.

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not apply if the offeror manifests an intention to the contrary in the offer to the public.

 

˜532@(Offer of Reward to Most Outstanding Applicant of the Public)

(1) If an offer to the public stipulates that only the most outstanding applicant is to receive the reward in the event that two or more persons have performed the act requested in that offer, the offer to the public is effective only if it specifies an application period.

(2) In the cases referred to in para (1), the most outstanding applicant is judged by a person specified in the offer to the public and if no such person is specified in the offer, by the person that makes that offer.

(3) Applicants may not raise objection to the judge's decision under para (2).

(4) The provisions of Art 531 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis if the acts of two or more persons are judged to be of the same level.

 

Subsection 2 Effect of Contracts

 

˜533@iDefense of Simultaneous Performance)

A party to a bilateral contract may refuse to perform that party's own obligation until the other party tenders the performance of that other party's obligation (including the performance of an obligation to compensate for loss or damage in lieu of the performance of an obligation); provided, however, that this does not apply if the obligation of the other party is not yet due.

 

˜536@iObligors' Burden of Risk)

(1) If the performance of an obligation becomes impossible due to grounds not attributable to either party, the obligee may refuse to perform counter-performance.

(2) If the performance of an obligation becomes impossible due to grounds attributable to the obligee, the obligee may not refuse to complete counter-performance. In such a case, if the obligor benefits from being released from that obligation, the obligor must reimburse the obligee for the benefit.

 

˜537@(Third Party Beneficiary Contract)

(1) If one of the parties promises in a contract to render a certain performance to a third party, the third party has the right to claim that performance directly from the obligor.

(2) The validity of the contract referred to in para (1) is not impaired even if a third party does not exist or a third party is not specified at the time of its formation.

(3) In the case referred to in para (1), rights of the third party accrue when the third party has manifested intention of availing of the benefit of the contract under that paragraph to the obligor.

 

˜538@(Determination of Rights of the Third Party)

(1) After rights of the third party have accrued pursuant to the provisions of Art 537, the parties may not modify or extinguish those rights.

(2) If, after rights of the third party accrue pursuant to the provisions of Art 537, the obligor does not perform the obligation to the third party, the other party to the contract referred to in Art 537 para (1) may not cancel the contract without the consent of the third party.

 

˜539@iObligors' Defense)

The obligor may duly assert a defense based on the contract referred to in Art 537 para (1) against a third party that benefits from the contract.

 

Subsection 3 Transfer of Contractual Status

 

˜539-2@iTransfer of Contractual Status)

If one of the parties to a contract made an agreement with a third party to transfer that party's contractual status to that third party, and the other party to the contract gives consent to the transfer, the contractual status is transferred to the third party.

 

Subsection 4 Cancellation of Contracts

 

˜540@iExercise of Right to Cancel)

(1) If one of the parties has the right to cancel pursuant to the provisions of the contract or the law, the cancellation is effected by manifestation of intention to the other party.

(2) The manifestation of intention referred to in para (1) may not be revoked.

 

˜541@(Cancellation After Demand)

If one of the parties does not perform that party's obligation, and the other party demands performance of that obligation, specifying a reasonable period of time, but no performance is completed during that period, the other party may cancel the contract; provided, however, that this does not apply if the non-performance of the obligations upon the passage of the period is minor in light of the contract and the common sense in the transaction.

 

˜542@(Cancellation Without Demand)

(1) In the following cases, the obligee may immediately cancel the contract without making the demand referred to in Art 541:

(i) if the performance of the whole of the obligation is impossible;

(ii) if the obligor unequivocally manifests the intention to refuse to perform the obligation in whole;

(iii) if the performance of part of the obligation is impossible, or if the obligor clearly manifests the intention to refuse to perform part of the obligation and the purpose of the contract cannot be achieved by the performance of the remaining part of the obligation;

(iv) if, due to the nature of the contract or a manifestation of intention by the parties, the purpose of the contract cannot be achieved unless the obligation is performed at a specific time on a specific date or within a certain period of time, and the obligor fails to perform the obligation at that time or before that period of time expires; or

(v) beyond the cases set forth in items (i) thru (iv), if the obligor does not perform the obligation and it is obvious that the obligor is unlikely to perform the obligation to the extent necessary to achieve the purpose of the contract even if the obligee makes the demand referred to in Art 541.

(2) In the following cases, the obligee may immediately cancel a part of the contract without making the demand referred to in Art 541:

(i) the performance of the part of the obligation is impossible; or

(ii) the obligor clearly manifests the intention to refuse to perform the part of the obligation.

 

˜543@iNon-Performance Due to Grounds Attributable to Obligee)

If non-performance of an obligation is due to grounds attributable to the obligee, the obligee may not cancel the contract under Art 541 & 542.

 

˜544@iIndivisible Nature of Right to Cancel)

(1) If one party to a contract is comprised of two or more persons, the cancellation of the contract may be effected only by, or against, all of those persons.

(2) In the case referred to in para (1), if the right to cancel is extinguished with respect to one of the persons that constitute a party to the contract, it is also extinguished with respect to the other persons.

 

˜545@iEffect of Cancellation)

(1) If one of the parties exercises the right to cancel, each party assumes an obligation to restore the other party to that other party's original state; provided, however, that this may not prejudice the rights of a third party.

(2) In the case referred to in the main clause of para (1), if any monies are to be refunded, interest must accrue from the time of the receipt of those monies.

(3) In the case referred to in the main clause of para (1), if a thing other than money is to be returned, fruits that have accrued on or after the time of the receipt of the thing must also be returned.

(4) The exercise of the right to cancel does not preclude claims for compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜546@(Cancellation of Contract and Simultaneous Performance)

The provisions of Art 533 apply mutatis mutandis to Art 545.

 

˜547@(Extinguishment of Right to Cancel by Demand)

If no period of time is specified for the exercise of the right to cancel, the other party may issue a notice of demand to the holder of the right to cancel, specifying a reasonable period of time, to the effect that the holder of the right to cancel is to give a definite answer as to whether the holder will cancel or not within that period of time. In this case, if no notice of cancellation is received within that period, the right to cancel is extinguished.

 

˜548@(Extinguishment of Right to Cancel by Damage Caused to Object Intentionally by Holder of Right to Cancel)

The right to cancel is extinguished if the holder of the right to cancel, intentionally or negligently, causes significant damage to, or makes it impossible to return the object of the contract, or converts the object into another kind of thing by processing or alteration; provided, however, that this does not apply if the holder of the right to cancel does not know of the holder's right to cancel.

 

Subsection 5 Standard Terms of Contract

 

˜548-2@(Agreement on Standard Terms of Contract)

(1) In the following cases, a person making an agreement to conduct a standard transaction (meaning a transaction conducted by a specified person with an unspecified and large number of persons as the counterparties, in which the uniformity of the whole or part of the transaction is reasonable to both parties) ("agreement on standard transaction") is deemed to have made an agreement on individual terms of the standard form contract (referring to a collection of provisions prepared by that specific person with the purpose of applying them as the terms of a contract for a standard transaction):

(i) if the person agrees to apply the standard terms of contract as the terms of contract; or

(ii) if the person that has prepared the standard terms of contract ("preparer of the standard terms") manifests to the counterparty the intention to apply the standard terms of contract as the terms of the contract in advance.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), the person is deemed not to have agreed to any provisions as referred to in that paragraph that restrict the rights or expand the duties of the counterparty and that are found, in light of the manner and circumstances of the standard transaction as well as the common sense in the transaction, to unilaterally prejudice the interests of the counterparty in violation of the fundamental principle prescribed in Art 1 para (2).

 

˜548-3@(Disclosure of Details of Standard Terms)

(1) A preparer of the standard terms that conducts or seeks to conduct a standard transaction must disclose the details of the standard terms of contract by a reasonable method without delay if the counterparty requests this within a reasonable period of time before or after an agreement on standard transaction is made; provided, however, that this does not apply if the preparer has already delivered to the counterparty a document that contains the standard terms of contract or provided the other party with an electronic or magnetic record that contains the same.

(2) The provisions of Art 548-2 do not apply if the preparer of the standard terms of contract refuses the request referred to in para (1) before an agreement on standard transaction is made; provided, however, that this does not apply if a temporary communication failure takes place or the preparer has a legitimate reason to refuse it.

 

˜548-4@(Amendment to Standard Terms of Contracts)

(1) In the following cases, a preparer of the standard terms of contract may, by amending the standard terms of contract, modify the terms of the contract without making separate agreements with each of the counterparties and deem that the parties have agreed to the amended provisions of the standard terms of contract:

(i) if the amendment to the standard terms of contract conforms to the general interest of the counterparties; or

(ii) if the amendment to the standard terms of contract does not run afoul of the purpose of the contract, and it is reasonable in light of the circumstances concerning the amendment such as the necessity of the amendment, the appropriateness of the details of the amended conditions, whether or not it is provided in the contract that the standard terms of contract may be subject to an amendment pursuant to the provisions of this Article, and the details of such provisions.

(2) If a preparer of the standard form contract is to amend the standard form contract under the provisions of para (1), the preparer must specify the time when the amendment takes effect, and make the intention to amend the standard form contract, the details of the amended standard general conditions, and the time when the amendment takes place known (to the appropriate scope of persons) by an appropriate method such as using the internet.

(3) An amendment to the standard general conditions under the provisions of para (1) item (ii) does not become effective unless it is made known (to the appropriate scope of persons) pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph by the time when the amendment takes effect as referred to in para (2).

(4) The provisions of Art 548-2 para (2) do not apply to an amendment to the standard terms of contract under the provisions of para (1).

 

Section 2 Gifts

 

˜549@iGifts)

Gifts become effective by the manifestation of intention by one of the parties to give a certain property to the other party gratuitously, and the acceptance of the other party thereof.

 

˜550@iCancellation of Gift Not in Writing)

Gifts not in writing may be cancelled by either party; provided, however, that this does not apply to a portion of the gift for which performance has been completed.

 

˜551@(Donor's Obligation to Deliver)

(1) The donor is presumed to have promised to deliver or transfer the thing or right that is the subject matter of the gift, while maintaining its condition as of the time when it is specified as the subject matter of the gift.

(2) With respect to gifts with burden, the donor provides the same warranty as that of a seller, to the extent of that burden.

 

˜552@iPeriodic Gifts)

A gift that is to be delivered periodically ceases to be effective on the death of the donor or the donee.

 

˜553@iGifts or Gifts with Burden)

With respect to gifts with burden, beyond what is provided for in this Section, the provisions regarding bilateral contracts apply mutatis mutandis, to the extent those provisions are not inconsistent with the nature of gifts with burden.

 

˜554@iGifts on Donor's Death)

With respect to gifts that become effective on the death of the donor, the provisions regarding bequests apply mutatis mutandis, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the nature of gifts that become effective on the death of the donor.

 

Section 3 Sale

Subsection 1 General Provisions

 

˜555@iSale)

A sale becomes effective when one of the parties promises to transfer certain property rights to the other party and the other party promises to pay the price for this.

 

˜556@(Option Contracts for Purchase and Sales Exercisable by One Party)

(1) An option contract for a purchase and sale made by one party becomes effective when the other party manifests the intention to complete the purchase and sale.

(2) If no period is provided in relation to the manifestation of intention referred to in para (1), the party to the option contact may issue a notice of demand to the other party, specifying a reasonable period of time, to the effect that the other party is to give a definite answer as to whether or not that party will complete the sale within that period. In such cases, if the other party fails to give a definite answer within that period, the option contract for a purchase and sale by one party ceases to be effective.

 

˜557@iEarnest Money)

(1) If the buyer pays earnest money to the seller, the buyer may cancel the contract by waiving the earnest money, or the seller may cancel the contract by actually providing the buyer with twice its amount; provided, however, that this does not apply after the counterparty commences performance of the contract.

(2) The provisions of Art 545 para (4) do not apply to the cases referred to in para (1).

 

˜558@iExpenses of Contracts for Sale)

The expenses associated with contracts for sale are borne equally by both parties.

 

˜559@iMutatis Mutandis Application to Contracts for Value)

The provisions of this Section apply mutatis mutandis to contracts for value other than contracts for sale; provided, however, that this does not apply when it is not permitted by the nature of the contract for value.

 

Subsection 2 Effect of Sale

 

˜560@iSeller's Obligation for Satisfaction of Requirements for Perfection of Transfer of Rights)

The seller bears an obligation to enable the buyer to satisfy the requirements for perfection of the transfer of the right that is the subject matter of the sale, such as completing registration.

 

˜561@iSeller's Obligation When Purchasing and Selling Rights of Others)

If the subject matter of a sale is another person's right (including a part of a right that belongs to another person), the seller bears an obligation to acquire the right and transfer it to the buyer.

 

˜562@(Buyer's Right to Demand Cure)

(1) If the subject matter delivered to the buyer does not conform to the terms of the contract with respect to the kind, quality or quantity, the buyer may demand that the seller cure the non-conformity of performance by repairing the subject matter, delivering the substitute or delivering the replenishment; provided, however, that the seller may cure the non-conformity of performance by a method that is different from the method demanded by the buyer if it does not impose any undue burden on the buyer.

(2) If the non-conformity referred to in para (1) is due to grounds attributable to the buyer, the buyer may not demand that the seller cure the non-conformity of performance under the provisions of that paragraph.

 

˜563@(Buyer's Right to Demand Reduction of Price)

(1) In the case prescribed in the main clause of para (1) of Art 562, if the buyer demands that the seller cure the non-conformity of performance by specifying a reasonable period of time but the non-conformity of performance is not cured within that period, the buyer may request a reduction of the price in proportion to the degree of non-conformity.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), in the following cases, a buyer in good faith may request a reduction of the price immediately without making demand referred to in that paragraph:

(i) if it is impossible to cure the non-conformity of performance;

(ii) if the seller unequivocally manifests the intention to refuse to cure the non-conformity of performance;

(iii) if, due to the nature of the contract or a manifestation of intention by the parties, the purpose of the contract is unable to be achieved unless the performance is carried out at a specific time on a specific date or within a certain period of time, and the seller fails to cure the non-conformity of the performance at the time or before the period expires; or

(iv) beyond the cases set forth in items (i) thru (iii), it is obvious that the seller is unlikely to cure the non-conformity of the performance even if the buyer makes the demand referred to in para (1).

(3) If the non-conformity referred to in para (1) is due to grounds attributable to the buyer, the buyer may not request a reduction of the price under the provisions of para (1) & (2).

 

˜564@(Claim for Compensation for Loss or Damage and Exercise of Right to Cancel by Buyer)

The provisions of Art 562 & 563 do not preclude the buyer from claiming compensation for loss or damage pursuant to the provisions of Art 415 or exercising the right to cancel pursuant to the provisions of Art 541& 542.

 

˜565@(Seller's Warranty in Case of Non-Conformity of Transferred Right to Terms of Contract)

The provisions of Art 562 thru 564 apply mutatis mutandis if the right transferred by the seller to the buyer does not conform to the terms of the contract (including the case in which the seller fails to transfer part of a right that belongs to another person).

 

˜566@(Limitation on Period of Warranty with Respect to Kind or Quality of Subject Matter)

If the subject matter delivered by the seller to the buyer does not conform to the terms of the contract with respect to the kind or quality, and the buyer fails to notify the seller of the non-conformity within one year from the time when the buyer becomes aware of it, the buyer may not demand cure of the non-conformity of performance, demand a reduction of the price, claim compensation for loss or damage, or cancel the contract, on the grounds of the non-conformity; provided, however, that this does not apply if the seller knew or did not know due to gross negligence the non-conformity at the time of the delivery.

 

˜567@(Transfer of Risk for Loss of Subject Matter)

(1) If the seller delivers the subject matter (limited to one that has been ascertained as the subject matter of the sale) to the buyer, and the subject matter is lost or damaged after the time of the delivery due to any grounds not attributable to either party, the buyer may not demand cure of the non-conformity of performance, demand a reduction of the price, claim compensation for loss or damage, or cancel the contract, on the ground of the loss or damage. In such a case, the buyer may not refuse to pay the price.

(2) The para (1) also applies if the seller tenders the performance of the obligation of delivery by delivering the subject matter that conforms to the terms of the contract, but the buyer refuses to accept or is unable to accept the performance, and the subject matter is lost or damaged after the time of the tender of the performance due to any grounds not attributable to either party.

 

˜568@iWarranty in cases of Auctions)

(1) The successful bidder at an auction based on the provisions of the Civil Execution Act and other laws ("auction") may cancel the contract or demand a reduction of the price against the obligor pursuant to the provisions of Art 541 & 542 and the provisions of Art 563 (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Art 565).

(2) In the cases referred to in para (1), if the obligor is insolvent, the successful bidder may demand total or partial reimbursement of the proceeds against the obligees that received the distribution of the proceeds.

(3) In the cases set forth in para (1) & (2), if obligors knew of the absence of the object or right and did not disclose the same, or if obligees knew of the absence but demanded an auction, the successful bidder may claim compensation for loss or damage against those persons.

(4) The provisions of para (1) thru (3) do not apply to the non-conformity with respect to the kind or quality of the subject matter of an auction.

 

˜569@iSeller's Warranty for Claims)

(1) If the seller of a claim warrants the solvency of the obligor, it is presumed that the seller warranted the solvency as at the time of the contract.

(2) If the seller of a claim which is not due yet warrants the future solvency of the obligor, it is presumed that the seller warranted the solvency as at the due date.

 

˜570@(Buyer's Demand for Reimbursement of Expenses for Immovables Subject to Mortgage)

If any statutory lien, pledge or mortgage that does not conform to the terms of the contract exists on immovables that have been purchased, and the buyer incurs expenses to preserve ownership of the immovables, the buyer may demand the reimbursement of the expenses from the seller.

 

˜572@iSpecial Agreement Disclaiming Warranty)

Even if the seller makes a special agreement to the effect that the seller does not warrant in the case prescribed in the main clause of Art 562 para (1) or Art 565, the seller may not be released from that responsibility with respect to any fact that the seller knew but did not disclose, and with respect to any right that the seller personally created for or assigned to a third party.

 

˜573@iDue Date for Payment of Price)

If there is a due date for the delivery of the subject matter of the sale, it is presumed that the same due date was also agreed upon for the payment of the price.

 

˜574@iPlace of Payment of Price)

If price is to be paid simultaneously with delivery of the subject matter of a sale, payment must be made at the place of delivery.

 

˜575@iOwnership in Fruits and Payment of Interest on Price)

(1) If the subject matter of a sale which has not yet been delivered bears fruits, the fruits vest in the seller.

(2) The buyer bears the obligation to pay interest on the price beginning from the day of delivery; provided, however, that if a due date is provided for the payment of the price, it is not necessary to pay the interest until that due date arrives.

 

˜576@(Buyer's Refusal to Pay Price When There Is a Likelihood That the Buyer Will Be Unable to Acquire Rights)

If the buyer is likely to be unable to acquire or likely to lose the rights that the buyer has bought, in whole or in part, due to grounds such as the existence of persons asserting rights to the subject matter of the sale, the buyer may refuse to pay the price, in whole or in part, in proportion to the degree of that likelihood; provided, however, that this does not apply if the seller has provided reasonable security.

 

˜577@(Refusal by Buyer to Pay Price in Cases Registration of Mortgage Is Found)

(1) If a mortgage that does not conform to the terms of the contract is registered on immovables that have been purchased, the buyer may refuse to pay the price until the completion of the procedures of the claim for extinguishment of the mortgage. In such cases, the seller may demand that the buyer file the claim for extinguishment of the mortgage without delay.

(2) The provisions of para (1) apply mutatis mutandis if a statutory lien or pledge that does not conform to the terms of the contract is registered on the immovables that have been bought.

 

˜578@iSeller's Demand for Deposit of Proceeds)

In the cases referred to in Art 576 & 577, the seller may demand that the buyer deposit the proceeds.

 

Subsection 3 Redemption

 

˜579@iSpecial Agreement on Redemption)

The buyer of immovables may cancel the sale by refunding the price (or any amount specified by agreement if otherwise agreed upon) and costs of the contract paid by the buyer in accordance with a special agreement on redemption executed simultaneously with the contract for sale. In such a case, unless a particular intention is manifested by the parties, it is deemed that the fruit of the immovables and the interest on the price have been set off against each other.

 

˜580@iPeriod for Redemption)

(1) A redemption period may not exceed 10 years. If any special agreement provides for any period longer than this, that period is considered to be 10 years.

(2) If a period for the redemption is agreed upon, no further extension may be effected subsequently.

(3) If no period for the redemption is agreed upon, the redemption must be effected within 5 years.

 

˜581@iPerfection of Special Agreement on Redemption)

(1) If the special agreement on redemption is registered simultaneously with the contract for sale, the redemption may be duly asserted against third parties.

(2) The rights of a lessee that satisfies the requirements for perfection prescribed in Art 605-2, para (1) after the registration referred to in para (1) is completed may be duly asserted against the seller while the lease remains effective, limited to a period not exceeding one year; provided, however, that this does not apply if the lease is entered into with the purpose of harming the seller.

 

˜582@iExercise of Right of Redemption by Subrogation)

If an obligee of a seller seeks to effect redemption on behalf of the seller pursuant to the provisions of Art 423, the buyer may extinguish the right of redemption by paying the debts of the seller, to the extent of the balance obtained by deducting the amount the seller is to pay from the current value of the immovables as evaluated by a court-appointed appraiser, and, if any positive balance remains, by refunding the same to the seller.

 

˜583@iImplementation of Redemption)

(1) A seller may not effect redemption unless the seller provides the price and the costs of the contract within the period provided for in Art 580.

(2) If a buyer or subsequent acquirer incurs expenses with respect to immovables, the seller must reimburse those expenses in accordance with the provisions of Art 196; provided, however, that with respect to beneficial expenses, the court may, at the seller's request, grant a reasonable period of time for the reimbursement.

 

˜584@iSale of Co-ownership Interest with Special Agreements on Redemption)

If one of the co-owners of immovables sells the equity interest thereof with a special agreement on its redemption and the immovables are then divided or auctioned, the seller may redeem with respect to the part or price that the buyer receives or is to receive; provided, however, that any division or auction effected without notice to the seller may not be duly asserted against the seller.

 

˜585@iSale of Co-ownership Interest with Special Agreements on Redemption)

(1) In a case as referred to in Art 584, if the buyer is the successful bidder at the auction of the immovables, the seller may effect the redemption by paying the auction price and the costs provided for in Art 583. In such cases, the seller acquires full ownership of the immovables.

(2) If a buyer became the successful bidder at an auction as the result of the request for division by another co-owner, the seller may not effect the redemption with respect only to the seller's own interest.

 

Section 4 Exchange

 

˜586@iExchange)

(1) An exchange becomes effective by the mutual promises by the parties to transfer any property right other than the ownership of money.

(2) If one of the parties to an exchange promises to transfer the ownership of money together with other rights, the provisions for sale contracts apply mutatis mutandis to that money.

