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Osaka High Court Upholds Don Juan of Kishu’s Will

A will left by Kosuke Nozaki, the wealthy businessman known as the ‘Don Juan of Kishu,’ declaring that his entire estate of about 1.3 billion yen be donated to Tanabe City has again been recognized as valid, with the Osaka High Court upholding the earlier ruling against claims by his relatives that the document was forged.

Nozaki, who made his fortune in lending and liquor wholesale, was a prominent figure in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, often keeping large amounts of cash and precious metals at his home. In a past interview, he said, “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 in red ink was discovered stating, “I bequeath all my personal assets to Tanabe City. Kosuke Nozaki.” In 2020, his relatives filed suit, contesting the validity of the document. They argued that the handwriting was unnatural and that there was no rational motive for Nozaki to donate his estate to the city.

The Wakayama District Court, however, ruled in June last year that the handwriting showed characteristics unique to Nozaki, and judged the will to be valid. Dissatisfied, the relatives appealed, claiming the signature could have been traced from another document and forged.

In its ruling on September 19th, the Osaka High Court dismissed the appeal, stating that even though the signature resembled one on another document, this alone did not constitute sufficient grounds to presume forgery. The court upheld the lower court’s finding that the will was valid.

The case is further complicated by Nozaki’s death itself. His then 29-year-old wife was indicted for murder and other charges, but in December last year the Wakayama District Court acquitted her. Prosecutors have since appealed the acquittal.

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