The First Step in Creating a Family Tree
When you decide to create a family tree, many people first wonder, "Where do I start?"
The first step in creating a family tree is actually very simple — it begins with obtaining your own family register (koseki tohon).
Your family register contains the names and birthdates of your parents. From there, you can trace back one generation at a time to your grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond. This is the basic process of creating a family tree.
Tracing Through Family Registers
Japan's family register system began in the Meiji era. By tracing back from current registers, you can typically follow your family history back to the late Edo period or early Meiji era.
This means approximately 150 years of ancestral records are preserved at municipal offices. This is extremely rare globally and is a uniquely valuable Japanese system.
Types of Family Registers
- Current Register (Genzai Koseki): The currently valid family register
- Removed Register (Joseki Tohon): An old register where all members have been removed
- Original Register (Kaisei-Gen Koseki): A register in the pre-reform format
Family registers can be obtained at the municipal office of your registered domicile. Requests by mail are also possible.
How to Obtain Registers (Using the Wide-Area Issuance System)
Since March 1, 2024, Japan's Wide-Area Issuance System allows you to request family registers from any municipal office, not just the one where your domicile is registered.
- Visit your nearest municipal office (bring a photo ID)
- Tell them you want to trace back as many registers as possible for creating a family tree
- You can receive registers tracing back through parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all at once
Note: Only direct-line relatives (parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren) and spouses can use this system. Siblings' registers require the traditional method.
Family Tree Formats
There are several ways to display a family tree:
- Vertical chart: Traditional format with generations arranged top to bottom
- Horizontal chart: Modern format expanding left to right
- Fan chart: A circular design radiating outward from the center
Each has its charm, but the traditional Japanese family tree is the vertical chart, resembling a hanging scroll — beautiful and easy to overview.
Limitations of Handwriting and Spreadsheets
Many people start by hand-drawing their family tree or managing it in Excel or Google Sheets. However, these methods quickly hit their limits as the family grows:
- Handwriting: Hard to modify, runs out of space
- Spreadsheets: Data management is possible, but the result looks dry and impersonal
- Generic diagramming tools: Complex to use and not designed for family trees
This is where a dedicated family tree app makes all the difference.
Create Your Family Tree with the "Anotoki Kakeizu" App
"Anotoki Kakeizu" is a family tree creation app available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. With its intuitive interface, anyone can easily create a beautiful family tree.
Intuitive Family Member Addition
Adding family members is simple. Just enter names, birthdates, and dates of death, then select parent-child or spouse relationships. The family tree is generated automatically. You can also record readings, maiden names, occupations, zodiac signs, and even set profile photos and family crests.
Time Machine Feature
The app's greatest feature is its unique Time Machine function. You can animate your family history from 1600 to the present day, visually experiencing how ages changed and eras shifted over time. With 5 speed settings, you can watch at your own pace.
For example, "What was happening in Japan when my great-grandfather was born?" — the Time Machine answers such curiosity. The moment when textbook history overlaps with your own family's story is truly moving.
Never Forget Important Dates
Register birthdays, memorial days, and anniversaries to receive timely reminder notifications. No more forgetting to visit graves or missing a relative's birthday.
Export and Share in Multiple Formats
Export your family tree in PNG, PDF (A4/A3/Letter), CSV, GEDCOM, JSON and more:
- Print a high-quality PDF and frame it as elegant home decor
- Share a PNG in your family group chat so everyone can enjoy the family history
- Export as GEDCOM for compatibility with other genealogy software
A Family Tree Makes the Best Gift
A family tree isn't just about knowing your roots — it's also a wonderful gift for your family.
- A gift for a 60th or 70th birthday celebration
- A surprise at a wedding, displaying both families' trees side by side
- A Respect for the Aged Day present from grandchildren
Print your family tree as a PDF, place it in a frame, and you have a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Download for Free Today
"Anotoki Kakeizu" is free to download. Available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, you can start creating your family tree today.
Even before obtaining family registers, try entering the names and birthdates of family members you already know. Once you want to dig deeper, trace back through registers and expand your tree — that's the true joy of genealogy.
Why not start shaping your family's story with "Anotoki Kakeizu"?