 

Section 5 Loans for Consumption

 

˜587@iLoans for Consumption)

A loan for consumption becomes effective when a first party receives money or any other thing from a second party, having promised to return a thing of the same type, quality, and quantity.

 

˜587-2@(Loan for Consumption Made in Writing)

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Art 587, a loan for consumption made in writing becomes effective when a first party promises to deliver money or any other thing and a second party promises to return a thing of the same type, quality, and quantity as the thing delivered.

(2) The borrower of a loan for consumption made in writing may cancel the contract until the borrower receives the money or other thing from the lender. In such a case, if the lender sustains any damage from the cancellation of the contract, the lender may claim compensation therefor.

(3) A loan for consumption made in writing ceases to be effective if either of the parties receives an order commencing bankruptcy proceedings before the borrower receives the thing such as money from the lender.

(4) If a loan for consumption is made by means of an electronic or magnetic record in which its content is recorded, the loan for consumption is deemed to have been made in writing, and the provisions of para (1) thru (3) apply thereto.

 

˜588@iQuasi-loans for Consumption)

If any person has an obligation to pay money or deliver other thing under any arrangement, and the parties agree to regard such thing as the subject matter of a loan for consumption, it is deemed that this establishes a loan for consumption.

 

˜589@(Interest)

(1) In the absence of any special agreement, the lender may not demand interest from the borrower.

(2) If there is any special agreement referred to in para (1), the lender may demand from the borrower interest that accrues from the day on which the borrower receives the thing such as money.

 

˜590@(Lender's Obligation to Deliver)

(1) The provisions of Art 551 apply mutatis mutandis to a loan for consumption without a special agreement referred to in Art 589 para (1).

(2) Irrespective of whether there is any special agreement referred to in Art 589 para (1), if the thing delivered from the lender does not conform to the terms of the contract with respect to the kind or quality, the borrower may return the value of the delivered thing.

 

˜591@(Timing of Returns)

(1) If the parties do not define the time for return of borrowed things, the lender may demand their return, specifying a reasonable period of time.

(2) The borrower may return the borrowed thing at any time, irrespective of whether the parties have defined the time of return of the thing.

(3) If the parties defined the time of return of the borrowed thing, and the lender sustains any damage because the borrower returns the thing prior to the time of return, the lender may claim compensation therefor from the borrower.

 

˜592@(Reimbursement of Value)

If the borrower has become unable to return things in the same kind, quality and quantity as that of the things the borrower received from the lender, the borrower must reimburse the current value of the things; provided, however, that this does not apply in the cases provided for in Art 402, para (2).

 

Section 6 Loans for Use

 

˜593@iLoans for Use)

A loan for use becomes effective if one of the parties promises to deliver a certain thing, and the other party promises to return the thing when the contract is terminated after the other party gratuitously uses and makes profit of the borrowed thing.

 

˜593-2@(Lender's Right to Cancel Loan for Use Before the Receipt of Borrowed Thing)

The lender may cancel the contract up until the borrower receives the borrowed thing; provided, however, that this does not apply to a loan for use made in writing.

 

˜594@iBorrower's Use and Profit)

(1) A borrower must make use of and take the profits of the thing in compliance with the method of use specified by the contract or by the nature of the thing which is the subject matter of the contract.

(2) A borrower may not allow third parties to make use of or take the profits of the thing without obtaining the approval of the lender.

(3) If a borrower has made use of or taken the profits of the thing in violation of the provisions para (1) & (2), the lender may cancel the contract.

 

˜595@iResponsibility for Costs of Borrowed Things)

(1 )The borrower bears the ordinarily necessary expenses of borrowed thing.

(2) The provisions of Art 583 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis to costs other than the ordinarily necessary expenses referred to in para (1).

 

˜596@(Lender's Obligation to Deliver)

The provisions of Art 551 apply mutatis mutandis to loans for use.

 

˜597@(Termination of Loan for Use upon Expiration of Period of Loan)

(1) If the parties specify a period of a loan for use, the loan for use is terminated upon the expiration of the period.

(2) If the parties do not specify a period of a loan for use, but they specify the purpose of using and making profit from the borrowed thing, the loan for use is terminated when the borrower finishes using and making profit from the thing in line with the purpose.

(3) A loan for use is terminated upon the death of the borrower.

 

˜598@(Cancellation of Loan for Use)

(1) In the case prescribed in Art 597 para (2), upon the passage of a period that is sufficient for the borrower to use and make profit from the borrowed thing in line with the purpose referred to in that paragraph, the lender may cancel the contract.

(2) If the parties do not specify a period of a loan for use or a purpose of using and making profit from the borrowed thing, the lender may cancel the contract at any time.

(3) The borrower may cancel the contract at any time.

 

˜599@(Removal by Borrower)

(1) If the borrower attaches anything to the borrowed thing after receiving it, the borrower has an obligation to remove the attached thing when the loan for use is terminated; provided, however, that this does not apply to anything that is unable to be detached from the borrowed thing or that requires excessive expenses for the detachment.

(2) The borrower may remove anything that the borrower has attached to the borrowed thing after receiving it.

(1)   If any damage is caused to the borrowed thing after the borrower receives it, the borrower has an obligation to restore the damaged thing when the loan for use is terminated; provided, however, that this does not apply if the damage is caused due to any grounds not attributable to the borrower.

 

˜600@(Restriction on Period to Claim Compensation for Loss or Damage and Reimbursement of Costs)

(1) Claims for compensation for loss or damage resulting from using or taking profits of the thing inconsistent with the main purport of the contract and for the reimbursement of expenditures incurred by the borrower must be submitted within 1 year from the time when the lender receives the return of the borrowed things.

(2) With regard to the claim for compensation for loss or damage referred to in para (1), the prescription period does not expire until 1 year has elapsed from the time when the lender receives the return of the borrowed thing.

 

Section 7 Leases

Subsection 1 General Provisions

 

˜601@iLeases)

A lease becomes effective if one of the parties promises to make a certain thing available for the other party to use and make profit, and the other party promises to pay rent for the leased thing and return the delivered thing when the contract is terminated.

 

˜602@iShort-term Leases)

If a person with no authority of disposition makes a lease contract, the leases set forth in the following items must not exceed the terms specified in those items; any longer term specified by a contract is reduced to the term specified in the relevant item:

(i) leases of forest for the purpose of planting or felling trees: 10 years;

(ii) leases of land other than the leases set forth in item (i): 5 years;

(iii) lease of a building: 3 years; and

(iv) lease of movables: 6 months.

 

˜603@(Renewal of Short-Term Leases)

The terms prescribed in Art 602 may be renewed; provided, however, that the renewal must be carried out within 1 year prior to the expiration of the term for land, and within 3 months prior to the expiration of the term for a building, and within 1 month prior to the expiration of the term for movables.

 

˜604@iDuration of Lease)

(1) The duration of a lease may not exceed 50 years. Even if the contract prescribes a longer term, that term is considered to be 50 years.

(2) The duration of a lease may be renewed; provided, however, that the term may not exceed 50 years from the time of the renewal.

 

Subsection 2 Effect of Lease

 

˜605@iPerfection of Lease of Immovables)

A lease of immovables, when registered, may be duly asserted against a third party such as a person that subsequently acquires real rights with respect to the immovables.

 

˜605-2@(Transfer of Status of Lessor of Immovables)

(1) If a lease is perfected in accordance with the laws and regulations including Art 605, and Art 10 & 31 of the Act on Land and Building Leases, and the relevant immovables are assigned, the status of the lessor of the immovables is transferred to its assignee.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), if the assignor and the assignee of immovables agree that the assignor reserves the status of lessor and that the assignee leases the immovables to the assignor, the status of lessor is not transferred to the assignee. In such a case, if a lease between the assignor and the assignee or any successor thereof is terminated, the status of lessor that the assignor has reserved is transferred to the assignee or any successor thereof.

(3) The status of lessor under the provisions of para (1) or the second sentence of para (2) may not be duly asserted against the lessee unless the transfer of ownership for the immovables under lease is registered.

(4) If the status of lessor is transferred to the assignee or any successor thereof pursuant to the provisions of parag (1) or the second sentence of para (2), the assignee or any successor thereof succeeds to the obligation to reimburse expenses under the provisions of Art 608 and the obligation to refund the security deposit prescribed in Art 622-2, para (1) under the provisions of that paragraph.

 

˜605-3@(Transfer of Status of Lessor of Immovables by Agreement)

If the assignor of immovables is the lessor, the status of lessor may be transferred to the assignee by agreement between the assignor and the assignee, without the consent of the lessee. In such a case, the provisions of Art 605-2 para (3) & (4) apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜605-4@(Demand by Lessee of Immovables for Discontinuation of Disturbance)

If the lessee of immovables satisfies the requirements for perfection prescribed in Art 605-2, para (1), the lessee may seek as specified in each of the following items in the cases set forth in the respective items:

(i) a third party disturbs the lessee's possession of the immovables:demanding that the third party discontinue disturbance; or

(ii) a third party is in possession of the immovables:demanding that the third party return it.

 

˜606@iRepairs by Lessor)

(1) A lessor assumes an obligation to effect repairs necessary for using and making profit of the leased thing; provided, however, that this does not apply if repairs are necessary due to any grounds attributable to the lessee.

(2) A lessee may not refuse if the lessor seeks to engage in an act that is necessary for the preservation of the leased thing.

 

˜607@iAct of Preservation against the Will of the Lessee)

If a lessor seeks to engage in an act of preservation against the will of the lessee and the lessee cannot achieve the purpose of the lease as a result of this, the lessee may cancel the contract.

 

˜607-2@(Repairs by Lessee)

If repairs are necessary for the leased thing, the lessee may make repairs in the following cases:

(i) the lessee notifies the lessor of the necessity of repairs or the lessor becomes aware of the necessity of repairs, but the lessor does not make the necessary repairs within a reasonable period of time; or

(ii) there are pressing circumstances.

 

˜608@iLessee's Demand for Reimbursement of Costs)

(1) If a lessee has defrayed (bear) necessary expenses with respect to the leased thing which ought to be borne by the lessor, the lessee may immediately demand the reimbursement of the same from the lessor.

(2) If the lessee has incurred beneficial expenses with respect to the leased thing, the lessor must reimburse those expenses on termination of the lease in compliance with the provisions of Art 196 para (2); provided, however, that the court may, at the lessor's request, grant a reasonable period of time for the reimbursement of the same.

 

˜609@iDemand for Reduction of Rent Due to Decrease in Profits)

If a lessee of land that is meant for cultivation or livestock farming obtains profits less than the rent due to force majeure, the lessee may demand that the amount of the rent be reduced to the level of the amount of the profits.

 

˜610@(Cancellation Due to Decrease in Profits)

In the cases referred to in Art 609, the lessee referred to in that Article may cancel the contract if the lessee has made profits less than the rent for at least 2 consecutive years due to force majeure.

 

˜611@(Reduction of Rent Due to Partial Loss of a Leased Thing)

(1) If it comes to no longer be possible to use or profit from part of a leased thing due to grounds such as loss and this is caused by grounds not attributable to the lessee, the rent is reduced in proportion to the value of the part that can no longer be used or profited from.

(2) If it comes to no longer be possible to use or profit from part of a leased thing due to grounds such as loss and the lessee is unable to achieve the purpose of the lease with the remaining part alone, the lessee may cancel the contract.

 

˜612@iRestrictions on Assignment of Lease and Subleasing)

(1) A lessee may not assign the lease or sublease a leased thing without obtaining the approval of the lessor.

(2) If the lessee allows any third party to make use of or take the profits of a leased thing in violation of the provisions of para (1), the lessor may cancel the contract.

 

˜613@iEffect of Subleases)

(1) If a lessee lawfully subleases a leased thing, the sublessee is liable to perform an obligation based on the sublease directly to the lessor, to the extent of the scope of the lessee's obligation based on the lease between the lessor and the lessee. In such a case, advance payment of rent may not be duly asserted against the lessor.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not preclude the lessor from exercising rights against the lessee.

(3) If the lessee lawfully subleases a leased thing, the lessor may not duly assert against the sublessee the cancellation by agreement of the lease with the lessee; provided, however, that this does not apply if, at the time of the cancellation, the lessor has a right to cancel due to non-performance on the part of the lessee.

 

˜614@iTiming of Payment of Rent)

Rent must be paid at the end of the month with respect to movables, buildings and land for residential purpose, and at the end of the year with respect to other land; provided, however, that with respect to anything with a harvest season, the rent must be paid without delay after that season.

 

˜615@iObligation of Lessee to Give Notice)

If a leased thing requires any repair or if a person asserts a right with respect to a leased thing, the lessee must notify the lessor without delay; provided, however, that this does not apply if it is already known to the lessor.

 

˜616@(Use and Making of Profit by Lessee)

The provisions of Art 594 para (1) apply mutatis mutandis to leases.

 

Subsection 3 Termination of Leases

 

˜616-2@(Termination of Lease Due to Loss of the Whole of a Leased Thing)

If it comes to no longer be possible to use or profit from the whole of a leased thing due to grounds such as loss, the lease is terminated thereby.

 

˜617@(Notice of Termination of Leases with Indefinite Terms)

(1) If the parties do not specify the term of a lease, either party may give a notice of termination at any time. In such cases, a lease as set forth in one of the following items terminates when the term prescribed in that item has passed after the day of the notice of termination:

(i) leases of land: 1 year;

(ii) leases of buildings: 3 months; and

(iii) leases of movables and party room: 1 day.

(2) With respect to leases of land with harvest seasons, the notice of termination must be given after the end of that season and before the next start of cultivation.

 

˜618@(Reservation of Rights to Terminate Leases with Definite Terms)

Even if the parties specify the term of a lease, the provisions of Art 617 apply mutatis mutandis if one party reserves, or both parties reserve, the right to terminate during that period.

 

˜619@iPresumption of Renewal of Leases)

(1) If a lessee continues to make use or take the profits of the thing after the expiration of the term of the lease and a lessor that knows of the same raises no objection, it is presumed that a further lease is entered into under conditions identical to those of the previous lease. In such cases, each party may give a notice of termination pursuant to the provisions of Art 617.

(2) If one of the parties has provided security for the previous lease, the security is extinguished upon expiration of the term; provided, however, that this does not apply to a security deposit prescribed in Art 622-2 para (1).

 

˜620@iEffect of Cancellations of Leases)

If a lease is cancelled, the cancellation becomes effective solely toward the future. In such a case, the cancellation does not preclude a claim for compensation for loss or damage.

In cases where a lease is cancelled, the cancellation shall be effective solely toward the future.

In such cases, if one of the parties is negligent, claims for damages against that party shall not be precluded.

 

˜621@(Lessee's Obligation of Restoration)

If any damage is caused to the leased thing after the lessee receives it (excluding any wear of the leased thing caused by the ordinary manner of using and making profit from it and any aging degradation of the leased thing), the lessee has an obligation to restore the damaged thing when the lease is terminated; provided, however, that this does not apply if the damage is caused due to any grounds not attributable to the lessee.

 

˜622@(Application Mutatis Mutandis of Provisions on Loan for Use)

The provisions of Art 597, para (1), Art 599, para (1) & (2), and Art 600 apply mutatis mutandis to leases.

 

Subsection 4 Security Deposit

 

˜622-2@(Security Deposit)

(1) If a lessor receives a security deposit (meaning money to be delivered by the lessee to the lessor under any name, for the purpose of securing an obligation to pay money that is owed by the lessee to the lessor based on a lease, such as an obligation to pay rent; hereinafter the same applies in this Article), the lessor must return to the lessee the amount that remains after deducting the amount of the obligation to pay money that is owed by the lessee to the lessor based on the lease, from the amount of security deposit received, in the following cases:

(i) if the lease is terminated, and the lessor receives the return of the leased thing; or

(ii) if the lessee assigns the lease lawfully.

(2) If the lessee fails to perform an obligation to pay money based on the lease, the lessor may appropriate the security deposit to the payment of the obligation. In such a case, the lessee may not demand that the lessor appropriate the security deposit to the payment of the obligation.

 

Section 8 Employment

 

˜623@iEmployment)

An employment contract becomes effective when a first party promises to a second party that the first party will engage in work and the second party promises to pay remuneration for this.

 

˜624@iTiming of Payment of Remuneration)

(1) An employee may not demand remuneration until the work the employee promised to perform has been completed.

(2) Remuneration specified with reference to a period may be claimed after the passage of that period.

 

˜624-2@(Remuneration in Proportion to Performance)

In the following cases, an employee may demand remuneration in proportion to the obligation already performed thereby:

(i) if the employee is no longer able to engage in work due to any grounds not attributable to the employer; or

(ii) if employment is terminated during the course of performance.

 

˜625@iRestrictions on Assignment of Employer's Rights)

(1) An employer may not assign the rights of the employer to a third party without obtaining the employee's consent.

(2) An employee may not cause a third party to work on behalf of the employee without obtaining the employer's consent.

(3) If an employee causes a third party to work in violation of the provisions of para (2), the employer may cancel the contract.

 

˜626@iCancellation of Employment with Indefinite Term)

(1) If the term of employment exceeds 5 years, or the end of the term is not fixed, either party may cancel the contract at any time after the passage of 5 years.

(2) A person seeking to cancel a contract pursuant to the provisions of para (1) must give notice 3 months in advance if the person is an employer, or 2 weeks in advance if the person is an employee.

 

˜627@(Notice of Termination of Employment with Indefinite Term)

(1) If the parties have not specified a term of employment, either party may give notice of termination at any time. In such cases, employment terminates on the expiration of 2 weeks from the day of the notice of termination.

(2) If remuneration is specified with reference to a period, an employer's notice of termination may be given with respect to the following period of time onward; provided, however, that the notice of termination must be given in the first half of the current period.

(3) If remuneration is specified with reference to a period of 6 months or more, the notice of termination referred to in para (2) must be given 3 months before the termination.

 

˜628@iCancellation of Employment due to Compelling Reasons)

Even if the parties have specified a term of employment, either party may immediately cancel the contract if there is a compelling reason to do so. In such cases, if the reasons arise from the negligence of either one of the parties, that party is liable to the other party for compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜629@iPresumption of Renewal of Employment)

(1) If an employee continues to engage in that employee's work after the expiration of a term of employment and the employer knows of this and raises no objection, it is presumed that the further employment is entered into under conditions identical to those of the previous employment. In such cases, each party may give a notice of termination pursuant to the provisions of Art 627.

(2) If either party has provided security for the previous employment, the security is extinguished on the expiration of the term; provided, however, that this does not apply to fidelity guarantee deposit.

 

˜630@iEffect of Cancellation of Employment)

The provisions of Art 620 apply mutatis mutandis to employment.

 

˜631@(Notice of Termination Due to Commencement of Bankruptcy Proceeding for Employer)

If the employer is subject to an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding, the employee or the bankruptcy trustee may give a notice of termination pursuant to the provisions of Art 627 even if the employment is for a definite term. In such cases, neither party may claim compensation from the other party for loss or damage suffered as a result of the termination.

 

Section 9 Contracts for Work

 

˜632@iContracts for Work)

A contract for work become effective when one of the parties promises to complete work and the other party promises to pay remuneration for the outcome of the work.

 

˜633@iTiming of Payment of Remuneration)

Remuneration must be paid simultaneously with delivery of the subject matter of work performed; provided, however, that if no delivery of a thing is required, the provisions of Art 624 para (1) apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜634@(Remuneration in Proportion to Benefit Received by Party Ordering Work)

In the following cases, if the party ordering work receives any benefit from the performance of any divisible portion of the outcome of the work that the contractor has already completed, that portion is deemed to be the completed work; in this case, the contractor may demand remuneration in proportion to the benefit to be received by the party ordering work:

(i) if the contractor is no longer able to complete the work due to any grounds not attributable to the party ordering work; or

(ii) if the contract for work is cancelled before the completion of work.

 

˜636@iLimitation on Contractor's Warranty)

If the contractor delivers to the party ordering work of a content the subject matter of work that does not conform to the terms of the contract with respect to the kind or quality (in the case of the subject matter of work that is not required to be delivered, if the subject matter of work does not conform to the terms of the contract with respect to the kind or quality when the work is finished), the party ordering work may not demand cure of the Non- conformity of performance, demand a reduction of the remuneration, claim compensation for loss or damage, or cancel the contract, on the grounds of the non-conformity caused by the nature of the materials that the party ordering work has provided or any instructions that the relevant party has given; provided, however, that this does not apply if the contractor knew that the materials or instructions were inappropriate but did not notify the ordering party of this.

 

˜637@(Limitation on Period of Warranty with Respect to Kind or Quality of Subject Matter)

(1) In the case prescribed in the main clause of Art 636, if the party ordering work fails to notify the contractor of the non-conformity to the terms of the contract within 1 year from the time when the party becomes aware of it, the party ordering work may not demand cure of the non-conformity of performance, demand a reduction of the remuneration, claim compensation for loss or damage, or cancel the contract.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not apply if the contractor knew or did not know due to gross negligence the non-conformity referred to in that paragraph at the time when the contractor delivers the subject matter of work (in the case of the subject matter of work that is not required to be delivered, when the work is finished).

 

˜641@iCancellation of Contract by Party Ordering Work)

The party ordering work may cancel the contract at any time whilst the contractor has not completed the work by paying compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜642@(Cancellation on Commencement of Bankruptcy Proceeding for Party Ordering Work)

(1) If the party ordering work receives an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding, the contractor or the bankruptcy trustee may cancel the contract; provided, however, that this does not apply to the cancellation of the contract by the contractor after the work is completed.

(2) In the case prescribed in para (1), the contractor may participate in the distribution of the bankruptcy estate with respect to the remuneration for the work already completed and expenses not included therein.

(3) In the cases referred to in para (1), claims for compensation for loss or damage suffered as a result of the cancellation of the contract are permitted only for contractors under contracts cancelled by the bankruptcy trustee. In such a case, the contractors participate in the distribution of the bankruptcy estate with respect to such compensation for loss or damage.

 

Section 10 Mandates

 

˜643@iMandates)

A mandate becomes effective when a first party asks a second party with performing a juridical act, and the second party accepts this.

 

˜644@iDuty of Care of Mandatary)

A mandatary bears a duty to administer the mandated business with the due care of a prudent manager in compliance with the main purport of the mandate.

 

˜644-2@(Appointment of Sub-Mandatary)

(1) A mandatary may not appoint a sub-mandatary unless the mandatary obtains the permission of the mandator or there is a compelling reason to do so.

(2) In the case of mandate upon which the mandator grants authority to represent to the mandatary, if the mandatary appoints a sub-mandatary with authority to represent, the sub-mandatary has the same rights and obligations as those of the mandatary in relation to the mandator within the scope of authority thereof.

 

˜645@iReports by Mandatary)

A mandatary must, if so requested by the mandator, report the current status of the administration of the mandated business at any time, and must report the process and results without delay upon termination of the mandate.

