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Abstract INTRODUCTION Overcoming dementia-related stigma is a global challenge, but tools to assess stigma among family caregivers of people living with dementia remain limited. This study examined the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Family Stigma Instrument for family caregivers of people living with dementia (J-FAMSI-dementia), originally developed in the United Kingdom. METHODS A total of 372 informal caregivers aged 18–79 years of family members living with dementia completed an internet survey. The J-FAMSI-dementia comprises five subscales (stigma by association; perceived, affective, and behavioral affiliate stigma; and positive aspects of caregiving), developed through forward and back translations. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis supported an acceptable five-factor model. All subscales showed high internal consistency and moderate to good test-retest reliability. Correlations with dementia attitude, caregiving burden, and depressive symptoms supported construct validity. DISCUSSION The J-FAMSI-dementia demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability and may help identify dementia-related stigma among family caregivers. Highlights The Family Stigma Instrument for dementia in Japan (J-FAMSI-dementia) was developed The J-FAMSI-dementia showed acceptable validity and good reliability The scale included associative and affiliate stigma and positive caregiving aspects The J-FAMSI-dementia helps understand the dementia stigma experienced by caregivers Research in context Systematic review: Despite reducing dementia-related stigma being an international priority, previous research has mainly focused on public stigma and self-stigma, with less attention to stigma experienced by family caregivers. Interpretation: This study developed a Japanese version of the Family Stigma Instrument for dementia (J-FAMSI-dementia), originally developed in the United Kingdom, and provided a tool to assess stigma experienced by informal caregivers of people living with dementia in Japan. Future directions: The J-FAMSI-dementia, with demonstrated validity and reliability, may help in understanding the stigma experienced by caregivers in dementia care and facilitate efforts to reduce stigma and strengthen caregiver support.