Nozaki, who made his fortune in lending and liquor wholesale, was a prominent figure in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture. He was known for often keeping large amounts of cash and precious metals at his home. In a past interview, he stated, “This watch cost 4.5 million yen. I usually keep around 700 million yen at home.”
After his sudden death from acute stimulant poisoning in 2018, a handwritten will written in red ink was discovered. The will stated, “I bequeath all my personal assets to Tanabe City. Kosuke Nozaki.”
In 2020, Nozaki’s relatives filed a lawsuit contesting the validity of this document. They argued that the handwriting appeared unnatural and that there was no rational motive for Nozaki to donate his entire estate to the city.
However, the Wakayama District Court ruled in June of last year that the handwriting exhibited characteristics unique to Nozaki and judged the will to be valid.
Dissatisfied with the decision, the relatives appealed the ruling, claiming that the signature could have been traced from another document and forged.
On September 19th, the Osaka High Court dismissed the appeal. The court stated that although the signature resembled one on another document, this alone did not provide sufficient grounds to presume forgery. Consequently, the court upheld the lower court’s finding that the will was valid.
The case is further complicated by the circumstances surrounding Nozaki’s death. His then 29-year-old wife was indicted for murder and other charges. However, in December of last year, the Wakayama District Court acquitted her. Prosecutors have since appealed the acquittal, and the legal proceedings continue.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146957.php