 

˜646@iDelivery of Received Things by Mandatary)

(1) A mandatary must deliver to the mandator monies and other things received during the course of administering the mandated business. The same applies to fruits the mandatary has reaped.

(2) A mandatary must transfer to the mandator rights that the mandatary has acquired in the mandatary's own name on behalf of the mandator.

 

˜647@iMandatary's Responsibility for Consumption of Monies)

If the mandatary has personally consumed monies that were to be delivered to the mandator or used for the benefit of the mandator, the mandatary must pay interest for the period from the day of that consumption. In such cases, if loss or damage persists, the mandatary is liable to compensate for the same.

 

˜648@iRemuneration for Mandatary)

(1) In the absence of any special agreements, the mandatary may not claim remuneration from the mandator.

(2) If a mandatary is to receive remuneration, the mandatary may not claim this until after having performed the mandated business; provided, however, that if the remuneration is specified with reference to period, the provisions of Art 624 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis.

(3) In the following cases, the mandatary may demand remuneration in proportion to the performance already completed:

(i) if the mandatary is no longer able to perform the mandated business due to any grounds not attributable to the mandator; or

(ii) if the mandate is terminated during the course of performance.

 

˜648-2@(Remuneration for Result)

(1) If the parties agree that remuneration will be paid for any result that may be obtained through the performance of the mandated business, and the result is required to be delivered, remuneration must be paid simultaneously upon the delivery of the result.

(2) The provisions of Art 634 apply mutatis mutandis if the parties agree that remuneration will be paid for any result that may be obtained through the performance of the mandated business.

 

˜649@(Mandatary's Claims for Advance for Costs)

If costs will be incurred in administering the mandated business, the mandator must, at the request of the mandatary, pay an advance for those costs.

 

˜650@(Mandatary's Claims for Reimbursement of Expense)

(1) If the mandatary has expended costs found to be necessary for the administration of the mandated business, the mandatary may claim reimbursement of those costs from the mandator and any interest on the same from the day the costs were expended.

(2) If the mandatary has borne any obligation found to be necessary for the administration of the mandated business, the mandatary may demand that the mandator perform the obligation on the mandatary's behalf. In such cases, if the obligation has not yet fallen due, the mandatary may require the mandator to tender reasonable security.

(3) If a mandatary incurs loss or damage that is not due to the negligence of the mandatary in order to administer the mandated business, the mandatary may claim compensation for this from the mandator.

 

˜651@iCancellation of Mandate)

(1) A mandate may be cancelled by either party at any time.

(2) In the following cases, a party that has cancelled a mandate pursuant to the provisions of para (1) must compensate for damage suffered by the other party; provided, however, that this does not apply if there was a compelling reason for the cancellation:

(i) if the party cancels the mandate at a time that is detrimental to the other party; or

(ii) if the mandator cancels the mandate for which the purpose includes the interests for the mandatary (excluding the profit to be obtained exclusively by receiving remuneration).

 

˜652@iEffect of Cancellation of Mandate)

The provisions of Art 620 apply mutatis mutandis to mandates.

 

˜653@iGrounds for Termination of Mandate)

A mandate terminates when:

(i) the mandator or mandatary dies;

(ii) the mandator or mandatary is subject to an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding;

(iii) the mandatary is subject to a decision for the commencement of guardianship.

 

˜654@iDisposition after Termination of Mandate)

If a mandate has terminated but there are pressing circumstances, the mandatary or the heir or legal representative thereof must effect the necessary actions until the time when the mandator or the heir or legal representative of the mandatary is able to take charge of the mandated business.

 

˜655@(Requirements for Assertion of Termination of Mandate)

The grounds of termination of mandate may not be asserted against the other party unless the other party was notified of or knew of the same.

 

˜656@iQuasi-Mandate)

The provisions of this Section apply mutatis mutandis to entrustments of business that do not constitute juridical acts.

 

Section 11 Bailment

 

˜657@(Bailment)

A bailment becomes effective if one of the parties asks the other party to keep a certain thing in custody, and the other party gives consent to keeping it in custody.

 

˜657-2@(Cancellation of Bailment by Bailor Prior to Receipt of Bailed Thing)

(1) A bailor may cancel the contract up until the bailee receives the bailed thing. In such a case, if the bailee sustains any damage due to the cancellation of the contract, the bailee may demand compensation for damage from the bailor.

(2) A gratuitous bailee may cancel the contract up until the bailee receives the bailed thing; provided, however, that this does not apply to a bailment made in writing.

(3) If the bailor does not deliver the bailed thing even after the passage of the scheduled time of receipt of the bailed thing, and the bailee (in the case of a gratuitous bailment, limited to the bailee of a bailment made in writing) demands the delivery by specifying a reasonable period of time but the bailor fails to deliver the thing, the bailee may cancel the contract.

 

˜658@(Use of Bailed Thing and Custody by Third Parties)

(1) A bailee may not use the bailed thing without obtaining the consent of the bailor.

(2) The bailee may not have a third party keep the bailed thing in custody unless the bailee obtains the consent of the bailor or there is a compelling reason to do so.

(3) A sub-bailee has the same rights and obligations as those of the bailee in relation to the bailor within the scope of authority thereof.

 

˜659@iDuty of Care of Gratuitous Bailee)

A gratuitous bailee bears a duty to keep the bailed thing while exercising the same level of care that the bailee would exercise for his own property.

 

˜660@(Obligation of Bailee to Give Notice)

(1) If a third party claiming rights with respect to the bailed thing has filed a lawsuit against the bailee, or has effected an attachment, provisional seizure, or provisional disposition, the bailee must notify the bailor of that fact without delay; provided, however, that this does not apply if the bailor already knows it.

(2) Even if a third party claims a right for the bailed thing, the bailee must return the bailed thing to the bailor unless the bailor gives instructions to the contrary; provided, however, that this does not apply if the bailee notifies the bailor in advance as referred to in para (1) or is not required to notify pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to that paragraph, and the bailee delivers the bailed thing to a third party based on a final and binding judgment (including anything that has the same effect as a final and binding judgment) ordering the delivery of the bailed thing to that third party.

(3) If the bailee is required to return the bailed thing to the bailor pursuant to the provisions of para (2), the bailee is not liable to compensate any damage sustained by a third party due to the delivery of the bailed thing to the bailor.

 

˜661@iCompensation for Loss or Damage by Bailor)

The bailor must compensate the bailee for damage that occur due to the nature of or defects in the bailed things; provided, however, that this does not apply if the bailor did not, without negligence, know of such nature or defect, or the bailee knew of the same.

 

˜662@(Bailor's Demand for Return)

(1) Even if the parties specify the time for the return of the bailed things, the bailor may demand the return of the same at any time.

(2) In the case prescribed in para (1), if the bailee sustains any damage because the bailor demands the return of the bailed thing prior to the time of return, the bailee may claim compensation therefor from the bailor.

 

˜663@iTiming of Return of the Bailed Thing)

(1) If the parties have not specified the timing of the return of the bailed thing, the bailee may return the same at any time.

(2) If the timing of the return is specified, the bailee may not return the bailed thing prior to the due date

 

˜664@(Place for Return of Bailed Thing)

Bailed thigs must be returned at the place where they are to be retained; provided, however, that if the bailee has changed the place of retention for a legitimate reason, the bailed thing may be returned at that current place of retention.

 

˜664-2@(Limitation on Period of Claims for Compensation for Loss or Damage and Reimbursement of Expenses)

(1) Claims for compensation for loss or damage sustained by the bailor due to the loss or damage to part of the bailed thing and for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the bailee must be submitted within 1 year from the time when the bailor receives the return of the bailed thing.

(2) With regard to the claim for compensation for loss or damage referred to in para (1), the prescription period does not expire until 1 year has elapsed from the time when the bailor receives the return of the bailed thing.

 

˜665@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions on Mandate)

The provisions of Art 646 thru 648, Art 649, and Art 650 para (1) & (2) apply mutatis mutandis to bailments.

 

˜665-2@(Bailments of Mixed Things)

(1) If the things bailed by two or more persons are the same in kind and quality, the bailee may keep these things in custody by mixing them only if the bailee obtains the consent of the respective bailors.

(2) If the bailee keeps the bailed things by two or more bailors in custody by mixing them based on the provisions of para (1), each bailor may demand the return of the thing in the same quantity as the thing bailed by respective bailor.

(3) In the case prescribed in para (1), if any part of the bailed things is lost, each bailor may demand the return of the thing at the percentage of the thing bailed by respective bailor to all bailed things mixed and kept in custody by the bailee. In such a case, no bailor is precluded from claiming compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜666@(Deposit of Fungibles)

(1) If a bailee may consume the bailed thing by contract, the bailee must return the thing that is the same kind, quality and quantity as the bailed thing.

(2) The provisions of Art 591 & 592 apply mutatis mutandis to the case prescribed in para (1).

(3) The provisions of Art 591 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the case of a bailment of money by a contract concerning deposits.

 

Section 12 Partnerships

 

˜667@iPartnership Contracts)

(1) A partnership contract becomes effective when each of the parties promises to make a contribution and engage in a joint undertaking.

(2) The subject of the contribution may be services.

 

˜667-2@(Non-Performance of Other Partners)

(1) The provisions of Art 533 & 536 do not apply to a partnership contract.

(2) A partner may not cancel a partnership contract on the grounds that other parties do not perform the obligations based on the partnership contract.

 

˜667-3@(Nullity of Manifestation of Intention by One Partner)

Even if there are any grounds for the nullity or rescission of a manifestation of intention by one of the partners, the validity of the partnership contract is not impaired in relation to other partners.

 

˜668@(Joint Ownership in Partnership Property)

The contributions of the partners and other partnership property is co-owned by all partners.

 

˜669@iResponsibility for Failure to Provide Monetary Contribution)

If monies are the subject of contribution and a partner fails to make the contribution, that partner must pay interest on the same and otherwise compensate for loss or damage.

 

˜670@(Methods of Deciding and Executing Business)

(1) The partnership business is decided by the majority of the partners and executed by each partner.

(2) The decision and execution of the partnership business may be delegated to one or more partners or a third party, pursuant to the provisions of the partnership contract.

(3) The person delegated as referred to in para (2) ("person who executes business") decides and executes the partnership business. In such a case, if there are two or more persons who execute business, the partnership business is decided by the majority of these persons who execute business and is executed by each of them.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (3), the partnership business is not precluded to be decided based on the consent of all partners or executed by all partners.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1) thru (4), the ordinary business of a partnership may be performed by each partner or each person who executes business independently; provided, however, that this does not apply if other partners or persons who execute business raise objections prior to the completion of the business.

 

˜670-2@(Agency of Partnership)

(1) In executing the partnership business, each partner may act as an agent of other partners with the consent of the majority of partners.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1), if any person is delegated to be a person who executes business, only the person who executes business may act as an agent of partners. In such a case, if there are two or more persons who execute business, each person who executes business may act as an agent of partners only if the person obtains the consent of the majority of the persons who execute business.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of para (1) & (2), each partner and each person who executes business may act as an agent of partners independently when performing the ordinary business of the partnership.

 

˜671@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions on Mandates)

The provisions of Art 646 thru 650 apply mutatis mutandis to partners who decide or execute the business of a partnership.

 

˜672@iResignations and Dismissals of Partners Who Execute Business)

(1) If one or more partners are delegated to decide and execute partnership business pursuant to the provisions of the partnership contract, those partners may not resign without a legitimate reason.

(2) The partners referred to in para (1) may be dismissed by the unanimous agreement of the other partners, but only for just cause.

 

˜673@(Inspections by Partners of Status of Partnership Business and Property)

Each partner may inspect the status of the business and property of the partnership even if the partner does not have the right to decide and execute the business of the partnership.

 

˜674@iProportions of Partners' Distributions of Profits and Losses)

(1) If parties have not specified the proportions of distributions of the partnership's profits and losses, these proportions are determined in accordance with the value of each partner's contribution.

(2 )If the proportions of distributions have been specified solely with respect to either profits or losses, it is presumed that those proportions are common to profits and losses.

 

˜675@(Exercise of Right of Creditors of Partnership)

(1) A creditor of a partnership may exercise the rights of the creditor against the partnership property.

(2) A creditor of a partnership may, at the choice of the creditor, exercise the rights of the creditor against each partner in proportion to their shares of loss or in equal proportions; provided, however, that if a creditor of a partnership knew the proportion of each partner's share of loss at the time of occurrence of the claim, the exercise of the creditor's rights is based on those proportions.

 

˜676@(Disposition of Partners' Interests and Division of Partnership Property)

(1) If a partner has disposed of the interest of the partner with respect to the partnership property, that partner may not duly assert that disposition against the partnership or third parties that had dealings with the partnership.

(2) A partner may not independently exercise the rights with regard to a claim that is included in the partnership property based on that partner's interest in the claim.

(3) A partner may not seek the division of the partnership property before liquidation.

 

˜677@(Prohibition of Exercise of Rights by Creditors of Partners against Partnership Property)

A partner's creditor may not exercise the rights of that creditor against the partnership property.

 

˜677-2@(Admission of Partners)

(1) Partners may admit a new partner to a partnership based on the consent of all partners or pursuant to the provisions of the partnership contract.

(2) A partner that is admitted to a partnership pursuant to the provisions of para (1) after it is formed is not liable to perform the obligations of the partnership that arose before that partner's admission.

 

˜678@iWithdrawal of Partners)

(1) If a partnership contract does not specify the duration of the partnership, or specifies that the partnership is to continue for the life of a certain partner, each partner may withdraw at any time; provided, however, that unless there is a compelling reason to do so, a partner may not withdraw at a time that is detrimental to the partnership.

(2) Even if the duration of the partnership is specified, each partner may withdraw if there is a compelling reason to do so.

 

˜679@iWithdrawal of Partners)

Beyond the cases referred to in Art 678, partners withdraw on the following grounds:

(i) the partner dies;

(ii) the partner is subject to an order commencing bankruptcy proceeding;

(iii) the partner is subject to a decision for the commencement of guardianship;

(iv) the partner has been expelled.

 

˜680@iExpulsion of Partners)

The expulsion of a partner may be effected by the unanimous agreement of the other partners, but only for just cause; provided, however, that the expulsion may not be duly asserted against a partner who is expelled unless a notice to that effect is given to that partner.

 

˜680-2@(Liability of Withdrawing Partner)

(1) A withdrawing partner is liable to perform obligations of the partnership that have arisen before that partner's withdrawal, to the extent of that partner's previous liability. In such a case, until a creditor receives the full performance of the obligation, the withdrawing partner may demand that the partnership provide security or exempt the partner from liability in relation to the partnership.

(2) A withdrawing partner acquires a right to reimbursement from the partnership if the partner performs an obligation of the partnership prescribed in para (1).

 

˜681@(Returns of Interests of Withdrawing Partners)

(1) Accounts as between the withdrawing partner and other partners must be settled according to the status of the partnership property as at the time of the withdrawal.

(2) The interest of the withdrawing partner may be refunded in money, regardless of the kind of the withdrawing partner's contribution.

(3) With respect to any matter not yet completed at the time of the withdrawal, accounts may be made up subsequent to the completion of that matter.

 

˜682@iCauses of Dissolution of Partnerships)

A partnership is dissolved on any of the following grounds:

(i) the successful completion of the business that is the object of the partnership or the impossibility of such successful completion;

(ii) the expiration of the duration of the partnership specified by the partnership contract;

(iii) the occurrence of any cause of dissolution specified by the partnership contract; or

(iv) the consent of all partners.

 

˜683@iRequest for Dissolution of Partnerships)

Each partner may request the dissolution of the partnership if there is a compelling reason to do so.

 

˜684@iEffect of Cancellation of Partnership Contracts)

The provisions of Art 620 apply mutatis mutandis to partnership contracts.

 

˜685@(Liquidation of Partnerships and Appointment of Liquidators)

(1) When a partnership is dissolved, liquidation is administered jointly by all partners or by a liquidator appointed by the partner.

(2) A liquidator is appointed by a majority of all partners.

 

˜686@(Methods of Deciding and Executing Liquidators' Business)

The provisions of Art 670 para (3) thru (5), and Art 670-2, par (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis if there is more than one liquidator.

 

˜687@(Resignations and Dismissals of Liquidators Who Are Partners)

The provisions of Art 672 apply mutatis mutandis if the liquidator is appointed from among the partners pursuant to the provisions of the partnership contract.

 

˜688@(Duties and Authority of Liquidators and Method of Division of Residual Assets)

(1) The duties of a liquidator are to:

(i) conclude current business;

(ii) collect debts and perform obligations; and

(iii) deliver residual assets.

(2) The liquidator may perform any and all acts in order to perform the duties set forth in the items of para (1).

(3) Residual assets are distributed in proportion to the value of the contributions of each partner.

 

Section 13 Life Annuities 

 

˜689@(Contracts for Life Annuities)

Contracts for life annuities become effective when one of the parties promises to pay monies or deliver other things to the other party or a 3rd party periodically until the death of the 1st party, the other party or the 3rd party.

 

˜690@(Computation of Life Annuities)

Life annuities are calculated on a daily basis.

 

˜691@iCancellation of Contracts for Life Annuities)

(1) If the obligor in a life annuity has received the principal for the life annuity but fails to pay the life annuity or fails to perform other obligations, the other party may demand the return of the principal. In such cases, the other party must return to the obligor of the life annuity the amount of the life annuity already received, after deducting the amount of the interest on that principal.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not preclude claims for compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜692@(Cancellation of Contracts for Life Annuities and Simultaneous Performance)

The provisions of Art 533 apply mutatis mutandis to cases referred to in Art 691.

 

˜693@iDeclaration of Continuation of Claim for Life Annuity)

(1) If a death provided for in Art 689 occurs due to grounds attributable to the obligor in a life annuity, the court may, at the request of the obligee in the life annuity or the obligee's heirs, pronounce that the life annuity claim continues for a reasonable period of time.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not preclude the exercise of the rights provided in Art 691

 

˜694@(Bequests of Life Annuities)

The provisions of this Section apply mutatis mutandis to bequests of life annuities.

 

Section 14 Settlements

 

˜695@iSettlements)

A settlement becomes effective when the parties to a dispute promise to settle the dispute through reciprocal concessions.

 

˜696@iEffect of Settlements)

If it has been acknowledged in a settlement that one of the parties has the rights that are the subject of the dispute or that the other party did not have those rights, and conclusive evidence is then obtained indicating that the first party did not have those rights in the past or that the other party did have those rights, the rights are regarded as either having been transferred to the first party or extinguished in the settlement.

 

Chapter III Benevolent Intervention in Another's Business

 

˜697@(Benevolent Intervention in Another's Business)

(1) A person that has begun to manage a business for another person without being obligated to do so ("manager") must manage that business, in accordance with the nature of the business, in the way that best suits the interests of the principal ("benevolent intervention in another's business").

(2) A manager must engage in benevolent intervention in another's business in accordance with the intentions of the principal if the manager knows, or is able to conjecture that intention.

 

˜698@iUrgent Benevolent Intervention in Another's Business)

If a manager engages in benevolent intervention in another's business in order to allow a principal to escape imminent danger to the principal's person, reputation, or property, the manager is not liable to compensate for damage resulting from this unless the manager has acted in bad faith or with gross negligence.

 

˜699@iObligation of Managers to Give Notice)

A manager must notify the principal without delay that the manager has commenced benevolent intervention in the principal's business; provided, however, that this does not apply if the principal already knows of this.

 

˜700@iContinuation of Benevolent Intervention in Another's Business by Managers)

A manager must continue the benevolent intervention in another's business until the principal or an heir or legal representative thereof is able to undertake it; provided, however, that this does not apply if it is evident that the continuation of the benevolent intervention in another's business is contrary to the will of the principal, or is disadvantageous to the principal.

 

˜701@iMutatis Mutandis Application of Provisions on Mandates)

The provisions of Art 645 thru 647 apply mutatis mutandis to the benevolent intervention in another's business.

 

˜702@iManagers' Claims for Reimbursement of Costs)

(1) If a manager has incurred beneficial expenses for a principal, the manager may claim reimbursement of those costs from the principal.

(2) The provisions of Art 650 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis if a manager has incurred beneficial obligations on behalf of the principal.

(3) If a manager has engaged in the benevolent intervention in another's business against the will of the principal, the provisions of para (1) & (2) apply mutatis mutandis, solely to the extent currently enriched.

 

Chapter IV Unjust Enrichment

 

˜703@iObligation to Return Unjust Enrichment)

A person that has benefited ("beneficiary") from the property or labor of another person without legal cause and has thereby caused a loss to another person bears the duty to return that benefit, to the extent the benefit exists.

 

˜704@iObligation of Beneficiaries in Bad Faith to Return)

A beneficiary in bad faith must return the benefit received together with interest thereon. In such cases, if any damage still remains, the beneficiary is liable to compensate for this.

 

˜705@iPerformance knowing of Absence of Obligation)

A person that has paid money or delivered anything as performance of an obligation may not demand the return of the money paid or thing delivered if the person knew, at the time, that the obligation did not exist.

 

˜706@iPerformance before Due Date)

If an obligor has paid money or delivered anything as performance of an obligation that has not yet fallen due, the obligor may not demand the return of the money paid or thing delivered; provided, however, that if the obligor tendered anything by mistake, the obligee must return the benefit gained as a result.

 

˜707@(Performance of Obligations of Others)

(1) If a person that is not an obligor has performed an obligation by mistake and the obligee, acting in good faith, has allowed the instrument to be lost, has damaged the instrument, has waived the security, or has lost the claim by prescription, the person performing the obligation may not demand the return of subject matter of the performance.

(2) The provisions of para (1) do not preclude the person performing an obligation from exercising the right to reimbursement against the obligor.

 

˜708@(Denial of Claim for Return for Illegal Causes)

A person that has paid money or delivered thing for an obligation for an illegal cause may not demand the return of the money paid or thing delivered; provided, however, that this does not apply if the illegal cause existed solely in relation to the Beneficiary.

 

Chapter V Torts

 

˜709@(Compensation for Loss or Damage in Torts)

A person that has intentionally or negligently infringed the rights or legally protected interests of another person is liable to compensate for damage resulting in consequence.

 

˜710@iCompensation for Loss or Damage Other than of Property)

A person liable for compensation for loss or damage pursuant to the provisions of Art 709 must also compensate for loss or damage other than of property, regardless of whether that person infringed the body, liberty or reputation of another person, or infringed property rights of another person.

 

˜711@iCompensation for Loss or Damage to Close Relatives)

A person that has taken the life of another must compensate for loss or damage to the father, mother, spouse, and children of the victim, even if the property rights of the same have not been infringed. iincluding mental compensationj

 

˜712@iCapacity for Liability)

If a minor has inflicted damage on another person but did not have sufficient intellectual capacity to appreciate their own liability for that act, that minor is not liable to compensate for that act.

