I was speaking recently with someone whose father passed away. They are the “honke” family. She’s the third child. When their parents passed away, the oldest sister inherited absolutely everything, and the two younger sisters got nothing. There was a business, sizable land holdings, and financial assets. The two younger sisters seemed totally fine with this, like it’s normal. Something about it being the default way in Japanese culture, and keeping all the family name assets together under one person. She said technically they are entitled to third, but it would be “strange” to do that.
They had lawyers and financial advisors liquidate the business and most of the properties. The oldest sister is now very wealthy and never has to work again the rest of her life.
I was very surprised.
I thought all the children are entitled to equal shares?
by freshyuzu