These days, everyone has heard the term “end-of-life planning” at least once. Even if you think it doesn’t apply to you yet, when you see people your age starting to declutter and simplify their lives, I’m sure many of you find yourselves wondering, “Someday, it’ll be my turn too…” Some of you might think, “That’s bad luck!” but end-of-life planning isn’t about facing death head-on right away. If you prepare thoroughly for the day that will inevitably come, you can spend your golden years with peace of mind and fulfillment. End-of-life planning is all about ensuring a fulfilling retirement.
It's about time I started thinking seriously about this
My retirement with my musical instruments
For the Happiness of My Loved Ones
When should I start?
What should I do?
How do I go about it?
When should I start?
The sooner, the better. If you wait until the last minute, you won’t be able to calmly put together your end-of-life notebook. Once getting in and out of bed becomes difficult, even opening a hard case to check your instrument will be a struggle. “When was that? Where did I buy this instrument?” You might gradually forget these details. “I wish I’d done this while I was still able to move around…”
To avoid such regrets, you should prepare now, while you’re still healthy.
What should I do?
Write a “Ending Note.” An “Ending Note” isn’t just for “dying”; it’s more like a guidebook to help you leave more money to your loved ones and enjoy a fulfilling retirement. Unlike a will, it has no legal binding force, so there’s no need for a lawyer to review it. That means you can create it freely, in your own way. It’s a guidebook to help you bring your life story to a close—so that after you’ve lived out your golden years, your family won’t be left wondering, “What should we do about the funeral?” or feeling lost about your wishes.
How to Write an End-of-Life Notebook
◎ Personal Information
Name, date of birth, blood type, address, registered domicile, place of birth, hometown, My Number, etc.
◎ History
Educational background, work history, life events such as marriage, musical performance history, favorite songs, memorable songs and stories associated with them, favorite instruments, etc.
◎ Relationships
Friends, acquaintances, work contacts, band members, former band members, favorite hangouts, etc. Please also include contact information for people you want notified if something happens to you
◎Web & Social Media
If you have a personal website or social media accounts, include login information. Specify which accounts you want to keep active and which you want to close if you are no longer able to manage them yourself. Also specify how to handle shopping sites where your credit card information is registered.
◎ Assets
List your savings and deposits, investment trusts, stocks and securities, information on direct debits for utility bills, credit card information, and any insurance policies you currently hold
◎Musical Instruments
Include the manufacturer, model name, year of manufacture, date of purchase, purchase price, the music store where you bought it, and the salesperson’s name, etc.
◎Funeral Arrangements
Religion, denomination, photo to be used for the memorial portrait, list of people you wish to attend, songs you wish to be played during the funeral procession, etc.
◎Grave Information If a specific location is planned, provide the address; if not, specify the desired area or location, design, and any words you would like engraved.
What do you think? Just listing these items shows there is quite a lot to include. Once your memory starts to fail, you might not be able to recall them.
Plus, by looking back like this, you might recall important people or hobbies you hadn’t been thinking about lately. Even regarding family members or those around you with whom you don’t necessarily have a good relationship right now, writing them down here might help you see their positive sides. Since it allows you to rediscover your own life in this way, it serves as an important guidebook for enjoying a wonderful retirement.
Of course, you don’t have to write it all in one go. An Ending Note is something you add to and revise whenever you change a password or acquire something new. The goal isn’t to complete it all at once; rather, it’s about gradually nearing completion alongside your life—and I believe that is the very essence of “end-of-life planning.”
We’re here to help!
Please feel free to consult us about any anxieties or concerns you may have right now. Of course, we’d love to hear about the joys you look forward to in your later years and your goals for the future.
Let’s work together to create a “wonderful retirement with musical instruments.”
To get started, please use TCGAKKI’s “Decluttering” service. If you’re thinking, “I get the general idea, but where do I start?” please use TCGAKKI’s “Decluttering” service. We accept requests starting from just one instrument. Let’s start here.
In any case, all customers who use our service will receive a complimentary copy of the “End-of-Life Notebook for Musicians” created by TCGAKKI.
For consultations or inquiries, please contact us here
web@tcgakki.com
03-5386-4560
Author: Matsui (Store Manager at TCGAKKI)
After serving as manager of the Kyōritsu Gakki Shinjuku store, he joined TCGAKKI. As a store manager, he has held various roles across all genres, including the vintage guitar floor, electric Basss, amplifiers, and parts. He is one of the industry’s leading experts in electric guitar sales, deeply trusted by renowned musicians. His favorite musician is B’z. His hobbies include horse racing and golf.
Qualifications and Achievements: 20 years as a musical instrument appraiser; contributor and supervisor for publications such as Guitar Magazine
▶︎Click here for his articles
Real Closet Classic ~ Unused 1961 Strat
1951 Fender Nocaster “PROTO”
A Journey Through the History of Tuners with Famous Brands
Column: The History of Pickups and the Trajectories of Great Figures
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