˜713@iCapacity for Liability)

A person who has inflicted damage on another person while in a condition wherein the person lacked the capacity to appreciate their own liability for their acts due to a mental disability is not liable to compensate for this; provided, however, that this does not apply if the person has temporarily caused that condition, intentionally or negligently.

 

˜714@iLiability of Person Obligated to Supervise a Person without Capacity to Assume Responsibility)

(1) When a person without capacity to assume responsibility is not liable pursuant to the provisions of Art 712 & 713, the person with the statutory obligation to supervise the person without capacity to assume responsibility is liable to compensate for damage that the person without capacity to assume responsibility has inflicted on a third party; provided, however, that this does not apply if the person who has the obligation to supervise has not failed to perform that person's obligation or if the damage could not have been avoided even if that person had not failed to perform that person's obligation.

(2) A person who supervises a person without capacity to assume responsibility on behalf of the person who has the obligation to supervise also has the liability referred to in para (1).

 

˜715@iLiability of Employers)

(1) A person that employs another person for a business undertaking is liable to compensate for damage inflicted on a third party by that person's employees with respect to the execution of that business; provided, however, that this does not apply if the employer exercised reasonable care in appointing the employee or in supervising the business, or if the damage could not have been avoided even if the employer had exercised reasonable care.

(2) A person that supervises a business on behalf of the employer also has the liability referred to in para (1).

(3) The provisions of para (1) & (2) do not preclude the employer or supervisor from exercising their right to reimbursement against the employee.

 

˜716@iLiability of Party Ordering Work)

A party ordering work is not liable to compensate for damage a contractor inflicted on a third party with respect to that work; provided, however, that this does not apply if the party ordering work is negligent with regards to the order or instructions.

 

˜717@iLiability of Possessor and Owner of Structure on Land)

(1) If a defect in the installation or preservation of a structure on land causes damage to another person, the possessor of that structure is liable to the person incurring damage to compensate for the damage; provided, however, that if the possessor has exercised the necessary care to prevent the damage, the owner must compensate for the damage.

(2) The provisions of g para (1) apply mutatis mutandis if there is a defect in the planting or supporting of bamboo or trees.

(3) In the cases referred to in para (1) & (2), if there is another person that is liable for the cause of the damage, the possessor or owner may exercise their right to reimbursement against that person.

 

˜718@iLiability of Possessor of Animal)

(1) A possessor of an animal is liable to compensate for damage that the animal inflicts on another person; provided, however, that this does not apply if the possessor managed the animal while exercising reasonable care according to the kind and nature of the animal.

(2) A person who manages an animal on behalf of a possessor also assumes the liability referred to in para (1).

 

˜719@iLiability of Joint Tortfeasors)

(1) If more than one person has inflicted damage on another person by a joint tort, each of them is jointly and severally liable to compensate for the damage. The same applies if it cannot be ascertained which of the joint tortfeasors inflicted the damage.

(2) A person who has abetted or aided a perpetrator is deemed to be a joint tortfeasor, and the provisions of para (1) apply.

 

˜720@iSelf-Defense and Necessity)

(1) A person that, in response to the tortious act of another, is compelled to commit a harmful act to protect rights or legally protected interests of the person or of a third party, is not liable for compensation for loss or damage; provided, however, that this does not preclude a victim from filing a claim of compensation for loss or damage against the person that committed the tortious act.

(2) The provisions of para (1) apply mutatis mutandis if the person in question damages a thing belonging to another person in order to avert an imminent danger arising from that thing.

 

˜721@(Fetus' Capacity to Hold Rights Regarding Claim for Compensation for Loss or Damage)

An unborn child is deemed to have been already born with respect to the claim for compensation for loss or damage.

 

˜722@iMethod of Compensation for Loss or Damage, Deduction of Interim Interest, and Comparative Negligence)

(1) The provisions of Art 417 & 417-2 apply mutatis mutandis to compensation for loss or damage caused by tort.

(2) If a victim is negligent, the court may determine the amount of compensation for loss or damage by taking that into consideration.

 

˜723@iRecovery in Defamation)

The court may order a person that has defamed another person to take appropriate measures to restore the reputation of the victim in lieu of or in addition to compensation for loss or damage, at the request of the victim.

 

˜724@(Extinctive Prescription of Claim for Compensation for Loss or Damage Caused by Tort)

In the following cases, the claim for compensation for loss or damage caused by tort is extinguished by prescription:

(i) the right is not exercised within 3 years from the time when the victim or legal representative thereof comes to know the damage and the identity of the perpetrator; or

(ii) the right is not exercised within 20 years from the time of the tortious act.

 

˜724-2@(Extinctive Prescription of Claim for Compensation for Loss or Damage Arising from Death to Person or Injury to Person Caused by Tort)

For the purpose of the application of the provisions of Art 724 item (i) with regard to the extinctive prescription of the claim for compensation for loss or damage for death or injury to person caused by tort, the term "3 years" in the same item is deemed to be replaced with "5 years".

 

Part IV Relatives

Chapter I General Provisions

 

˜725@iRange of Relatives)

The following persons are relatives

(i)@a relative by blood within the sixth degree

(ii)@A spouse; and

(iii)@a relative by affinity within the third degree.

 

˜726@iDetermining Degree of kinship)

(1)@The degree of kinship between two relatives is determined by counting the number of generations between them.

(2)@The degree of kinship between collateral relatives is determined by counting the number of generations between a person or his spouse up to a common ancestor and back down to the other person.

 

˜727@iRelationship through Adoption)

From the time of adoption, the relationship between an adopted child and an adoptive parent (and his relative by blood) is deemed to be the same as that between relatives by blood.

 

˜728@iEnd of Relationship by Affinity by Divorce etc.)

(1)@The relationship between relatives by affinity comes to an end by divorce.

(2)@The same applies in the case where a spouse has died and the surviving spouse indicates an intention to end the relationship between relatives by affinity.

 

˜729@iEnd of Adoptive Relation by Dissolution)

The relationship of an adopted child, his spouse, any of his lineal descendants and their spouses with an adoptive parent and his spouse comes to an end by dissolution of adoptive relation.

 

˜730@iMutual Help between Relatives)

Lineal relatives by blood and relatives who live together must help one another.

 

Chapter II Marriage

Section 1 Formation of Marriage

Subsection 1 Requirements for Marriage

 

˜731@iMarriageable Age)

A man who has attained 18 years, and a woman who has attained 16 years of age may enter into marriage.

 

˜732@iProhibition of Bigamy)

A person who has a spouse must not enter into another marriage.

 

˜733@iPeriod of Prohibition of Remarriage)

(1)@A woman may not remarry unless 100 days have passed since the day of dissolution or rescission of her previous marriage.

(2) The provision of para (1) does not apply in the following cases:

(i) In the case where a woman had not conceived a child at the time of the cancellation or dissolution of her previous marriage

(ii) In the case where a woman had given a birth after the cancellation or dissolution of her previous marriage

 

˜734@iProhibition of Marriage between Close Relatives)

(1)@Neither lineal relatives by blood nor collateral relatives by blood within the third degree of kinship may marry; provided that this does not apply between an adopted child and his collateral relatives by blood through adoption.

(2)@The para (1) also apply after the termination of a family relationship pursuant to the provision of Art 817-9.

 

˜735 iProhibition of Marriage between Lineal Relatives by Affinity)

Lineal relatives by affinity may not marry. This also applies after the termination of a relationship by affinity pursuant to the provisions of Art 728 or 817-9.

 

˜736@(Prohibition of Marriage between Adoptive Parent and Child etc.)

Even after the termination of a family relationship pursuant to the provision of Art 729, an adopted child or spouse of adopted child, or a lineal descendant or spouse of a lineal descendant, may not marry an adoptive parent or his lineal ascendant.

 

˜737@iParental Consent for Marriage of Minor)

(1)@A minor must obtain the consent of both parents to marry.

(2)@If one parent does not consent, the consent of the other parent is sufficient. This also applies if one parent is unknown, has died, or is unable to indicate his intent.

 

˜738@iMarriage of Adult Ward)

An adult ward does not require the consent of his guardian of adult to marry.

 

˜739@iNotification of Marriage)

(1)@Marriage takes effect upon notification pursuant to the Family Registration Act.

(2)@The notification in para (1) is given by document with the signatures of both parties and not less than 2 adult witnesses, or given orally by these persons.

 

˜740@iAcceptance of Notification of Marriage)

Notification of marriage may not be accepted unless it has been found not to violate the provisions of Art 731 thru 737, Art 739 (2), or the provisions of any other laws and regulations.

 

˜741@iMarriage between Japanese Nationals in Foreign Country)

Two Japanese nationals in a foreign country who intend to marry may give notification to the Japanese ambassador, a minister of legation or consul stationed in that country. In this case, the provisions of Art 739 & 740 apply mutatis mutandis.

 

Subsection 2 Void and Annulled Marriages

 

˜742@iGrounds on Which Marriage is Void)

Marriage is void only in the following cases:

(i) if one of the parties has no intention to marry due to mistaken identity or other cause; or

(ii) if the parties do not lodge notification of marriage; provided however, that the effect of marriage is not prevented merely because notification was not given in the form prescribed in Art 739 para (2).

 

˜743@iRescission of Marriage)

Marriage may not be annulled, unless pursuant to the provisions of Art 744 thru 747.

 

˜744@iRescission of Unlawful Marriage)

(1)@Either of the parties, their relatives, or a public prosecutor may make a claim to the family court to rescind a marriage if it violates the provisions of Art 731 thru 736; provided, however, that a public prosecutor may not claim this after the death of one of the parties.

(2)@A spouse or previous spouse of a party to a marriage that violates the provisions of ˜732 or ˜733 may claim for rescission of marriage.

 

˜745@iRescission of Marriage in Violation of Marriageable Age)

(1)@When a person of non-marriageable age reaches marriageable age, a claim for rescission of a marriage that violates the provisions of Art 731 may not be made.

(2)@A person of non-marriageable age may claim rescission of marriage within a further 3 months after he has reached marriageable age; provided that this does not apply if he has ratified the marriage after reaching marriageable age.

 

˜746@(Rescission of Marriage Formed within the Period of Prohibition of Remarriage)

A claim for rescission may not be made for a marriage that violates the provisions of Art 733 if 6 months have passed from the day on which the previous marriage was cancelled or rescinded, or if a woman has conceived a child after remarriage.

 

˜747@iRescission of Marriage by Fraud or Duress)

(1)@A person who has married due to fraud or duress may make a claim for rescission of marriage to the family court.

(2)@The claim for rescission of marriage pursuant to para (1) lapses upon the passage of 3 months after the party has discovered the fraud or escaped the duress, or upon ratification.

 

˜748@iEffect of Rescission of Marriage)

(1)@Rescission of marriage does not have retroactive effect.

(2)@A party who did not know of the cause of rescission at the time of marriage must return property obtained by the marriage to the extent of the gain he actually receives.

(3)@A party who was aware of the cause of rescission at the time of marriage must return all of the gain obtained by the marriage. In this case, the party is liable to compensate an adverse party without knowledge for damages.

 

˜749@iApplication Mutatis Mutandis of Divorce Provisions)

The provisions of Art 728 para (1), Art 766 thru 769, the proviso to Art 790 para (1), and Art 819 para (2)/(3)/(5)/(6) apply mutatis mutandis to the rescission of marriage.

 

Section 2 Effect of Marriage

 

˜750@iSurname of Husband and Wife)

A husband and wife adopt the surname of the husband or wife in accordance with that which is decided at the time of marriage.

 

˜751@iSurviving Spouse Reverting to Previous Surname etc.)

(1)@If a husband or wife dies, the surviving spouse may revert to using the surname used before marriage.

(2) The provisions of Art 769 apply mutatis mutandis to para (1) and to the case referred to in Art 728 para (2).

 

˜752@iDuty to Live Together, Cooperate, and Provide Mutual Assistance)

A husband and wife must live together and provide mutual cooperation and assistance.

 

˜753@iConstructive Adult by Marriage)

If a minor enters into marriage, he/she is deemed to have attained majority.

 

˜754@iRight to Rescind Contract between Husband and Wife)

Either husband or wife may at any time during marriage rescind a contract between husband and wife; provided, however, that this may not harm the rights of a third party.

 

Section 3 Marital Property

Subsection 1 General Provisions

 

˜755@iMarital Property of Husband and Wife)

The property rights and duties of a husband and wife are prescribed by the following subsections, unless they entered into a contract setting forth otherwise, regarding their property before giving notification of the marriage.

 

˜756@iRequirements of Perfection of Contract on Property of Husband & Wife)

If a husband and wife have entered into a contract that departs from the statutory property system, the contract may not be asserted against the successor in title of the husband or wife, or a third party unless registered prior to notification of marriage.

 

˜758@iLimitations on Altering Property Rights of Husband & Wife etc.)

(1)@The property rights of a husband and wife may not be altered after notification of marriage.

(2)@In the case where one party to a marriage administers property and that property is imperiled by misadministration, the other party may make a claim to the family court for his own administration over that property.

(3)@A claim may be made for division of property held in co-ownership together with the claim referred to in para (2).

 

˜759@(Requirements of Perfection of Change of the Administrator of Property or Division of Property in Co-ownership)

If an administrator of property has been changed, or property held in co-ownership has been divided pursuant to the provisions of Art 758 or as a result of the contract referred to inArt 755, this may not be asserted against the successor in title of the husband or wife, or a third party unless it is registered.

 

Subsection 2 Statutory Marital Property System

 

˜760@iSharing of Living Expenses)

A husband and wife must share the expenses that arise from the marriage taking into account their property, income, and all other circumstances.

 

˜761@iJoint & Several Liability for Debts incurred for Household Necessities)

If one party to a marriage engages in a juridical act with a 3rd party regarding everyday household matters, the other party shall be jointly and severally liable for debts that arise from that act; provided that this shall not apply if prior notice is given to the 3rd party to the effect that the other party wonft assume such liability.

 

˜762@iOwnership of Property between Husband & Wife)

(1)@Property owned by one party before marriage and property obtained in the name of that party during marriage are separate property (property owned singularly by one party to a marriage).

(2)@Property that does not clearly belong to either husband or wife is presumed to be held in co-ownership.

 

Section 4 Divorce

Subsection 1 Divorce by Agreement

 

˜763@iDivorce by Agreement)

A husband and wife may divorce by agreement.

 

˜764@iApplication Mutatis Mutandis of Marriage Provisions)

The provisions of Art 738, 739, and 747 apply mutatis mutandis to divorce by agreement.

 

˜765@iAcceptance of Notification of Divorce)

(1)@Notification of divorce may not be accepted unless the divorce has been found not to violate the provision of Art 739 para (2) applied mutatis mutandis to Art 764, Art 819 para (1), or the provisions of any other laws and regulations.

(2)@If notification of divorce has been accepted despite the violation of the provisions of para (1), the effect of the divorce is not prevented because of this violation.

 

˜766@(Determination of Matters regarding Custody of Child after Divorce etc.)

(1)@If parents divorce by agreement, the matter of who will have custody over a child and any other necessary matters regarding custody must be determined by that agreement. If agreement has not been made, or cannot be made, this is determined by the family court.

(2)@If the family court finds it necessary for the child's interests, it may change who will take custody over the child and order any other proper disposition regarding custody.

(3)@The rights and duties of parents beyond the scope of custody may not be altered by the provisions of para (1) & (2).

 

˜767@iReversion to Previous Surname by Divorce)

(1)@The surname of a husband or wife who has taken a new name by marriage reverts to the surname used before marriage by divorce by agreement.

(2)@A husband or wife whose surname has reverted to the surname before marriage pursuant to the provision of para (1) may use the surname he used at the time of divorce by notification pursuant to the Family Registration Act within 3 months of the time of divorce.

 

˜768@iDistribution of Property)

(1)@One party to a divorce by agreement may claim a distribution of property from the other party.

(2)@If the parties do not, or cannot, settle on agreement with regard to the distribution of property pursuant to the provision of para (1), either party may make a claim to the family court for a disposition in lieu of agreement;  provided that this claim for distribution of property are extinguished at the expiration of 2 years from the day of divorce.

(3)@In the case referred to in para (2), the family court determines whether to make a distribution, and the amount and method of that distribution, taking into account the amount of property obtained through the cooperation of both parties and all other circumstances.

 

˜769@iAssumption of Rights upon Reversion to Prev Surname by Divorce)

(1)@If a husband or wife who has taken a new surname by marriage divorces by agreement after inheriting the rights contained in Art 897 para (1), the matter of who will be the successor of those rights is determined by agreement of the parties and any other interested persons.

(2)@If the agreement of para (1) is not, or cannot be, made, the family court determines who will be the successor of the rights in para (1).

 

Subsection 2 Judicial Divorce

 

˜770@iJudicial Divorce)

(1)@Only in the cases stated in the following items may either husband or wife file a suit for divorce:

(i)@if a spouse has committed an act of unchastity;

(ii)@if abandoned by a spouse in bad faith;

(iii)@if it is not clear whether a spouse is dead or alive for not less than 3 years;

(iv)@if a spouse is suffering from severe mental illness and there is no prospect of recovery; or

(v)@if there is any other grave cause making it difficult to continue the marriage.

(2)@A court may dismiss a suit for divorce if it finds continuing the marriage reasonable taking into account all circumstances, even in the case where there is a cause listed in para (1) items (i) thru (iv).

 

˜771@iApplication Mutatis Mutandis of Divorce by Agreement Provisions)

The provisions of Art 766 thru 769 apply mutatis mutandis to the case of judicial divorce.

 

Chapter III Parent and Child

Section 1 Natural Children

 

˜772@iPresumption of Child in Wedlock)

(1)@A child conceived by a wife during marriage is presumed to be a child of her husband.

(2)@A child born after 200 days from the formation of marriage or within 300 days of the day of the dissolution or rescission of marriage is presumed to have been conceived during marriage.

 

˜773@iDetermination of Paternity by Court)

In the case where a woman gives birth in violation of the provisions of Art 733 para (1), if the paternity of the child cannot be determined pursuant to the provisions of Art 732, the court determines paternity of the child.

 

˜774@iRebutting Presumption of Legitimacy)

Under the circumstances described in Art 772, a husband may rebut the presumption of the child in wedlock.

 

˜775@iAction to Rebut Presumption of Legitimacy)

The father's right to rebut the presumption of child in wedlock under Art 774 is exercised by an action of denial of child in wedlock against the child or a mother who has parental authority. If there is no mother who has parental authority, the family court appoints a special representative.

 

˜776@iRecognition of Legitimacy)

If a husband recognizes that a child is his child in wedlock after the birth of the child, he loses his right to rebut the presumption of legitimacy.

 

˜777@iLimitation upon Action of Rebutting Presumption of Legitimacy)

A husband may bring an action to rebut the presumption of the child in wedlock within one year of knowing of the child's birth.

 

˜778@(Limitation upon Action of Rebutting Presumption of Legitimacy)

If the husband is an adult ward, the period of Art 777 begins from the time the husband knew of the child's birth after the rescission of an order for commencement of guardianship.

 

˜779@iAffiliation/Recognition)

A father or a mother may affiliate his child out of wedlock.

 

˜780@iCompetency for Affiliation)

A father or a mother does not require the consent of a legal representative for affiliation, even if he is a minor or an adult ward.

 

˜781@iMethod of Affiliation)

(1)@Affiliation is made thru notification pursuant to the provisions of the Family Registration Act.

(2)@Affiliation may also be made by will.

 

˜782@iAffiliation of Adult Child)

A father or mother may not affiliate his adult child without that adult child's consent.

 

˜783@iAffiliation of Unborn Child or Child who has Died)

(1)@A father may also affiliate his unborn child. In this case, the mother's consent must be obtained.

(2)@If a child has died, a father or mother may still give affiliation, limited to the case where that child had a lineal descendant. In this case, if that lineal descendant is an adult, his consent must be obtained.

 

˜784@iEffect of Affiliation)

Affiliation has retroactive effect from the time of birth; provided that this does not prejudice a right already acquired by a third party.

 

˜785@iProhibition of Rescission of Affiliation)

A father or a mother who has given affiliation may not rescind that affiliation.

 

˜786@iAssertion of Opposing Facts against Affiliation)

A child or any other interested person may assert opposing facts against an affiliation.

 

˜787@iAction for Affiliation)

A child, his lineal descendant, or the legal representative of either, may bring an action for affiliation; provided that this does not apply if 3 years have passed since the day of the death of the parent.

 

˜788@(Determination of Matters with Regard to Custody of Child after Affiliation etc.)

In the case where a father gives affiliation, the provisions of Art 766 apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜789@iLegitimation)

(1)@By the marriage of his mother and father, a child affiliated by his father acquires the status of a child in wedlock.

(2)@A child affiliated by his parents while they are married acquires the status of a child in wedlock from the time of that affiliation.

(3)@The provisions of para (1) & (2) apply mutatis mutandis in the case where a child has already died.

 

˜790@iChild's Surname)

(1)@A child in wedlock takes the surname of his parents; provided that if the parents divorce before the child is born, the child takes the surname of his parents at the time of divorce.

(2)@A child out of wedlock takes the surname of his mother.

 

˜791@iChange of Child's Surname)

(1)@In the case where a child's surname differs from that of his father or mother, he may take the name of his father or mother by notification pursuant to the provisions of the Family Registration Act after having obtained the family court's permission.

(2)@In the case where a child's surname differs from that of his parents due to his father or mother taking a new surname, he may take the name of his parents, if they are married, without obtaining the permission referred to in para (1) by notification pursuant to the provisions of the Family Registration Act.

(3)@If a child has not attained 15 years of age, his legal representative may perform the acts referred to in para (1) & (2) on his behalf.

(4)@A minor who has taken a new surname pursuant to the provisions of para (1) thru (3) may revert to using his previous surname within 1 year of attaining majority by notification pursuant to the provisions of the Family Registration Act.

 

Section 2 Adoption

Subsection 1 Requirements for Adoption

 

˜792@iAge of Adoptive Parent)

A person who has attained the age of majority may adopt another as his child.

 

˜793@iProhibition of Adopting Ascendant or Person of Greater Age)

Neither an ascendant nor a person of greater age may be adopted.

 

˜794@iAdoption of Ward by Guardian)

Where a guardian adopts a ward (here and below, referring to a minor ward and an adult ward), he must obtain the permission of the family court. The same applies in the case where the guardianship has ceased but the account of administration of the property has not been settled.

 

˜795@iAdoption of Minor by Married Person)

A married person must adopt a minor only jointly with the spouse; provided, however, that this does not apply in cases where he adopts a child in wedlock of his spouse or his spouse is incapable of indicating her intention.

 

˜796@iAdoption by Married Person)

A married person must only adopt or be adopted by another with the consent of his spouse,; provided, however, that thisdoes not apply in the case he adopts or is adopted with his spouse jointly, or his spouse is incapable of indicating her intention.

 

˜797@iAdoption of Person under 15 years of age)

(1)@If a person to be adopted has not attained 15 years of age, his legal representative may give his consent to the adoption of that person on behalf of that person.

(2)@Where a person to be adopted is cared for by one of his parents and that parent does not have parental authority in relation to the person but cares for the person in accordance with Art 766, a legal representative must obtain the consent of that parent before giving the consent referred to in para (1).

 

˜798@iAdoption of Minor)

Where a person to be adopted is a minor, the permission of the family court must be obtained; provided that this does not apply in the cases where the person to be adopted is a lineal descendant of either the adoptive parent or the adoptive parent's spouse.

 

˜799@(Application Mutatis Mutandis of Marriage Provisions)

The provisions of Art 738 & 739 apply mutatis mutandis to adoption.

 

˜800@(Acceptance of Notification of Adoption)

No notification of adoption is accepted until it has been found that the adoption does not violate any of the provisions of Art 792 thru 799 or the provisions of any other laws and regulations.

 

˜801@(Formalities for Adoption between Japanese Nationals in Foreign Country)

If a Japanese national in a foreign country intends to adopt, or to be adopted by, another Japanese national in that country, notification of adoption may be made to the Japanese ambassador, minister or consul acting in that country. In this case, the provisions of Art 739 applied mutatis mutandis to Art 799 and the provision of Art 800 apply mutatis mutandis.

 

Subsection 2 Nullity and Rescission of Adoption

 

˜802@iNullity of Adoption)

Adoption is void only on the following grounds:

(i)@if there is no agreement to the adoption between the parties, as a result of mistaken identity or otherwise; or

(ii)@if the parties do not give notification of adoption; provided that the effect of adoption is not prevented merely because notification was not in the formality prescribed in Art 739 para (2) applied mutatis mutandis to Art 799.

 

˜803@iRescission of Adoption)

Adoption is only annulled pursuant to the provisions of Art 804 thru 808.

 

˜804@iRescission of Adoption Where Adoptive Parent Is Minor)

An adoptive parent or his legal representative may petition the family court for rescission of an adoption that violates the provision of Art 792; provided that this does not apply in the cases where 6 months have passed from the time the adoptive parent attains the age of majority or he has ratified the adoption.

 

˜805@(Rescission of Adoption Where Adopted Child is Ascendant or of Greater Age)

Either of the parties to an adoption or any relative of them may apply to the family court for rescission of an adoption that violates the provision of Art 793.

 

˜806@(Rescission of Adoption between Guardian and Ward not Assented to by the Family Court)

(1)@An adopted child or any natural relative of the child may apply to the family court for rescission of an adoption that violates the provisions of Art 794; provided, however, that this does not apply after the account of administration has been settled if the adopted child ratifies the adoption or if 6 months have passed since settlement.

(2)@No ratification in the proviso to para (1) takes effect, unless the adopted child ratified the adoption after he had attained the age of majority or had recovered legal capacity to act.

(3)@Where the account has been settled but the adopted child has not attained the age of majority or has not recovered legal capacity to act, the period referred to in the proviso to para (1) is calculated from the time the adopted child attains the age of majority or recovers legal capacity to act.

 

˜806-2@iRescission of Adoption Without Spousal Consent etc.)

(1)@A person who does not give his consent to an adoption may apply to the family court for rescission of an adoption that violates the provisions of Art 796; provided that this does not apply in the cases where 6 months have passed from the time the person had knowledge of the adoption or he ratified the adoption.

(2)@A person who gave the consent referred to in Art 796 by fraud or duress may apply to the family court for rescission of the adoption; provided that this does not apply in cases where 6 months have passed from the time the person had knowledge of fraud or escaped from duress, or the person ratified the adoption.

 

˜806-3@(Rescission of Adoption made without Consent of Person Who Cares for Child etc.)

(1)@A person who does not give his consent to the adoption may apply to the family court for rescission of an adoption that violates the provision of Art 797 para (2); provided that this does not apply if the person has ratified the adoption, or if, after the adopted child has reached 15 years of age, 6 months have passed or the child has ratified the adoption.

(2)@The provisions of Art 806-2 para (2) does apply mutatis mutandis to the consent referred to in Art 797 para (2) made due to fraud or duress.

 

˜807@(Rescission of Adoption of Minor not Assented to by Family Court)

An adopted child, any natural relative of the child, or a person who gave his consent to the adoption on the adopted child's behalf may apply to the family court for rescission of an adoption that violates the provisions of Art 798; provided, however, that this does not apply if, after the adopted child attains majority, 6 months have passed or he has ratified the adoption.

 

˜808@iApplication Mutatis Mutandis of Provisions regarding rescission of Marriage etc.)

(1)@The provisions of Art 747 & ˜748 apply mutatis mutandis to adoption. In this case, '3 months' in Art 747 para (2) is read as '6 months'.

(2)@The provisions of Art 769 & 816 apply mutatis mutandis to the rescission of adoption.

 

Subsection 3 Effect of Adoption

 

˜809@iAcquisition of Status of Child in wedlock)

An adopted child acquires the status of a child in wedlock of his adoptive parent(s) from the time of adoption.

 

˜810@iSurname of Adopted Child)

An adopted child shall take the surname of his adoptive parent(s); provided that this does not apply to an adopted child who has changed his surname by marriage and continues to use the surname determined at the time of marriage.

 

Subsection 4 Dissolution of Adoptive Relations

 

˜811@iDissolution of Adoptive Relations by Agreement etc.)

(1)@Parties to an adoption may agree to dissolve the adoptive relationship.

(2)@If an adopted child is under 15 years of age, an adoptive parent and a person to be a legal representative of the child after the dissolution of adoptive relation may agree to dissolve the adoptive relation.

(3)@If, in the case referred to in para (1), the parents of the adopted child divorce, they may agree that one of them should have parental authority with respect to the child after the dissolution of adoptive relation.

(4)@If the parents of the adopted child do not, or cannot, make the agreement referred to in para (3), the family court may, on the application of a father, a mother, or an adoptive parent referred to in para (3), make a ruling in lieu of the agreement.

(5)@If there is no person to be a legal representative of the adopted child for the purposes of para (2), the family court may, on the application of any relative of the adopted child or any other interested party, appoint a person to be a guardian of a minor for the adopted child after the dissolution of adoptive relation.

(6)@If one of the parties to an adoption has died and the surviving party intends to dissolve the adoptive relation, he may do so with the permission of the family court.

 

˜811-2@iDissolution of Adoptive relation Between Married Couple and Minor)

Where adoptive parents who are married to each other intend to dissolve the adoptive relation with a minor, they must do so jointly; provided, however, that this does not apply if one of them is incapable of indicating his intention.

 

˜812@iApplication Mutatis Mutandis of Marriage Provisions)

The provisions of Art 738, 739 & 747 apply mutatis mutandis to dissolution of adoptive relation. In this case, '3 months' in Art 747 para (2) is read as '6 months'.

 

˜813@iAcceptance of Notification of Dissolution of Adoptive Relation)

(1)@No notification of dissolution of adoptive relation is accepted until it has been found not to violate any of the provisions of Art 739 para (2) applied mutatis mutandis to Art 812, 811 & 811-2, or the provisions of any other laws and regulations.

(2)@Where the notification of dissolution of adoptive relation has been accepted in violation of the provisions of para (1), the dissolution is not prevented from taking effect due to the violation.

 

˜814@iJudicial Dissolution of Adoptive Relation)

(1)@Either of the parties to an adoption may, in the following cases only, bring an action for dissolution of adoptive relation:

(i)@if he has been abandoned in bad faith by the other party;

(ii)@if it is not clear whether the other party is dead or alive for not less than 3 years; or

(iii)@if there is any other material ground making it difficult to continue the adoptive relation.

(2)@The provisions of Art 770 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the cases listed in items (i) & (ii) of para (1).

 

˜815@(Party to Action for Dissolution of Adoptive Relation When Adopted Child below 15 years of age)

If an adopted child has not attained 15 years of age, a person who may make an agreement with the adoptive parent(s) to dissolve the adoptive relation pursuant to the provisions of Art 811 may bring or be subject to an action for dissolution of adoptive relation.

 

˜816@iResumption of Surname by Dissolution of Adoptive Relation)

(1)@An adopted child resumes using the surname he used before the adoption by dissolution of adoptive relation; provided that this does not apply where a married person adopted another as his child with his spouse jointly and the adopted child dissolved the adoptive relation with only one of adoptive parents.

(2)@If a person resumes using the name he used before the adoption pursuant to the provision of para (1) after 7 years have passed since the time of adoption, he may take the surname used at the time of dissolution of adoptive relation by giving notification, pursuant to the provisions of the Family Registration Act, within 3 months of the day of dissolution.

 

˜817@(Assumption of Rights upon Resumption of Surname by Dissolution of Adoptive Relations)

The provisions of Art 769 apply mutatis mutandis to dissolution of adoptive relations.

 

Subsection 5 Special Adoption

 

˜817-2@iMaking of Special Adoption)

(1)@The family court may, on the application of a person to be an adoptive parent, make a ruling establishing a 'special adoption' which extinguishes the legal relationship between a child and his natural relatives.

(2)@The permission referred to in Art 794 or 798 is not required for the application referred to in the provision of para (1).

 

˜817-3@iJoint Adoption by Married Couple)

(1)@A person to be an adoptive parent must be a married person.

(2)@If one spouse does not become an adoptive parent, the other spouse may not be an adoptive parent; provided, however, that this does not apply if that spouse intends to adopt a child in wedlock of the other spouse (excluding an adopted child who is not the subject of a special adoption ruling).

 

˜817-4@iAge of Person to be Adoptive Parent)

A person who has not attained 25 years of age may not be an adoptive parent; provided that this does not apply if one spouse of a married couple to be adoptive parents has attained 20 years of age but has not attained 25 years of age.

 

˜817-5@iAge of Person to be Adopted Child)

No person who has attained 6 years of age at the time of the application referred to in the provisions of Art 817-2 is adopted; provided that this does not apply if he has not attained 8 years of age and has been continually cared for by a person to be an adoptive parent since before the child attained 6 years of age.

 

˜817-6@iParental Consent)

A ruling of special adoption is only made if both parents of a person to be adopted gives his consent to the special adoption; provided that this does not apply in cases where the parents are incapable of indicating their intention or the parents have abused the child, abandoned the child without reasonable cause, or there is any other cause of grave harm to the interests of the person to become the adopted child.

 

˜817-7@iNecessity Especially for the Interests of the Child)

A ruling of special adoption is only made if both parents of a person to be adopted are incapable or unfit to care for the child or there are any other special circumstances, and it is found that the special adoption is especially necessary for the interests of the child.

 

˜817-8@iCircumstances of Care)

(1)@In making a ruling of special adoption, the circumstances of not less than 6 months of the care given by the person(s) to become adoptive parent(s) over the person to become the adopted child are considered.

(2)@The period in para (1) is calculated from the time of the application referred to in the provisions of Art 817-2; provided that this does not apply if the circumstances of care are evident prior to the application.

 

˜817-9@iExtinguishment of Legal Relationship with Natural Relatives)

The legal relationship between an adopted child and his natural parents and relative by bloods is extinguished by a ruling of special adoption; provided that this does not apply to the legal relationship with the other party referred to in the provision of the proviso to Art 817-3 para (2) and his relative by bloods.

 

˜817-10@iDissolution of Special Adoption)

(1)@The family court may, on the application of the adopted child, his natural parents or a public prosecutor, make a ruling dissolving the adoptive relation, if both of the following items are satisfied and the family court finds it especially necessary for the interests of the adopted child:

(i)@the adoptive parents have abused, or abandoned in bad faith, the adopted child or there is any other ground of extreme harm to the interests of the adopted child;

(ii)@the natural parent(s) are capable of providing reasonable care for the child.

(2)@Dissolution of special adoption shall only be made pursuant to the provision of para (1).

 

˜817-11@(Restoration of Legal Relationship with Natural Relatives by Dissolution of Adoptive Relation)

The same legal relationship that was extinguished by the special adoption is to arise between an adopted child and his natural parents and their relatives by blood from the time of dissolution of adoptive relation.

 

Chapter IV Parental Authority

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜818@iPerson Who Has Parental Authority)

(1)@A child who has not attained the age of majority is subject to the parental authority of his parents.

(2)@If a child is an adopted child, he is subject to the parental authority of his adoptive parents.

(3)@Parental authority is exercised jointly by married parents; provided that if either parent is incapable of exercising parental authority, the other parent does so.

 

˜819@iPerson Who Has Parental Authority in the Case of Divorce or Recognition)

(1)@If parents divorce by agreement, they may agree upon which parent is to have parental authority in relation to a child.

(2)@In the case of judicial divorce, the court determines which parent is to have parental authority.

(3)@In the case where parents divorce before the birth of a child, the mother exercises parental rights and duties; provided that the parties may agree that the father is to have parental authority after the child is born.

(4)@A father only exercises parental authority with regard to a child of his that he has affiliated if both parents agree that he is to have parental authority.

(5)@When the parents do not, or cannot, make the agreements referred to in para(1), (3) & (4), the family court may, on the application of the father or the mother, make a ruling in lieu of agreement.

(6)@The family court may, on the application of any relative of the child, rule that the other parent is to have parental authority in relation to the child if it finds it necessary for the interests of the child.

 

Section 2 Effect of Parental Authority

 

˜820@iRight and Duty of Care and Education)

A person who exercises parental authority holds the right, and bears the duty, to care for and educate the child for the interests of the child.

 

˜821@iDetermination of Residence)

Residence of a child is determined by a person who exercises parental authority.

 

˜822@iDiscipline)

A person who exercises parental authority may discipline the child to the extent necessary for the care and education stipulated in Art 820.

 

˜823@iPermission for Occupation)

(1)@A child may not have an occupation without the permission of a person who exercises parental authority.

(2)@A person who exercises parental authority may revoke or limit the permission referred to in para (1) in the case referred to in Art 6 para (2).

 

˜824@iAdministration and Representation over Property)

A person who exercises parental authority l administers the property of the child and represent the child in any legal juridical act in respect of the child's property; provided, however, that if an obligation requiring an act of the child is to be created, the consent of the child must be obtained.

 

˜825@(Effect of Acts Done by One Parent in the Name of Both Parents)

Where parents exercise parental authority jointly and one parent, in the name of both parents, performs a juridical act on behalf of a child, or give his consent for the child to perform a juridicalc act, the effect of that act

is not prevented, even if it is contrary to the intention of the other parent; provided, however, that this does not apply if the other party has knowledge.

 

˜826@iConflict of Interest)

(1)@If an act involves a conflict of interest between a father or mother who exercises parental authority and a child, a person who exercises parental authority must apply to the family court to have a special representative for the child appointed.

(2)@In the case where a person exercises parental authority for more than one child, if there is an act which involves a conflict of interest between one child and the other child or children, a person who exercises parental authority must apply to have a special representative for that child appointed.

 

˜827@iDuty of Care in Administration of Property)

A person who exercises parental authority must exercise the right of administration of property with the same care he would exercise for himself.

 

˜828@iAccounts of Administration of Property)

When a child attains the age of majority, a person who exercised parental authority accounts for the administration of property without delay; provided, however, that the expenses incurred in the care of the child and the administration of property is deemed to have been set-off against the profits from the child's property.

 

˜829@(Accounts of Administration of Property)

If a third party who has granted property to a child gratuitously indicates a contrary intention, the provision of the proviso to Art 828 does not apply to that property.

 

˜830@(Administration of Property Given to Child by Third Party Gratuitously)

(1)@If a third party who grants property to a child gratuitously indicates an intention not to allow a father or mother who exercises parental authority to administer that property, that property is not subject to the administration of the father or mother.

(2)@If neither parent has the right to administer the property referred to in para (1) and the third party does not appoint an administrator for that property, the family court may, on the application of a child, any relative of the child or a public prosecutor, appoint an administrator.

(3)@Even if a third party has appointed an administrator for the property, para (2) applies if the right of that administrator is extinguished or the replacement of that administrator is required, and the third party does not appoint another administrator.

(4)@The provisions of Art 27 thru 29 apply mutatis mutandis to the cases referred to in para (2) & (3).

 

˜831@(Application Mutatis Mutandis of Mandate Provisions)

The provisions of Art 654 & 655 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where a person who exercises parental authority administers the property of a child and the case referred to in Art 830.

 

˜832@(Extinctive Prescription of Obligations between Parent & Child That Arise from Administration of Property)

(1)@Obligations that arise from the administration of property between a person who exercised parental authority and the child are extinguished by prescription if not exercised within 5 years from the time the right of administration of property is extinguished.

(2)@If the right of administration of property is extinguished while the child has not yet attained the age of majority and the child has no legal representative, the period in para (1) is calculated from the time the child attains the age of majority or a new legal representative takes office.

 

˜833@iExercise of Parental Authority on Behalf of Child)

A person who exercises parental authority with regard to a child exercises parental authority in lieu of that child regarding that child's child.

 

Section 3 Loss of Parental Authority

 

˜834@iRuling on Loss of Parental Authority)

If a child is abused or abandoned in bad faith by his father or mother, or if a childfs interests are extremely  jeopardized due to difficulty or inappropriateness of the conduct of parental authority, the family court may, on the application of any relative, guardian or supervisor of his guardian or a public prosecutor, make a ruling of loss of parental authority; provided, however, that this does not apply if the causes of the ruling are expected to cease within 2 years.

 

˜834-2@iRuling on Suspension of Parental Authority)

(1)   If a childfs interests are jeopardized due to difficulty or inappropriateness of the conduct of parental

authority, the family court may, on the application of any relative, his guardian or the supervisor of his guardian or a public prosecutor, make a ruling on his father or mother a ruling on the suspension of parental authority.

(2)   The family court, in making a ruling on the suspension of parental authority, determins the period of 

suspension of parental authority for not exceeding 2 years which is expected to require until the extinction of such cause, considering the mental and health condition, the situation of his life and all the other circumstances of the child.

 

˜835@iRuling of Loss of Right of Administration of Property)

If a father or mother who exercises parental authority endangers the property of a child due to difficulty or  impropriety in his administration, the family court may, on the application of the child or any relative, his guardian or the supervisor of his guardian or a public prosecutor, make a ruling of right of administration of property.

 

˜836@(Rescission of Ruling on Loss or Suspension of Parental Authority or Loss of Right of Administration of Property)

If the causes in provisions of the main clause of Art 834, Art 834-2 para (1) and Art 835 have ceased to exist, the family court may, on the application of the person concerned or any relative of his, rescind a ruling of loss or suspension of parental authority or loss of right of administration of property pursuant to the provisions of Art 834, Art 834-2 para (1) and Art 835 respectively.

 

˜837@(Surrender and Resumption of Parental Authority or Right of Management Administration of Property)

(1)@If there is an unavoidable reason, a father or mother who exercises parental authority may, with the permission of the family court, surrender parental authority or the right of administration of property.

(2)@If the reason in para (1) has ceased to exist, a father or mother may, with the permission of the family court, resume parental authority or the right of administration of property.

 

Chapter V Guardianship

Section 1 Commencement of Guardianship

 

˜838@(Commencement of Guardianship)@

Guardianship commences in the following cases:

(i)@if there is no person with parental authority over a minor or if a person with parental authority is unable to exercise the right of administration of property.

(ii)@if there has been an order for commencement of guardianship.

 

Section 2 Organs of Guardianship

Subsection 1 Guardian

 

˜839@(Designation of Guardian of Minor)

(1)@A person who last exercises parental authority over a minor may designate a guardian of a minor by will; provided that this does not apply to a person who has no right of administration of property.

(2)@If one of the parents who have parental authority has no right of administration of property, the other parent may designate a guardian of a minor pursuant to the provision of para (1).

 

˜840@(Appointment of Guardian of Minor)

(1) If there is no person to become a guardian of a minor pursuant to the provisions of Art 839, the family court may appoint a guardian of minor on the application of a minor ward or his relative, or other interested person.  This also applies in a case where any vacancy in the position of a guardian of a minor occurs.

(2) Even if there is a guardian of a minor, the family court may, on application of the persons designated in para (1) or a guardian of a minor, or ex officio, appoint additional guardian(s) of a minor when it finds this necessary.

(3) In appointing a guardian of a minor, the family court should consider such circumstances as the age of a minor ward, his mental and health condition, the situation of his life and property, the profession and background of a guardian of a minor and existence of interest between a minor ward and guardian of a minor, the opinion of a minor ward and all the other circumstances.

 

˜841@iApplication for Appointment of Guardian of Minor by Parents)

If a father or mother surrenders parental authority or the right of administration of property, or if the necessity to appoint a guardian of a minor arises due to the ruling of loss or suspension of parental authority or loss of right of administration of property, the father or mother must, without delay, apply to the family court for the appointment of a guardian of a minor.

 

˜843@iAppointment of Guardian of Adult)

(1)@The family court appoints ex officio a guardian of an adult if it orders commencement of guardianship.

(2)@If the office of a guardian of an adult is vacant, the family court appoints a guardian of an adult on the application of an adult ward or his relative, or other interested person, or ex officio.

(3)@Even if a guardian of an adult has been appointed, the family court may appoint a further guardian, when it finds this necessary, at the application of the persons prescribed in para (2), or a guardian of an adult, or ex officio.

(4)@In the appointment of a guardian of an adult, the family court considers the physical and mental condition and the living and property circumstances of the adult ward, the occupation and personal history of the person to become the guardian, the existence of any vested interest between them (if the person to become a guardian of an adult is a juridical person, its type and content of business and the existence of any vested interest between the adult ward and the juridical person or its representative), the opinion of the adult ward, and all other matters.

 

˜844@iSurrender of Guardianship)

A guardian of an adult may, where any justifiable reason exists, surrender his office upon the permission of the family court.

 

˜845@(Application for Appointment of New Guardian upon the Surrender of Guardianship)

If the necessity to appoint a new guardian arises through a guardian's surrender of office, the guardian must, without delay, petition the family court to appoint a new guardian.

 

˜846@iReplacement of Guardian)

If there is an unlawful act, grave misconduct, or other cause not befitting the office of guardianship on the part of a guardian, the family court may replace the guardian on the application of a supervisor of a guardian, a ward or his relative, or a public prosecutor, or ex officio.

 

˜847@iCauses of Disqualification of Guardian)

Any person who falls under any of the following items may not become a guardian:

(i)@a minor;

(ii)@a legal representative, curator, or assistant who has been replaced by the family court;

(iii)@a bankrupt;

(iv)@a person who has brought or is bringing an action against the ward, or a spouse or lineal blood relative by blood of such person; or

(v)@a person whose whereabouts are unknown.

 

Subsection 2 Supervisor of a Guardian

 

˜848@iDesignation of Supervisor of Guardian of Minor)

A person who may designate a guardian of a minor may designate a supervisor of a guardian of a minor by will.

 

˜849@iAppointment of Supervisor of Guardian of Minor)

If there is no person who has been designated a supervisor of a guardian of a minor pursuant to the provision of Art 848, the family court may appoint a supervisor of a guardian of a minor, when it finds this necessary, on the application of a minor ward or his relative, or a guardian of a minor, or ex officio. This also applies in the case where any vacancy in the position of a supervisor of a guardian of a minor occurs.

 

˜849-2@iAppointment of Supervisor of Guardian of Adult)

The family court may appoint a supervisor of a guardian of an adult if it finds this necessary on the application of an adult ward or his relative, or a guardian of an adult, or ex officio.

 

˜850@iCauses of Disqualification of Supervisor of a Guardian)

A spouse, lineal relative by blood, or sibling of a guardian may not become a supervisor of a guardian.

 

˜851@iDuties of Supervisor of Guardian)

The duties of a supervisor of a guardian are as follows:

(i)@to supervise the affairs of a guardian;

(ii)@to apply to the family court without delay to appoint a guardian in the case where any vacancy in the position of a guardian occurs;

(iii)@to take necessary measures in the case of an emergency; and

(iv)@to represent the ward in conduct where there is a conflict of interest between the ward and the guardian or his representative.

 

˜852@iApplication Mutatis Mutandis of Mandate and Guardian Provisions)

The provisions of Art 644, 654, 655, 843 para (4), 844, 846, 847, 859-2, 859-3, 861 para (2), and 862 apply mutatis mutandis to a supervisor of a guardian.

 

Section 3 Affairs of Guardian

 

˜853@(Investigation of Property and Preparation of Inventory)

(1)@A guardian must, without delay, undertake an investigation of the ward's property, and finalize the investigation and prepare an inventory of property within one month; provided that this period may be extended with the approval of the family court.

(2)@An investigation of property and the preparation of an inventory of property are not valid unless conducted in the presence of a supervisor of the guardian, if one exists.

 

˜854@iAuthority Prior to Completion of Inventory of Property)

Until a guardian has completed the inventory of property, he isl not entitled to exercise his authority unless there is an urgent need; provided that this may not be asserted against a third party in good faith.

 

˜855@(Guardian's Duty to Report Claims or Obligations in Relation to Ward)

(1)@In the case where a guardian has any claim or bears any obligation in relation to a ward, he must report this to the supervisor, if one exists, before undertaking an investigation of property.

(2)@If a guardian knows of a claim against a ward and does not report it, this claim is lost.

 

˜856@(Application Mutatis Mutandis to the Case Ward Acquires Property under Universal Title)

The provisions of Art 853 thru 855 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where a ward acquires property under universal title after a guardian has assumed office.

 

˜857@(Rights and Duties regarding Personal Supervision of Minor Ward)

A guardian of a minor shall have, with respect to the matters prescribed in the Art 820 thru 823, the same rights and duties as a person who exercises parental authority; provided that in order to change the plan of education or the residence determined by a person who exercises parental authority, to enter a minor ward into a disciplinary facility, to give permission to carry on business, or to revoke or limit that permission, he must obtain the consent of a supervisor of a guardian of a minor, if one exists.

 

˜858@(Respect for Intention and Personal Consideration of Adult Ward)

A guardian of an adult, in undertaking affairs related to the life, medical treatment and nursing, and administration of property of an adult ward, must respect the intention of the adult ward, and consider his mental and physical condition and living circumstances.

 

˜859@iAdministration and Representation over Property)

(1)@A guardian administers the property of a ward and represent a ward in juristic acts concerning his property.

(2)@The provision of the proviso to Art 824 apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1).

 

˜859-2@iExercise of Authority where Multiple Guardians of Adult)

(1)@If there are multiple guardians of an adult, the family court may determine ex officio that the guardians should exercise authority jointly or according to a division of labor.

(2)@The family court may rescind ex officio a determination made pursuant to the provisions of para (1).

(3)@If there are multiple guardians of an adult, it is sufficient that a manifestation of intention by a third party be made to one guardian.

 

˜859-3@(Permission regarding Disposition of Real Estate Used for Adult Ward's Residence)

A guardian of an adult must obtain the permission of the family court for sale, rent, cancellation of lease, or establishment of a mortgage, or any other disposition equivalent to these, on the ward's behalf with regard to a building or site used for the adult ward's residence.

 

˜860@iActs in Conflict of Interest)

The provisions of Art 826 apply mutatis mutandis to a guardian; provided that this does not apply in the case where there is a supervisor of a guardian.

 

˜861@iExpenditure Estimation & Expenses of Affairs of Guardianship)

(1)@Upon assumption of office, a guardian must estimate the amount of money that will be required in annual expenditure for the living, education, medical treatment and nursing, and administration of property of the ward.

(2)@A guardian must pay the expenses necessary to undertake the affairs of guardianship out of the property of the ward.

 

˜862@iRemuneration to Guardian)

The family court may grant reasonable remuneration to a guardian out of the property of the ward, considering the financial capacity of the guardian and the ward and other circumstances.

 

˜863@iSupervision of Affairs of Guardianship)

(1)@A supervisor of a guardian or the family court may, at any time, demand that a guardian submit a report on the affairs of guardianship or an inventory of property, and may investigate the affairs of guardianship or the situation of the property of the ward.

(2)@The family court may order any necessary disposition concerning the administration of the property of a ward, or other affairs of guardianship, on the application of a supervisor of a guardian, the ward or his relative, or other interested person, or ex officio.

 

˜864@iActs Requiring the Consent of a Supervisor of Guardian)

For a guardian, on behalf of a ward, to undertake business or the acts listed in each item of Art 13 para (1), or to give consent for a minor ward to undertake the same, he must obtain the consent of a supervisor of a guardian, if one exists; provided that this does not apply to the receipt of principal listed in Art 13 para (1) item (i).

 

˜865@iActs Requiring the Consent of a Supervisor of Guardian)

(1)@A ward or a guardian may rescind acts conducted or consented to by a guardian in violation of the provisions of Art 864. In this case, the provisions of Art 20 apply mutatis mutandis.

(2)@The provision of para (1) does not preclude the application of the provisions of Art 121 thru 126.

 

˜866@(Ward's Rescission of Reception of Property etc.)

(1)@If a guardian has received the property of a ward or the right of a third party against the ward, the ward may rescind that reception. In this case, the provisions of Art 20 apply mutatis mutandis.

(2)@The provision of para (1) does not preclude the application of the provisions of Art 121 thru 126.

 

˜867@(Exercise of Parental Authority on Behalf of Minor Ward)

(1)@A guardian of a minor must exercise parental authority in lieu of a minor ward with respect to that minor ward's child.

(2)@The provisions of Art 853 thru 857 and Art 861 thru 866 apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1).

 

˜868@(Guardian of Minor with Rights and Duties regarding Property Only)

In the case where a person who has parental authority does not have the right of administration of property, a guardian of a minor must have authority regarding property and that authority only.

 

˜869@iApplication Mutatis Mutandis of Mandate and Parental Authority Provisions)

The provisions of Art 644 & 830 apply mutatis mutandis to guardianship.

 

Section 4 Termination of Guardianship

 

˜870@iAccount of Guardianship)

When the office of a guardian comes to an end, he or his successor must render an account of his administration within 2 months; provided that this period may be extended with the approval of the family court.

 

˜871@iAccount of Guardianship)

An account of guardianship must be conducted in the presence of a supervisor of a guardian, if one exists.

 

˜872@(Rescission of Contract etc. between a Minor Ward and Guardian of Minor etc.)

(1)@A person who, as an ex-minor ward, made a contract with a guardian, or the heir of the guardian, after attaining majority but before settlement of the account of guardianship may rescind such contract. The same applies to unilateral juridical acts that person makes toward a guardian of a minor or his successor.

(2)@The provisions of Art 20 and Art 121 thru 126 apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1).

 

˜873@(Payment of Interest etc. upon Money Refunded)

(1)@Money to be refunded by a guardian to a ward and money to be refunded by a ward to a guardian must bear interest from the time the account of guardianship is settled.

(2)@If a guardian has expended a ward's money for his own benefit, such money bears interest from the time of the expenditure. In this case, further damages are incurred by the ward, the guardian is liable for such damages.

 

˜874@(Application Mutatis Mutandis of Mandate Provisions)

The provisions of Art 654 & 655 apply mutatis mutandis to guardianship.

 

˜875@(Extinctive Prescription of Claim That Arises from Guardianship)

(1)@The provisions of Art 832 apply mutatis mutandis to the extinctive prescription of a claim that arises from guardianship between a guardian or a supervisor of a guardian and a ward.

(2)@In the case where a juridical act is rescinded pursuant to the provisions of Art 872, the period of the extinctive prescription prescribed in para (1) commences from the time of that rescission.

 

Chapter VI Curatorship and Assistance

Section 1 Curatorship

 

˜876@iCommencement of Curatorship)

Curatorship commences by order of commencement of curatorship.

 

˜876-2@iAppointment etc. of Curator or Temporary Curator)

(1)@If the family court orders commencement of curatorship, it will appoint a curator ex officio.

(2)@The provisions of Art 843 para (2) thru (4) and Art 844 thru 847 apply mutatis mutandis to a curator.

(3)@For acts where there is a conflict of interest between the curator or his representative and a person under curatorship, the curator must apply to the family court for the appointment of a temporary curator; provided that this does not apply in the case where there is a supervisor of a curator.

 

˜876-3@iSupervisor of Curator)

(1)@The family court may appoint a supervisor of a curator, if it finds this necessary, on the application of a person under curatorship or his relative, or a curator, or ex officio.

(2)@The provisions of Art 644, 654, 655, 843 para (4), 844, 846, 847, 850, 851, 859-2, 859-3, 861 para (2) and 862 apply mutatis mutandis to a supervisor of a curator. In this case, the term 'represent the ward regarding' in Art 851 item (iv) is deemed to be replaced with 'represent a person under curatorship regarding, or give consent for a person under curatorship to undertake the same'.

 

˜876-4@ (Order Granting Power of Representation to Curator)

(1)@On the application of a person prescribed by the main clause of Art 11 or (a supervisor of) a curator, the family court may make an order that grants power of representation to the curator, concerning specified juridical acts for the person under curatorship.

(2)@An order referred to in para (1) made upon the application of any person other than the person under curatorship requires the consent of the person under curatorship.

(3)@The family court may rescind an order referred to in para (1), in whole or in part, on the application of a person prescribed by that paragraph.

 

˜876-5@iAffairs of Curatorship and Termination of Office of Curator)

(1)@A curator, in undertaking the affairs of curatorship, must respect the intention of the person under curatorship, and consider his mental and physical condition and living circumstances.

(2)@The provisions of Art 644, 859-2, 859-3, 861 para (2), 862 and 863 apply mutatis mutandis to the affairs of curatorship, and the provision of the proviso to Art 824 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where a curator represents a person under curatorship based upon an order granting the power of representation referred to in Art 876-4 para (1).

(3)@The provisions of Art 654, 655, 870, 871 and 873 apply mutatis mutandis to the case of termination of office of a curator, and the provisions of Art 832 apply mutatis mutandis to claims that arise from curatorship between (a supervisor of) a curator, and a person under curatorship.

 

Section 2 Assistance

 

˜876-6@iCommencement of Assistance)

Assistance commences by order of commencement of assistance.

 

˜876-7@iAppointment etc. of Assistant or Temporary Assistant)

(1)@If the family court orders commencement of assistance, it will appoint an assistant ex officio.

(2)@The provisions of Art 843 para (2) thru (4) and Art 844 thru 847 apply mutatis mutandis to an assistant.

(3)@For acts where there is a conflict of interest between the assistant or his representative and a person under assistance, the assistant must apply to the family court for the appointment of a temporary assistant; provided that this does not apply in the case where there is a supervisor of an assistant.

 

˜876-8@iSupervisor of Assistant)

(1)@The family court may appoint a supervisor of an assistant, if it finds this necessary, on the application of a person under assistance, his relative, or an assistant, or ex officio.

(2)@The provisions of Art 644, 654, 655, 843 para (4), 844, 846, 847, 850, 851, 859-2, 859-3, 861 para (2) and 862 apply mutatis mutandis to a supervisor of an assistant. In this case, the term 'represent the ward regarding' in Art 851 item (iv) is deemed to be replaced with 'represent a person under assistance regarding, or give consent for a person under assistance to undertake the same.

 

˜876-9@iOrder Granting Power of Representation to Assistant)

(1)@On the application of a person prescribed by the main clause of Art 15 para (1), an assistant, or a supervisor of an assistant, the family court may make an order that grants power of representation to the assistant, concerning specified juridical acts for the person under assistance.

(2)@The provisions of Art 876-4 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the order referred to in para (1).

 

˜876-10@iAffairs of Assistance & Termination of Office of Assistant)

(1)@The provisions of Art 644, 859-2, 859-3, 861 para (2), 862 , 863, and 876-5 para (1) apply mutatis mutandis to the affairs of assistance, and the provisions of the proviso to Art 824 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where an assistant represents a person under assistance based upon an order granting the power of representation referred to in Art 876-9 para (1).

(2)@The provisions of Art 654, 655, 870, 871 & 873 apply mutatis mutandis to the case of termination of office of an assistant, and the provisions of Art 832 apply mutatis mutandis to claims that arise from assistance between an assistant, or a supervisor of an assistant, and a person under assistance.

 

Chapter VII Support

 

˜877@iSupporter under Duty)

(1)@Lineal relative by blood and siblings have a duty to support each other.

(2)@If special circumstances exist, the family court may also impose a duty of support between relatives within the 3rd degree, in addition to the case prescribed in para (1).

(3)@If an alteration in circumstances arises after an order pursuant to the provision of para (1), the family court may revoke that order.

 

˜878@iOrder of Support)

In the case where there exist several persons under a duty to give support, and agreement has not, or cannot be, reached between the parties with respect to the order in which they are to give support, the family court determines the order. In the case where there exist several persons entitled to support and the financial capacity of the person under a duty to give support is insufficient to support them all, the same applies.

 

˜879@iExtent and Form of Support)

If agreement has not, or cannot be, reached between the parties with respect to the extent and form of support, the family court determines such matters, considering the needs of the person entitled to support, the financial capacity of the person under a duty to give support, and any other related circumstances.

 

˜880@(Alteration or Revocation of Agreement or Order with Regard to Support)

If an alteration in circumstances arises after an agreement or an order regarding the order of persons under a duty to support, persons entitled to support, or the extent or form of support, the family court may alter or revoke the agreement or the order.

 

˜881@iProhibition of Disposition of Claim for Support)

The right to support may not be subject to disposition.

 

Part V Inheritance

Chapter I General Provisions

 

˜882@iCause of Commencement of Inheritance)

Inheritance commences upon the death of the decedent.

 

˜883@iPlace of Commencement of Inheritance)

Inheritance commences at the place of domicile of the decedent.

 

˜884@iRight to Claim for Recovery of Inheritance)

If the right to claim for recovery of inheritance is not exercised within 5 years of the time an heir or his legal representative becomes aware of the fact that the inheritance right has been infringed, that right is extinguished by prescription. The right is also extinguished if 20 years have passed from the time of commencement of inheritance.

 

˜885@iExpenses relating to Inherited Property)

(1)@Expenses relating to inherited property is paid out of that property; provided that this does not apply to expenses resulting from the negligence of an heir.

(2)@The expenses of para (1) are not required to be paid out of property obtained by a claimant to statutory reserved portion through abatement of a gift.

 

Chapter II Heir

 

˜886@iUnborn Child's Legal Capacity to Hold Rights Relating to Inheritance)

(1)@In regard to inheritance, an unborn child is deemed to have already been born.

(2)@The provision of para (1) does not apply if the child is stillborn.

 

˜887@iRight to Inheritance of Child and Heir per Stirpes etc.)

(1)@The child of a decedent is an heir.

(2)@If a decedent's child has died before the commencement of inheritance, or has lost the right to inheritance by application of the provisions of Art 891 or disinheritance, the child of the decedent's child becomes an heir as an heir per stirpes; provided that this does not apply if the child is not a lineal descendant of the decedent.

(3)@The provision of para (2) applies mutatis mutandis to the case where an heir per stirpes has died before the commencement of inheritance, or has lost the right of inheritance as an heir per stirpes by application of the provisions of Art 891 or by disinheritance.

 

˜889@iRight of Inheritance of Lineal Ascendant and Sibling)

(1)@In the case where there is no person to become an heir pursuant to the provisions of Art 887, the following persons become heirs in accordance with the following order of rank:

(i)@lineal ascendants of the decedent; provided that between persons of differing degree of kinship, the person who is of closer relationship has higher priority of inheritance;

(ii)@siblings of the decedent.

(2)@The provisions of Art 887 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1) item (ii).

 

˜890@iRight of Inheritance of Spouse)

The spouse of a decedent always is an heir. In this case, if there is a person to become an heir pursuant to the provisions of Art 887 or 889, the spouse is of the same rank as that person.

 

˜891@iCauses of Disqualification of Heir)

The following persons may not become an heir:

(i)@a person who has received punishment for intentionally causing, or attempting to cause, the death of a decedent or a person of equal or prior rank in relation to inheritance;

(ii)@a person who is aware that the decedent was killed by someone but made no accusation or complaint about this; provided that this does not apply if that person cannot discern right from wrong, or if the killer was that person's spouse or lineal relative;

(iii)@a person who prevented a decedent from making, revoking, rescinding, or changing a will relating to inheritance through fraud or duress;

(iv)@a person who forced a decedent to make, revoke, rescind, or change a will relating to inheritance through fraud or duress; or

(v)@a person who has forged, altered, destroyed, or concealed a decedent's will relating to inheritance.

 

˜892@iDisinheritance of Presumed Heir)

A decedent may make an application to the family court for the disinheritance of a presumed heir (referring to a person who would otherwise become an heir upon the commencement of inheritance) who has a legally reserved portion if that person has abused or given grave insult to the decedent, or if there has been any other grave misconduct on the part of the presumed heir.

 

˜893@iDisinheritance of Presumed Heir by Will)

If a decedent has indicated an intention by will to disinherit a presumed heir, the executor of that will must apply to the family court for disinheritance of the presumed heir without delay after the will has taken effect. In this case, the disinheritance of that presumed heir has retroactive effect from the time of the decedent's death.

 

˜894@iRescission of Disinheritance of Presumed Heir)

(1)@A decedent may at any time make an application to the family court to rescind the disinheritance of a presumed heir.

(2)@The provision of Art 893 apply mutatis mutandis to the rescission of disinheritance of a presumed heir.

 

˜895@iAdministration of Inherited Property before Ruling for Disinheritance of Presumed Heir Becomes Unappealable)

(1)@If inheritance has commenced before a ruling has become final and binding after an application for the disinheritance of a presumed heir, or the rescission of that disinheritance, the family court may order any necessary disposition with regard to the administration of inherited property upon the application of a relative, an interested party, or a public prosecutor. The same applies in the case where a will was made for the disinheritance of a presumed heir.

(2)@The provisions of Art 27 thru 29 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where the family court has appointed an administrator of inherited property pursuant to the provisions of para (1).

 

Chapter III Effect of Inheritance

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜896@iGeneral Effect of Inheritance)

From the time of commencement of inheritance, an heir succeeds blanket rights and duties attached to the property of the decedent; provided that this does not apply to rights or duties of the decedent that are purely personal.

 

˜897@iAssumption of Rights Relating to Rituals)

(1)@Despite the provision of Art 896, rights to ownership of a genealogy, equipment used in rituals, and any grave, are succeeded by the person who custom dictates presides over rituals for ancestors; provided that if the decedent designates a person who presides over rituals for ancestors, this person succeeds rights to ownership.

(2)@If, in the case referred to in the main text of para (1), the custom is not evident, the family court determines who succeesd the rights in para (1).

 

˜898@iEffect of Joint Inheritance)

If there are 2 or more heirs, the inherited property belongs to those heirs in co-ownership.

 

˜899@iEffect of Joint Inheritance)

Each joint heir succeeds the rights and duties of the decedent according to his share in inheritance.

 

Section 2 Share in Inheritance

 

˜900@iStatutory Share in Inheritance)

If there are 2 or more heirs of the same rank, their shares in inheritance are determined by the following items:

(i)@if a child and a spouse are heirs, the child's share in inheritance and the spouse's share in inheritance are 1/2 each;

(ii)@if a spouse and lineal ascendant are heirs, the spouse's share in inheritance is 2/3, and the lineal ascendant's share in inheritance is 1/3;

(iii)@if a spouse and sibling(s) are heirs, the spouse's share in inheritance is 3/4, and the sibling's share in inheritance is 1/4 (one quarter);

(iv)@if there are 2 or more children, lineal ascendants, or siblings, the share in the inheritance of each is divided equally; provided that the share in inheritance of a sibling who shares only one parent with the decedent is 1/2 of the share in inheritance of a sibling who shares both parents.

 

˜901@iStatutory Share in Inheritance of Heirs per Stirpes)

(1)   The share in inheritance of a lineal descendant who becomes an heir pursuant to the provisions of Art 887

para (2) or (3) is the same as the share that person's lineal ascendant would have received; provided that if there are 2 or more lineal descendants, their shares in inheritance are determined in accordance with the provisions of Art 900.

(2)@The provision of para (1) applies mutatis mutandis to the case where a child of a sibling becomes an heir pursuant to the provision of Art 889 para (2).

 

˜902@iDesignation of Share in Inheritance by Will)

(1)@Despite the provisions of Art 900 & 901, a decedent may by will determine the share in inheritance of joint heirs, or entrust a third party to determine the share; provided that a decedent or a third party may not violate provisions relating to legally reserved portion.

(2)@If a decedent determines, or has a third party determine, the share in inheritance of a single heir or several heirs amongst joint heirs, the share in inheritance of the other joint heir(s) is determined pursuant to the provisions of Art 900 & 901.

 

˜903@iShare in Inheritance of Heir who has Received Special Benefit)

(1)@If there is a person from amongst joint heirs who has previously received a bequest, or has received a gift for marriage, adoption, or as capital for livelihood, the total inherited property is deemed the value calculated by adding the value of the gift to the value of the property belonging to the decedent at the time of commencement of inheritance and the share in inheritance of that person becomes the remaining amount after deducting the value of that bequest or a gift from the share in inheritance calculated pursuant to the provisions of Art 900 thru ˜902.

(2)@If the value of the bequesrt or gift is equal to, or exceeds, the value of a donee or recipient's share in inheritance, he may not receive the share in inheritance.

(3)@If the decedent indicates an intention contrary to the provisions of para (1) & (2), that intention only has effect to the extent that it does not violate the provisions relating to legally reserved portion.

 

˜904@iShare in Inheritance of Heir who has Received Special Benefit)

With regard to the value of the gift referred to in the provisions of Art 903, even if, through the conduct of the recipient there the property of the gift is lost, or if there is a fluctuation in its value, the determination of value is deemed as the value at the time of commencement of inheritance in its original state.

 

˜904-2@iContributory Portion)

(1)@If there is a person from amongst joint heirs who has made a special contribution to the maintenance or increase of the decedent's property through the provision of labor or in the form of property relating to the decedent's business, medical treatment or nursing of the decedent, or other means, the total inherited property is deemed the value calculated by deducting the contributory portion as determined by agreement by the joint heirs from the value of the property of the decedent at the time of commencement of inheritance, and that person's share in inheritance becomes the amount of the contribution added to the share in inheritance calculated pursuant to the provisions of Art 900 thru 902.

(2)@If the agreement of para (1) is not, or cannot be, settled, the family court determines the amount of contributory portion upon the application of the person who has contributed referred to in the provision of para (1), considering the period of contribution, the means and extent of contribution, the amount of the inherited property, and all other circumstances.

(3)@The contributory portion may not exceed the amount calculated by deducting the value of a bequest from the value of the property belonging to the decedent at the time of commencement of inheritance.

(4)@The application referred to in para (2) may be made in the case where there has been an application pursuant to the provision of Art 907 para (2), or in the case where there has been a application pursuant to the provision of Art 910.

 

˜905@iRecovery Right of Share of Inheritance)

(1)@If one joint heir assigns his share of inheritance to a 3rd party before a division of the inherited property, any other joint heir may obtain the share thru the reimbursement of the value and expenses of that and recover the share in inheritance.

(2)@The right of para (1) is to be exercised within 1 month.

 

Section 3 Division of Inherited Property

 

˜906@iCriteria of Division of Inherited Property)

Upon the division of inherited property, the type and nature of goods or rights belonging to the inherited property, the age, occupation, mental and physical state, and financial circumstances of each heir, and all other matters, are to be considered.

 

˜907@iAgreement or Ruling for Division of Inherited Property etc.)

(1)@Joint heirs may at any time divide inherited property by agreement except in the case where this is prohibited by the decedent's will pursuant to the provision of Art 908.

(2)@If agreement is not, or cannot be, settled between joint heirs regarding division of inherited property, each of the joint heirs may make an application to the family court for a division of the inherited property.

(3)@In the case referred to in para (2), if there is a special reason, the family court may prohibit the division of the inherited property, in whole or part, for a specified period.

 

˜908@(Designation of Form of Division of Inherited Property and Prohibition of Division)

A decedent may by will determine the form of division of inherited property, or entrust this to a 3rd party, or prohibit division for a period not exceeding 5 years from the time of commencement of inheritance.

 

˜909@iEffect of Division of Inherited property)

Division of inherited property has retroactive effect from the time of the commencement of inheritance; provided that this does not prejudice the rights of a 3rd party.

 

˜910@(Claim of Payment for Value of Person Affiliated after Commencement of Inheritance)

In the case where a person who becomes an heir through affiliation after the commencement of inheritance intends to apply for a division of the inherited property, if other heirs have already divided the inherited property or made another disposition, he only has a claim of payment for value.

 

˜911@iMutual Liability to Guarantee Joint Heirs)

Each joint heir, according to his share in inheritance, bears liability to guarantee any other joint heir, just as a seller.

 

˜912@(Liability to Guarantee Claim Arising from Division of Inherited Property)

(1)@Each joint heir guarantees, according to his share in inheritance, the solvency of any obligor of the inherited property at the time of division regarding claims arising from the division of inherited property.

(2)@Each joint heir guarantees the solvency of any obligor of the inherited property at the time for performance regarding a claim that is either not yet due or has a condition precedent.

 

˜913@iShare of Liability to Guarantee Insolvent Joint Heir)

If there is an insolvent joint heir who is liable to guarantee other joint heirs, the portion of the liability which the insolvent joint heir is to bear is apportioned amongst other joint heirs with a right to reimbursement, and other solvent joint heirs contribute to the portion unable to be reimbursed according to the share in inheritance of each; provided that if there is negligence on the part of the person who seeks reimbursement, he may not make a claim against other another joint heir to contribute.

 

˜914@iDetermination of Liability to Guarantee by Will)

If a decedent has expressed a different intent by will, the provisions of Art 911 thru 913 does not apply.

 

Chapter IV Acceptance and Renunciation of Inheritance

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜915@iPeriod for Acceptance or Renunciation of Inheritance)

(1)@An heir must give unconditional or qualified acceptance, or renunciation, regarding inheritance within 3 months of the time he has knowledge that there has been a commencement of inheritance for him; provided that this period may be extended by the family court on the application of an interested party or a public prosecutor.

(2)@An heir may investigate inherited property before making an acceptance or renunciation of inheritance.

 

˜916@iPeriod for Acceptance or Renunciation of Inheritance)

If an heir dies without having made acceptance or renunciation of inheritance, the period of Art 915 para (1) is calculated from the time that person's heir comes to know of the commencement of inheritance for himself.

 

˜917@iPeriod for Acceptance or Renunciation of Inheritance)

If an heir is a minor or an adult ward, the period in Art 915 para (1) is calculated from the time that legal representative comes to know of the commencement of inheritance for the minor or adult ward.

 

˜918@iAdministration of Inherited Property)

(1)@An heir must administer inherited property with the same care he would exercise over his own property; provided that this does not apply if he has accepted or renounced the inheritance.

(2)@The family court may at any time order any necessary disposition for the preservation of inherited property upon the application of an interested party or a public prosecutor.

(3)@The provisions of Art 27 thru 29 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where the family court has appointed an administrator manager of inherited property pursuant to the provision of para (2).

 

˜919@iRevocation & Rescission of Acceptance & Renunciation of Inheritance)

(1)@Acceptance or renunciation of inheritance may not be revoked even within the period referred to in Art 915 para (1).

(2)@The provision of para (1) does not prevent the rescission of acceptance or renunciation of inheritance made pursuant to the provisions of Part I (General Provisions) and Part IV (Relatives).

(3)@The right of rescission in para (2) is extinguished by prescription if not exercised within 6 months of the time ratification becomes possible. The right of rescission in para (2) is extinguished if 10 years have passed since the time of acceptance or renunciation of inheritance.

(4)@A person who intends to rescind qualified acceptance or renunciation of inheritance pursuant to the provision of para (2) must provide a statement to that effect to the family court.

 

Section 2 Acceptance of Inheritance

Subsection 1 Unconditional Acceptance

 

˜920@iEffect of Unconditional Acceptance)

If an heir makes unconditional acceptance, he inherits the rights and duties of the decedent without limitation.

 

˜921@iStatutory Unconditional Acceptance)

An heir is deemed to have made unconditional acceptance in the following cases:

(i)@if an heir has made a disposition of the inherited property in whole or in part; provided that this does not apply to an act of preservation or a lease that does not exceed the period determined in Art 602;

(ii)@if an heir has not made qualified acceptance or renunciation of inheritance within the period of Art 915 para (1);

(iii)@if an heir, even after having made qualified acceptance or renunciation of inheritance, conceals inherited property in whole or part, uses that property for himself, or failed intentionally to enter it in the inventory of inherited property; provided that this does not apply after the acceptance of a person who has become an heir due to the renunciation of inheritance of the original heir.

 

Subsection 2 Qualified Acceptance

 

˜922@iQualified Acceptance)

An heir may accept inheritance reserving to perform the obligation or bequest of the decedent only within the extent of the property obtained by inheritance.

 

˜923@iQualified Acceptance of Joint Heirs)

If there are two or more heirs, qualified acceptance may only be made if all members of the joint heirs make qualified acceptance jointly.

 

˜924@iForm of Qualified Acceptance)

If an heir intends to make qualified acceptance, he must prepare an inventory of the inherited property and submit this to the family court with a statement to that effect within the period of Art 915 para (1).

 

˜925@iRights & Duties upon Qualified Acceptance)

If an heir makes qualified acceptance, the rights and duties that person has towards the decedent are deemed not to have been extinguished.

 

˜926@iAdministration by Person who has Made Qualified Acceptance)

(1)@A person who has made qualified acceptance must continue administration of inherited property with the same care he would exercise over his own property.

(2)@Art 645, 646, 650 para (1) & (2) and 918 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1).

 

˜927@iPublic Notification & Notice to Inheritance Obligees & Donees)

(1)@A person who makes qualified acceptance must, within 5 days of making that qualified acceptance, make public notification to all inheritance obligees (an obligee with a claim towards the inherited property) and donees to the effect that qualified acceptance has been made and that filing of any claim should be made within a specified period. In this case, that period must not be less than 2 months.

(2)@In the public notification in para (1), it must be prescribed that inheritance obligees and donees who failed to file should be precluded from the payment; provided, however, that a successor who makes qualified acceptance may not preclude known inheritance obligees and donees.

(3)@a successor who makes qualified acceptance must demand each of known inheritance obligees and donees the filing.

(4)@The public notice in para (1) must be made on the official gazette.

 

˜928@iRefusal of Performance before Expiration of Public Notification Period)

A person who has made qualified acceptance may refuse to make performance to an inheritance obligee or donee before the expiration of the notification period of Art 927 para (1).

 

˜929@iPerformance after Expiration of Public Notification Period)

After the expiration of the period in Art 927 para (1), a person who has made qualified acceptance must use the inherited property to make performance to inheritance obligees who have made the application of Art 927 para (1) within the period prescribed, and any other known inheritance obligees, proportionally according to the amount of each claim; provided that this may not prejudice the rights of an obligee with priority rights.

 

˜930@iPerformance of Obligation etc. Not Yet Due)

(1)@A person who has made qualified acceptance must make performance even of a claim which is not yet due in accordance with the provision of Art 929.

(2)@Conditional claims and claims of indefinite duration must be performed in accordance with an evaluation by an appraiser appointed by the family court.

 

˜931@iPerformance to Donees)

A person who has made qualified acceptance may not make performance to a donee unless each of the inheritance obligees has been paid in accordance with the provisions of Art 929 & 930.

 

˜932@iAuction of Inherited Property for Performance of Obligation)

If it is necessary to sell inherited property in order to perform in accordance with the provisions of Art 929 thru

931, a person who has made qualified acceptance must put that property to auction; provided that this auction may be averted by paying the entire or partial value of the inherited property in accordance with an evaluation by an appraiser appointed by the family court.

 

˜933@(Participation of Inheritance Obligees and Donees in Evaluation Proceedings)

Inheritance obligees and donees may, by their own expense, participate in an auction or appraisal of inherited property. In this case, the provisions of Art 260 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis.

 

˜934@(Liability for Unfair Performance etc. of Person who has Made Qualified Acceptance)

(1)@If a person who has made qualified acceptance fails to make the public notification or notice referred to in Art 927, or has made performance to an inheritance obligee or donee within the period in Art 927 para (1) thereby precluding performance to any other inheritance obligee or donee, that person is liable to compensate for damages arising from this. If he has made performance that violates the provisions of Art 929 thru 931, he is liable to compensate for damages arising from this.

(2)@The provision of para (1) does not prevent a claim for damages against an inheritance obligee or donee who has accepted unfair performance with knowledge by another inheritance obligee or donee.

(3)@The provision of Art 724 applies mutatis mutandis to the cases referred to in para (1) & (2).

 

˜935@(Inheritance Obligees or Donees who have not Made Application within Period of Public Notification)

An inheritance obligee or donee who fails to make the application referred to in Art 927 para (1) within the period prescribed, and was unknown to the person who has made qualified acceptance, may only exercise his rights over the residual assets; provided that this does not apply to persons who have a security over specific inherited property.

 

˜936@iAdministration of Inherited Property where 2 or more Heirs)

(1)@In the case where there are two or more heirs, the family court must appoint an administrator of the inherited property from amongst the heirs.

(2)@The administrator of the inherited property of para (1) undertakes all necessary acts to administer the inherited property and performs any obligation on behalf of the heirs.

(3)@The provisions of Art 926 thru 935 apply mutatis mutandis to an administrator of the inherited property of para (1). In this case, 'within 5 days of making that qualified acceptance' in Art 927 para (1) is to be read as 'within 10 days of the appointment of an administrator of the inherited property'.

 

˜937@(Inheritance Obligees Where There is Cause for Statutory Unconditional Acceptance)

If there is a cause listed in Art 921 item (i) or (iii) relating to one or several joint heirs who have made qualified acceptance, an inheritance obligee may exercise his rights over the portion of his claim not satisfied by the inherited property against those joint heirs according to the share in inheritance of each.

 

Section 3 Renunciation of Inheritance

 

˜938@iMethod of Renunciation of Inheritance)

A person who intends to renounce inheritance must make a statement to that effect to the family court (only after commencement of inheritance).

 

˜939@iEffect of Renunciation of Inheritance)

A person who has renounced inheritance is deemed as not originally having been an heir to the inheritance.

 

˜940@iAdministration by Person who has Renounced Inheritance)

(1)@A person who has renounced inheritance must continue the administration of inherited property with the same care he would exercise over his own property until the person who has become an heir by that renunciation has commenced administration of the inherited property.

(2)@Art 645, 646, 650 para (1) & (2), 918 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1).

 

Chapter V Separation of Property

 

˜941@(Separation of Property by Claim of Inheritance Obligees or Donees)

(1)@An inheritance obligee or a donee may make an application to the family court for a separation of inheritance property from the property of an heir within 3 months of the time of commencement of inheritance. The application may be filed even after that period has elapsed if the inherited property has not been mixed with the heir's own property.

(2)@If the family court has made a ruling for separation of property pursuant to the application of para (1), the applicant must give public notice within 5 days to the effect that an order for separation of property has been made and that applications for entry into distribution proceedings should be made within a specified period. In this case, that period must not be less than 2 months.

(3)@The public notice of the provisions of para (2) must be listed in the official gazette.

 

˜942@iEffect of Separation of Property)

A person who has made an application for separation of property or a person who has applied for entry into distribution proceedings pursuant to the provisions of Art 941 para (2) receives performance with priority over the obligees of an heir regarding the inherited property.

 

˜943@(Administration of Inherited Property after Claim for Separation of Property)

(1)@If an application for separation of property is made, the family court may order any necessary disposition for the administration of the inherited property.

(2)@The provisions of Art 27 thru 29 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where the family court appoints an administrator pursuant to the provision of para (1).

 

˜944@iAdministration by Heir after Application for Separation of Property)

Even after an heir has made unconditional acceptance, if there has been an application for separation of property, he must administer the inherited property with the same care he would exercise over his own property; provided that this does not apply if the family court has appointed an administrator of the inherited property.

(2)@The provisions of Art 645 thru 647 and Art 650 para (1) & (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1).

 

˜945@(Requirement of Perfection, against 3rd Party regarding Real Estate in the Case of Separation of Property)

A separation of property regarding real estate may not be asserted against a third party unless the separation is registered.

 

˜946@iApplication Mutatis Mutandis of Provisions regarding Extension of Security Interest to the Proceeds of Collateral)

The provisions of Art 304 apply mutatis mutandis to the case of separation of property.

 

˜947@iPerformance to Inheritance Obligees and Donees)

(1)@Before the expiration of the period in Art 941 para (1) & (2), an heir may refuse to make performance to an inheritance obligee or donee.

(2)@If an application for separation of property has been made, an heir must use the inherited property to make performance to any inheritance obligee or donee who has made an application for separation of property or entry into distribution proceedings proportionally according to the amount of each claim, after the expiration of the period of Art 941 para (2); provided however, that this may not prejudice the rights of an obligee with priority rights.

(3)@The provisions of Art 930 thru 934 apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1).

 

˜948@iPerformance from Heir's Own Property)

A person who has made an application for separation of property or a person who has applied for entry into distribution proceedings may exercise his rights against an heir's own property only in the case where he was not able to receive performance in full from the inherited property. In this case, this person may receive performance with priority over the obligees of an heir.

 

˜949@iPrevention of Application for Separation of Property)

An heir may use his own property to make performance to an inheritance obligee or donee, or provide reasonable security, and thereby prevent an application for separation of property or have its effect extinguished; provided that this does not apply if an obligee of the heir expresses an objection and can prove that he would receive damage from this.

 

˜950@iSeparation of Property by Application of Obligee of Heir)

(1)@While an heir may make qualified acceptance, or while the inherited property has not been mixed with the heir's own property, an obligee of the heir may make an application to the family court for a separation of property.

(2)@The provisions of Art 304, 925, 927 thru 934, 943 thru 945, and 948 apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in pPara (1); provided, however, that the public notification and notice of Art 927 are to be made by an obligee who has made an application for separation of property.

 

Chapter VI Nonexistence of Heir

 

˜951@iFormation of Juridical Person for Inherited Property)

If it is not evident whether an heir exists, an estate that would be inherited becomes a juridical person.

 

˜952@iAppointment of Administrator of Inherited Property)

(1)@In the case referred to in Art 951, the family court appoints an administrator of inherited property upon the application of an interested party or a public prosecutor.

(2)@If an administrator of inherited property has been appointed pursuant to the provisions of para (1), the family court must give public notice of this without delay.

 

˜953@(Provisions Relating to Administrator of Absentee's Property to be Applied Mutatis Mutandis)

The provisions of Art 27 thru 29 apply mutatis mutandis to the 'administrator of inherited property' referred to in Art 952 para (1).

 

˜954@(Reporting by Administrator of Inherited Property)

If there is an application by an inheritance obligee or donee, an administrator of inherited property must report the status of the inherited property to the person who has made the application.

 

˜955@iNon-formation of Juridical Person for Inherited Property)

If it has become evident that there is an heir, the juridical person of Art 951 is deemed not to have been formed; provided, however, that this does not prevent the effect of acts done by an administrator of inherited property within the administrator's authority.

 

˜956@(Extinguishment of Authority of Representation of Administrator of Inherited Property)

(1)@The authority of representation of an administrator of inherited property is extinguished from the time that an heir accepts inheritance.

(2)@In the case referred to in para (1), the administrator of inherited property must make an account of profit and loss to the heir without delay.

 

˜957@iPerformance to Inheritance Obligees and Donees)

(1)@If the existence of an heir has not become evident within 2 months of the public notice of Art 952 (2), an administrator of inherited property gives, without delay, public notice to all inheritance obligees and donees to the effect that a claim for performance should be made within a specified period. In this case, the period is not less than 2 months.

(2)@The provisions of Art 927 (2) - (4) & Art 928 thru 935 (excluding the proviso to Art 932 apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in para (1).

 

˜958@iPublic Notice of Search for Heir)

If, after the expiration of the period in Art 957 para (1), it is still not evident whether an heir exists, the family court give, upon the application of an administrator of inherited property or a public prosecutor, public notice to the effect that if there is an heir, he should assert his right within a fixed period. In this case, the period is not less than 6 months.

 

˜958-2@iCase where No Person Claims a Right)

If there is no person who asserts a right as an heir within the period of Art 958, an heir, or any obligee or donee unknown to the administrator of inherited property, may not exercise his right.

 

˜958-3 iDistribution of Inherited Property to Person with Special Connection)

(1)@In the case referred to in Art 958-2, the family court may, if it finds it reasonable, upon application by a person who shared a livelihood with the decedent, a person who contributed to the medical treatment and nursing of the decedent, or any other person who had a special connection with the decedent, grant such person the remaining amount of the inherited property after liquidation, in whole or in part.

(2)@The application of Para 1 must be made within 3 months of the expiration of the period in Art 958.

 

˜959@iResidual Assets to Belong to National Treasury)

Inherited property that has not been disposed of pursuant to the provisions of Art 958-3 belongs to the National Treasury. In this case, the provisions of Art 956 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis.

 

Chapter VII Wills

Section 1 General Provisions

 

˜960@iFormalities for Will)

No will takes effect unless made in accordance with the formalities provided in this Code.

 

˜961@iCapacity to Make Will)

Any person who has attained 15 years of age may make a will.

 

˜962@iCapacity to Make Will)

The provisions of Art 5, 9, 13 and 17 does not apply to a will.

 

˜963@iCapacity to Make Will)

At the time of making a will, a testator has the capacity to do so.

 

˜964@iComprehensive and Specific Testamentary Gifts)

A testator may make a disposition of his property, in whole or in part, comprehensive or specific title(s); provided that this may not violate provisions regarding legally reserved portion.

 

˜965@iProvisions Relating to Heirs to be Applied Mutatis Mutandis)

The provisions of Art 886 & 891 apply mutatis mutandis to a testamentary donee.

 

˜966@iLimitations on Will of Person under Guardianship)

(1)@If a person under guardianship makes a will to the benefit of a guardian or the guardian's spouse or lineal relative before the completion of a profit and loss account for guardianship, that will is void.

(2)@The provision of para (1) does not apply in the case where a lineal relative, spouse, or sibling of the ward is a guardian.

 

Section 2 Formalities of Wills

Subsection 1 Ordinary Formality

 

˜967@iTypes of Will Made by Ordinary form)

A will may be made by holograph document, notarized document, or sealed and notarized document; provided that this does not apply to the case where it is permissible to use a special method.

 

˜968@iWill by Holograph Document)

(1)@To make a will by holograph document the testator must write the entire text, the date, and his name in his own hand and affix his seal.

(2)@Unless, for an insertion, deletion or any other alteration to the handwritten certificate, the testator indicates the place of alteration, makes a specifically signed addition to the effect that it has been changed, and furthermore affixes his seal to the place that has been altered, it has no effect (of alteration).

 

˜969@iWill by Notarized Document)

A will by notarized document must be made in compliance with the following items:

(i)@no fewer than 2 witnesses must be in attendance;

(ii)@the testator must give oral instruction of the tenor of the will to a notary public;

(iii)@a notary public takes dictation from the testator and read this aloud, or allow inspection, to the testator and witnesses;

(iv)@the testator and witnesses each sign, and affix seal to, the certificate after having approved its accuracy; provided, however, that in the case where a testator is unable to sign, a notary public may sign on his behalf, with supplementary registration giving the reason for that; and

(v)@a notary public must give supplementary registration to the effect that the certificate has been made in compliance with the formalities listed in items (i) thru (iv), sign this, and affix his seal.

 

˜969-2@iSpecial Provisions for Will by Notarized Document)

(1)@In the case where a will by notarized document is made by a person who cannot speak, the testator must make a statement of the tenor of the will thru an interpreter, or by his own hand, in lieu of the oral instruction of Art 969 item (ii). In this case, in the application of the provision of Art 969 item (iii), 'oral instruction' in that item becomes 'statement through an interpreter, or by his own hand'.

(2)@In the case where the testator or a witness of Art 969 is deaf, a notary public may convey the written contents of the provision of Art 969 item (iii) to the testator or witness through an interpreter, in lieu of the reading aloud provided for in the same item.

(3)@If a notarized document has been made in compliance with the formalities provided for in para (1) & (2), a notary public gives supplementary registration on the certificate to this effect.

 

˜970@iWill by Sealed and Notarized Document)

(1)@A will by sealed and notarized document must be made in compliance with the following formalities:

(i)@the testator signs, and affixes his seal to, the certificate;

(ii)@the testator seals the certificate and, using the same stamp as that used for the certificate, affixes his seal;

(iii)@the testator submits the sealed certificate before 1 notary public and not less than 2 witnesses, with a statement to the effect that it is his own will, giving the author's name and address;

(iv)@after having entered the date of submission of the certificate and the statement of the testator upon the sealed document, a notary public, together with the testator and witnesses, signs it and affixes his seal;

(2)@The provision of Art 968 para (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the making of a will by sealed & notarized document.

 

˜971@(Effect of Will by Sealed and Notarized Document Failing to Satisfy Formalities)

Even a will by sealed and notarized document which fails to satisfy the formalities provided for in Art 970 has effect as a will made by holograph document, if prepared in accordance with the formalities provided for in Art 968.

 

˜972@iSpecial Provisions for Will by Sealed and Notarized Document)

(1)@In the case where a will by sealed and notarized document is made by a person who cannot speak, the testator must make a statement to the effect that the certificate is one's own will, giving the author's name and address thru an interpreter, or by his own hand upon the sealed document, in lieu of the statement of Art 970 para (1) item (iii).

(2)@In the case referred to in para (1), if a testator has given a statement thru an interpreter, a notary public must make an entry on the sealed document to that effect.

(3)@In the case referred to in para (1), if the testator has written on the sealed document is in his own hand, a notary public makes an entry to that effect on the sealed document in lieu of the entry of statement in the provision of Art 970 para (1) item (iv).

 

˜973@iWill of an Adult Ward)

(1)@For an adult ward to make a will at a time that his decision-making capacity has recovered temporarily, not less than 2 doctors must be in attendance.

(2)@A doctor in attendance of the making of a will must make an entry on the will to the effect that the testator was not in a condition lacking decision-making capacity at the time of making the will, sign it, and affix his seal; provided that in the case of a will by sealed and notarized document, he must make an entry to that effect on the sealed document, sign it, and affix his seal.

 

˜974@iCauses of Disqualification of Witness or Observer)

The following persons may not be a witness or observer to a will:

(i)@a minor;

(ii)@a presumed heir, donee, or a spouse or lineal relative of either; or

(iii)@a spouse, relative within 4 degrees, secretary, or employee of a notary public.

 

˜975@iProhibition of Joint Wills)

A will may not be made by 2 or more persons on the same certificate.

 

Subsection 2 Special Formalities of Wills

 

˜976@iWill Made by Person Rapidly Approaching Death)

(1)@If a person who is rapidly approaching death due to illness or another reason intends to make a will, he may do so in the attendance of not less than 3 witnesses by giving oral instruction of the tenor of the will to one of the witnesses. In this case, the person who received the oral instruction must enter this, read it aloud, or allow inspection, to the testator and other witnesses, and after each witness has approved the accuracy of that entry, sign it, and affix his seal.

(2)@In the case where a person who cannot speak makes a will pursuant to the provisions of para (1), the testator must state of the tenor of that will thru an interpreter before the witnesses, in lieu of the oral instruction of the same paragraph.

(3)@In the case where the testator, or a witness, referred to in the second sentence of para (1) is deaf, the person who has received the statement or oral instruction of the tenor of the will must convey to the testator or other witnesses the written contents referred to in the provision of that sentence thru an interpreter in lieu of the reading aloud provided for in that sentence.

(4)@For a will made pursuant to the provisions of para (1) thru (3), effect does not arise unless it has been confirmed by the family court on the application of one of the witnesses or an interested party within 20 days of the creation of the will.

(5)@The family court may not confirm a will referred to in para (4) unless it is convinced that the will captured the true intention of the testator.

 

˜977@iWill Made by Person with Infectious Disease in Quarantine)

A person who is isolated thru an administrative disposition due to an infectious disease may make a will in the attendance of 1 police official and at least 1 witness.

 

˜978@iWill Made by Person on Vessel)

A person on a ship may make a will in the attendance of the ship's captain or a clerk, and at least 2 witnesses.

 

˜979@iWill Made by Person on Ship Meeting Disaster)

(1)@In the case where a ship meets disaster, a person who is on that ship and rapidly approaching death may make a will orally in the attendance of at least 2 witnesses.

(2)@In the case where a person who cannot speak makes a will pursuant to the provision of para (1), the testator may do so thru an interpreter.

(3)@The effect of a will made in compliance with the provisions of para (1) & (2) does not arise unless a witness makes an entry of its tenor, signs this, affixes his seal, and furthermore, it gains confirmation by the family court on the application made without delay by one of the witnesses or an interested party.

(4)@The provision of Art 976 para (5) apply mutatis mutandis to the case described in para (3).

 

˜980@iSignature and Seal of Relevant Parties to a Will)

In the cases described in Art 977 & 978, a testator, author, observer, or witness must sign and affix his seal to each will.

 

˜981@iCase Where Signature or Seal Is Impossible)

In the cases described in Art 977 thru 979, if there is a person who is unable to sign or affix his seal, an observer or witness must make supplementary registration of the reason for that.

 

˜982@(Provisions Relating to Will by Ordinary Formalities to be Applied Mutatis Mutandis)

The provisions of Art 968 para (2) and Art 973 tothru 975 apply mutatis mutandis to a will made pursuant to the provisions of Art 976 thru 981.

 

˜983@iEffect of Will Made by Special Formalities)

The effect of a will made pursuant to the provisions of Art 976 thru 982 does not arise if a testator survives for a period of 6 months from the time they recover the ability to make a will by ordinary formalities.

 

˜984@iFormalities for Japanese National in Foreign Country)

For a Japanese national in a foreign country where a Japanese consulate is stationed to make a will by notarized document, or a sealed and notarized document, the duties of a notary public are undertaken by the consulate.

 

Section 3 Effect of Will

 

˜985@iWhen Effect of Will Arises)

(1)@A will takes effect at the time of the testator's death.

(2)@In the case where a will is subject to a condition precedent, if that condition is fulfilled after the death of the testator, the will takes effect from the time that condition is fulfilled.

 

˜986@iRenunciation of Testamentary Gift)

(1)@A testamentary donee may renounce a testamentary gift at any time after the death of a testator.

(2)@The renunciation of a testamentary gift has retroactive effect from the time of the testator's death.

 

˜987@(Notice to Testamentary Donees for Acceptance or Renunciation of a Testamentary Gift)

A person with a duty of testamentary gift (a person who bears a duty to perform a testamentary gift) or any other interested party may give notice to a testamentary donee to the effect that acceptance or renunciation of a testamentary gift should be made within a specified period, fixing a period that is reasonable. In this case, if a donee does not indicate his intention to a person with a duty of testamentary gift within that period, the testamentary giftis deemed to have been accepted.

 

˜988@(Acceptance or Renunciation of Testamentary Gift by Heir or Testamentary Donee)

If a testamentary donee dies without having made acceptance or renunciation of a testamentary gift, the heir of that person may accept or renounce the testamentary gift within the extent of his share in inheritance; provided that if the testator has indicated a particular intent in his will, this intent is complied with.

 

˜989@(Revocation and Rescission of Acceptance and Renunciation of Testamentary Gift)

(1)@Acceptance or renunciation of a testamentary gift may not be revoked.

(2)@The provisions of Art 919 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis to acceptance and renunciation of a testamentary gift.

 

˜990@iRights and Duties of Testamentary Donee by a Universal Succession)

A testamentary donee by a universal succession has the same rights as an heir.

 

˜991@iClaim for Security by a Testamentary Donee)

While a testamentary gift is not due, a testamentary donee may make a claim for reasonable security from a person having an obligation with respect to testamentary gift. The same also applies for a testamentary gift with a condition precedent while the outcome of that condition is unknown.

 

˜992@iCollecting Fruits of Testamentary Gift)

A testamentary donee may collect the fruits of a testamentary gift from the time that they are able to make a claim for the performance of that gift; provided that if the testator has indicated a particular intent in his will, that intent must be complied with.

 

˜993@(Claim for Reimbursement of Expenses Incurred by Person with Duty of Testamentary Gift)

(1)@The provisions of Art 299 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where expenses have been incurred by a person with a duty of testamentary gift in respect of the object of the testamentary gift after the death of the testator.

(2)@An application for reimbursement may be made for normal necessary expenses incurred in collecting the fruits of a testamentary gift, limited to an amount not exceeding the value of those fruits.

 

˜994@iLapse of Testamentary Gift through Death of Donee)

(1)@The effect of a testamentary gift does not arise if the testamentary donee dies before the death of the testator.

(2)@The para (1) also applies if, in the case of a testamentary gift with a condition precedent, the testamentary donee dies before the fulfillment of that condition; provided, however, that if the testator has indicated a particular intent in his will, that intent must be complied with.

 

˜995@(Ownership of Property in Case of Invalidation or Lapse of Testamentary Gift)

If the effect of a testamentary gift does not arise, or if its effect is lost by renunciation, that which should have been received by the testamentary donee belongs to the heir(s); provided, however, that if the testator has indicated a particular intent in his will, that intent must be complied with.

 

˜996@iTestamentary Gift of Rights Not Belonging to Inherited Property)

A testamentary gift does not take effect if the rights which are the object of that gift did not belong to the inherited property at the time of the testator's death; provided, however, that this does not apply if it is found that those rights were made the object of a testamentary gift regardless of whether such rights belong to the inherited property.

 

˜997@iTestamentary Gift of Rights Not Belonging to Inherited Property)

(1)@If a testamentary gift, the object of which are rights that do not belong to the inherited property, has effect pursuant to the provision of the proviso to Art 996, the person with a duty of testamentary gift must bear a duty to obtain those rights and transfer them to the testamentary donee.

(2)@In the case referred to in para (1), if the rights referred to in para (1) cannot be obtained, or if obtaining them requires excessive expenses, a person with a duty of testamentary gift must give compensation to the value of those rights; provided, however, that if the testator has indicated a particular intent in his will, that intent must be complied with.

 

˜998@(Warranty Liability of Person Having Obligation for to Testamentary Gift for Unspecified Things)

(1)@In the case where a testamentary gift has as its object unspecified Things but a third party as a rightful claimant retakes them from a testamentary donee, a person having an obligation in relation to testamentary gift is liable under the same warranty with respect to those unspecified Things, just as a seller.

(2)@In the case where a testamentary gift has as its object unspecified Things, if those goods are defective, a person having an obligation in relation to testamentary gift must exchange them for Things that are not defective.

 

˜999@iExtension of Testamentary Gift over Right to Claim from Third Party)

(1)@If a testator has a right to claim compensation from a third party resulting from loss or alteration, or loss of possession, of the object of a testamentary gift, that right is presumed to have been an object of the testamentary gift.

(2)@In the case of accession or mixture of the object of a testamentary gift with other Things, if a testator has become a sole owner or co-owner of a compound or mixture pursuant to the provisions of Art 243 thru 245, that entire ownership, or share, is presumed to have been an object of the testamentary gift.

 

˜1000@iTestamentary Gift of Property Subject to the Rights of third party)

If Things or rights being the object of a testamentary gift were the object of the rights of a third party at the time of the testator's death, a testamentary donee may not demand a person having an obligation with respect to testamentary gift to extinguish the third party's rights; provided, however, that this does not apply if the testator has indicated a contrary intent in his will.

 

˜1001@iExtension of Testamentary Gift over Things Received for Satisfaction of Claim)

(1)@In the case where a claim is the object of a testamentary gift, if the testator has received performance for that claim and the received Things are already with the inherited property, those Things are presumed to have been an object of the testamentary gift.

(2)@In the case where money is the object of a claim which is the object of a testamentary gift, that money is presumed to have been an object of the testamentary gift even if there are insufficient funds equivalent to that claim in the inherited property.

 

˜1002@(Testamentary Gift with Burden)

(1)@A person who has received a testamentary gift with burden bears a responsibility to perform the duties borne, limited to an amount not exceeding the object of the testamentary gift.

(2)@If a testamentary donee has renounced a testamentary gift with burden, the person who would have received gain from the discharge of burden may become a testamentary donee himself; provided that if the testator has indicated a particular intent in his will, that intent is complied with.

 

˜1003@(Discharge of Testamentary Donee of Testamentary Gift with Burden)

If the value of an object of a testamentary gift with burden is reduced due to the qualified acceptance of an heir, or a filing for recovery of legally reserved portion, a testamentary donee may avoid the duties borne from that testamentary gift, proportional to the reduction; provided, however, that if the testator has indicated a particular intent in his will, that intent is complied with.

 

Section 4 Execution of Will

 

˜1004@(Probate of Will)

(1)@A custodian of a will, after coming to know of the commencement of inheritance, must without delay submit the will to the family court and apply for probate. In the case where there is no custodian of a will, the same applies after an heir discovers the will.

(2)@The provision of para (1) does not apply to a will made by notarized document.

(3)@A will that has been sealed may not be opened unless in the family court in the attendance of an heir or his representative.

 

˜1005@(Civil Fine)

A person who fails to submit a will pursuant to the provisions of Art 1004, executes a will without passing thru probate, or opens a sealed will in a place other than a family court is made subject to a civil fine of not more than 50,000 yen.

 

˜1006@(Designation of Executor)

(1)@A testator may, by will, designate one or several executors, or entrust that designation to a third party.

(2)@A person who has been entrusted with the designation of an executor must, without delay, make that designation and inform the heir(s) of the designation.

(3)@If a person who has been entrusted with the designation of an executor intends to resign from that entrustment, he must notify the heir(s) to that effect without delay.

 

˜1007@(Commencement of Duties of Executor)

If an executor consents to taking office, he must undertake his duties immediately.

 

˜1008@(Notice of Taking Office to Executor)

An heir or other interested party may, having specified a reasonable period, make a demand to an executor to the effect that he make a definite answer within that period as to whether he consents to taking office. In this case, if the executor does not make a definite answer to the heir within this period, he is deemed to have consented to taking office.

 

˜1009@(Causes for Disqualification of Executor)

A minor or a bankrupt may not become an executor.

 

˜1010@(Appointment of Executor)

If an executor does not exist, or the office becomes vacant, the family court may appoint an executor on the application of an interested party.

 

˜1011@(Preparation of Inventory of Inherited Property)

(1)@An executor must, without delay, prepare an inventory of inherited property and deliver this to the heir(s).

(2)@On the application of an heir, an executor must prepare an inventory of inherited property in the heir's attendance, or have a notary public create the inventory.

 

˜1012@(Rights and Duties of Executor)

(1)@An executor has the rights and duties of administration of inherited property and all other necessary acts for the execution of a will.

(2)@The provisions of Art 644 thru 647 and Art 650 apply mutatis mutandis to an executor.

 

˜1013@iProhibition of Interference with Execution of Will)

In the case where there is an executor, an heir may not make a disposition of inherited property or any other act that interferes with the execution of the will.

 

˜1014@iExecution of Will concerning Specified Property)

In the case where a will concerns specified property in the inherited property, the provisions of Art 1011 thru 1013 apply only to that specified property.

 

˜1015@iStatus of Executor)

An executor is deemed the representative of the heir(s).

 

˜1016@iExecutor's Right to Appoint Subagent)

(1)@An executor may not allow a third party to undertake the duties of an executor unless there are justifiable reasons; provided, however, that this does not apply if the testator has indicated a contrary intent in his will.

(2)@In the case where an executor has allowed a 3rd party to undertake the duties of an executor pursuant to the provision in the proviso to para (1), the executor owes the responsibility referred to in Art 105 to the heir(s).

 

˜1017@iExecution of Duties Where Two or More Executors)

(1)@In the case where there are two or more executors, execution of their duties must be decided by majority; provided, however, that this does not apply if the testator has indicated a contrary intent in his will.

(2)@Despite the provision of para (1), each executor may undertake an act of preservation.

 

˜1018@iRemuneration of Executor)

(1)@The family court may determine the remuneration of an executor according to the status of the inherited property and other circumstances; provided that this doesl not apply in the case where a testator has specified remuneration in his will.

(2)@The provisions of Art 648 para (2) & (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the case where an executor receives remuneration.

 

˜1019@iDismissal and Resignation of Executor)

(1)@If an executor has failed to perform his duties, or if there is any other justifiable reason, an interested party may apply to the family court for the dismissal of that executor.

(2)@An executor may resign from his duties with the permission of the family court if there is a justifiable reason.

 

˜1020@iMandate Provisions to be Applied Mutatis Mutandis)

The provisions of Art 654 & 655 apply mutatis mutandis to the case of termination of duties of an executor.

 

˜1021 iBurden of Expenses Relating to Execution of Will)

Expenses relating to the execution of a will are borne by the inherited property; provided, however, that legally reserved portion may not be reduced by this.

 

Section 5 Revocation and Rescission of Will

 

˜1022@iRevocation of Will)

A testator may at any time revoke a will in whole or in part in compliance with the formalities for a will.

 

˜1023@iConflict between Previous and Later Will)

(1)@If there is a conflict between a previous and later will, the later will is deemed as having revoked the previous will with respect to the part that is in conflict.

(2)@The provision of para (1) applies mutatis mutandis to the case where a will conflicts with a disposition or other juridical act made while the testator was still alive.

 

˜1024@(Destruction of Will or Things made the Object of Testamentary Gift)

If a testator intentionally destroys a will, this is deemed a revocation of the will with respect to the part that has been destroyed. The same applies if the testator has intentionally destroyed goods the object of a testamentary gift.

 

˜1025@iEffect of Will That Has Been Revoked)

The effect of a will that has been revoked pursuant to the provisions of Art 1022 thru 1024 is not recovered even if the act of revocation is revoked, rescinded, or invalidated; provided, however, that this does not apply in the case where the act was the result of fraud or duress.

 

˜1026@iProhibition of Waiver of Right to Revocation)

A testator may not waive the right to revoke a will.

 

˜1027@iRescission of Will concerning Testamentary Gift with Burden)

If a person who has received a testamentary gift with burden does not perform the duty imposed thereby,

an heir may demand performance of that duty fixing a reasonable period to do so. In this case, if there is no performance within that period, an application may be made to the family court for rescission of the will concerning the testamentary gift with burden.

 

Chapter VIII Legally Reserved Portion

 

˜1028@iEntitlement and Amount of Legally Reserved Portion)

Heirs other than siblings receive, as legally reserved portion, an amount equivalent to the ratio prescribed in each of the following items in accordance with the divisions listed therein:

(i)@in the case where only lineal ascendants are heirs, one third of the decedent's property;

(ii)@in cases other than that referred to in item (i), one half of the decedent's property.

 

˜1029@iCalculation of Legally Reserved Portion)

(1)@Total legally reserved portion is calculated as the value of any gifts made by the decedent added to the value of the property held by the decedent at the time of commencement of inheritance minus the entire amount of obligations.

(2)@The determination of the value of conditional rights or rights of an uncertain duration is made in accordance with an evaluation by an appraiser appointed by the family court.

 

˜1030@iCalculation of Legally Reserved Portion)

Only a gift made within one year before the commencement of inheritance is included in the amount calculated pursuant to the provisions of Art 1029. A gift made before one year prior to commencement is included in the amount calculated pursuant to the provisions of Art 1029 if it was made with the knowledge of both parties that it would cause harm to a claimant for legally reserved portion.

 

˜1031@iClaim for Abatement of Gift or Testamentary Gift)

A claimant for legally reserved portion, or his heir, may claim for abatement of a testamentary gift, or gift referred to in Art 1030, to the extent necessary to preserve that legally reserved portion.

 

˜1032@(Partial Abatement of Gifts and Testamentary Gifts of Conditional Rights etc.)

In the case where a gift or testamentary gift has as its object a right with conditions attached or a right of uncertain duration, if that gift or testamentary gift is to be partially abated, a claimant for legally reserved portion must, in accordance with the amount determined by the provision of Art 1029 (2), deliver the remainder to the beneficiary or donee immediately.

 

˜1033@(Order of Abatement of Gifts and Testamentary Gifts)

A gift may not be abated until after the abatement of a testamentary gift.

 

˜1034@(Proportion of Abatement of Testamentary Gift)

A testamentary gift is abated proportionally according to the value of the object of that testamentary gift; provided, however, that if the testator has indicated a particular intent in his will, that intent is complied with.

 

˜1035@(Order of Abatement of Gifts)

A later gift is abated before an earlier gift.

 

˜1036@iReturn of Fruits of Gift by Beneficiary)

A beneficiary, in addition to the property to be returned, must return the fruits of that property obtained after the day a claim for abatement was made.

 

˜1037@iBurden of Loss Due to Insolvency of Beneficiary)

The burden of loss arising from the insolvency of a beneficiary subject to abatement lies with the claimant for legally reserved portion.

 

˜1038@iClaim for Abatement of Gift with Burden)

A claim for abatement may be made regarding a gift with a burden for the amount of the object of that gift minus the amount of the burden.

 

˜1039@iAct for Value with Inadequate Consideration)

An act for value with inadequate consideration is deemed a gift if both parties had knowledge that it would prejudice a claimant for legally reserved portion. In this case, if a claimant for legally reserved portion claims for abatement of the gift, he must reimburse the consideration given for the act.

 

˜1040@iObject of Gift Assigned by Beneficiary etc.)

(1)@If a beneficiary of gift subject to abatement has assigned the object of a gift to another person, he must compensate that amount to a claimant for legally reserved portion; provided, however, that if the person who received the object of the gift had knowledge at the time of assignment that this would prejudice a claimant for legally reserved portion, a claimant for legally reserved portion may claim for abatement of the object of the gift.

(2)@The provision of para (1) applies mutatis mutandis to the case a beneficiary establishes rights with regard to the object of a gift.

 

˜1041@(Compensation by Value to Claimant for Statutory Reserved Portion)

(1) A beneficiary or donee may avoid a duty to refund by compensating a claimant to statutory reserved portion the value of the object of the gift or testamentary gift, to the extent subject to abatement.

(2)@The provision of para (1) apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in the proviso to Art 1040 para (1).

 

˜1042@iLimitation on Period for Claim for Abatement)

If a claimant for legally reserved portion, within 1 year from the time of knowing of commencement of inheritance and the existence of a gift or testamentary gift which may be abated, does not exercise the claim of abatement, it is extinguished by prescription. This also applies if 10 years have passed since the time of commencement of inheritance.

 

˜1043@(Renunciation of Legally Reserved Portion)

(1)   Renunciation of legally reserved portion before the commencement of inheritance only has effect upon

receiving permission from the family court.

(2)@The renunciation of legally reserved portion by one joint heir has no effect upon the legally reserved portion of another joint heir.

 

˜1044@(Provisions regarding Heirs per Stirpes and Share in Inheritance to be Applied Mutatis Mutandis)

The provisions of Art 887 para (2) & (3), Art 900, 901, 903 & 904 apply mutatis mutandis to legally reserved portion.