Cremation in Japan

People of all cultures and religions have different funeral customs, and Japan is no exception. Cremation, known as "Kaso" in Japanese, has been deeply rooted in Japanese funeral rituals for over 1500 years. The purpose of this article is to explore the cultural significance of cremation in Japan, its historical context, beliefs associated with it, and the entire cremation process.

History of Cremation in Japan

Cremation was first introduced in Japan in the 6th century by Buddhist monks from Korea and China. Initially, it was only for royal families and high-ranking Buddhist monks. However, in the Edo period, public cremation started to become more common due to the influence of Buddhism. Today, over 99% of funerals in Japan involve cremation.

Beliefs Associated with Cremation

In Buddhist philosophy, cremation is seen as a spiritual purification process, a necessary step towards reaching the afterlife. Moreover, ashes are seen as a physical representation of the deceased, making cremation a symbolic transition from earthly life.

The Cremation Process

The Japanese cremation process is a meticulous ritual. The coffin, placed onto a conveyor which leads into the crematory, is then incinerated. Family members often wait in a room and are sometimes given the opportunity to view the cremation.

Once cremated, the remains are carefully collected and transferred into an urn. Family members use special long chopsticks to perform "Kotsuage", a bone picking ceremony. This involves transferring the bone fragments, starting with the feet and ending with the head, into an urn symbolizing the journey of the spirit upwards.

Most families choose to place the urn in a family grave utilizing an elaborate headstone for remembrance. Some families opt to keep the urn at home for a period of time before burying it.

Cremation in Japan Example:

For example, in the case of Mr Tanaka, a respected elder in a rural Japanese village. His body was placed in a coffin and cremated according to Buddhist customs. After the process, his family members gathered around, using special chopsticks to pick up the bone fragments and place them into an urn. The urn was then placed in the Tanaka family grave, marked by an intricate headstone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of cremation in Japanese culture?

Cremation in Japanese culture holds profound significance, rooted in both religious beliefs and practical considerations. It is seen as a way to purify the departed soul and has been widely practiced due to the influence of Buddhism, which promotes cremation. The ritual allows for a respectful and efficient handling of remains in a country where space is limited.

How prevalent is cremation in Japan?

Cremation is the predominant method of dealing with the deceased in Japan, with around 99% of the people choosing it over burial. This high rate reflects both cultural preferences and geographic constraints of the country.

Are there any legal requirements for cremation in Japan?

Yes, Japanese law mandates that all human remains must be cremated. This is stipulated in the country’s Funeral Business Act which requires that any internment of remains should occur only after cremation, barring exceptional religious or cultural exceptions.

Can foreigners be cremated in Japan?

Foreigners who pass away in Japan are subject to the same cremation laws as Japanese residents. The process involves specific documentation and the involvement of the local authorities, embassies, or consulates to comply with both Japanese and the deceased's home country regulations.

What are the traditional Japanese cremation rituals?

Traditional Japanese cremation rituals typically involve a wake (tsuya), a funeral service, the actual cremation, and a gathering for the collection of the bones from the ashes. Each step is carried out with much care and respect, often incorporating Buddhist chants and offerings.

How long does a Japanese cremation ceremony last?

A Japanese cremation ceremony can span several days. The wake is usually held on the first day, the funeral on the second, followed by the cremation. The entire process, from death to the final memorial service, can last over a week, depending on the family's preferences and the deceased's social status.

What is done with the ashes after cremation in Japan?

After cremation, the ashes are usually placed in an urn and then buried in a family grave, which is often a vertical slot in a multi-tiered stone monument located in a cemetery. Some families may also keep the urn at home on a Buddhist altar or memorial shelf called a butsudan.

Is it possible to scatter ashes in Japan?

While scattering ashes is not common in Japan due to cultural and legal restrictions, it has been gradually gaining acceptance. If chosen, this method requires adherence to specific rules and is generally performed in designated areas or at sea with proper permits.

How much does cremation cost in Japan?

The cost of cremation in Japan varies widely based on the services selected, from the ornateness of the ceremony to the choice of urn and grave marker. On average, the entire funeral process, including cremation, can cost anywhere from 1 million to 3 million yen.

Can the family witness the cremation process?

It is customary in Japan for family members to be present during the cremation and to participate in the ritualistic bone-picking ceremony (kotsuage), where they use special chopsticks to transfer the bones into an urn before burial.

What should one wear to a cremation ceremony in Japan?

Attendees should wear somber attire, typically black or other dark colors, when attending a cremation ceremony in Japan. The clothing should be conservative, with men often wearing black suits and women wearing black dresses or kimonos.

Is embalming common before cremation in Japan?

Embalming is not as common in Japan as in some Western countries, due to the quick transition between death and the cremation ceremony. However, if the body needs to be preserved for a longer time or for repatriation, embalming may be carried out.

What happens during the wake (tsuya) before a cremation?

The wake, known as tsuya, is an overnight vigil held before the funeral. It involves the deceased's family and friends who come to pray, offer incense, and give their last respects. The wake allows for a final shared moment with the deceased before cremation.

Do Japanese cremations involve open caskets?

Open casket ceremonies are relatively rare in Japan. Typically, the body is placed in a casket which is then ceremonially closed during the wake before being taken to the crematorium. However, attendees may have the opportunity to view the deceased and pay their respects before the casket is closed.

How does religion influence cremation in Japan?

Cremation in Japan is deeply influenced by Buddhism, which historically endorses the practice as it is believed to free the spirit from the body. Shintoism, another prevalent religion, does not traditionally support cremation, but most Shinto followers in Japan have adopted it due to its practicality and conformity with Buddhist practices.

What are the environmental implications of cremation in Japan?

Japan takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and has worked to make crematories more eco-friendly by reducing emissions and conserving energy. However, like all cremation processes, it still has an environmental impact through carbon emissions and resource consumption.

Are there alternatives to traditional cremation in Japan?

While traditional cremation is the norm, some alternatives such as "tree burials," where ashes are buried under a tree, or "flower burials," which involve interring the ashes in a flowerbed, are becoming more accepted as part of Japan’s evolving funerary customs.

Can pets be cremated in Japan?

Yes, pet cremation services are available in Japan and are becoming increasingly popular as pets are often considered part of the family. Several facilities offer individual or group cremations for pets, complete with ceremonial aspects comparable to human cremations.

Does Japan have a memorial holiday to honor the deceased?

Japan observes the Obon festival, usually in August, as a time to honor the spirits of ancestors. Families would return to their hometowns, clean their ancestors' graves, and often hold memorial services during this holiday, which may coincide with ceremonial visits to the resting places of cremated loved ones.

Is cremation seen as a way to cope with Japan's limited burial space?

Yes, cremation has been widely adopted in Japan due to the country's limited land area, which makes burial space scarce and expensive. Cremation allows for more efficient use of the available space, with smaller plots needed for urn burials as compared to traditional graves.

How do Japanese attitudes towards death and cremation differ from those in Western cultures?

Japanese attitudes towards death are influenced by a blend of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, which tend to view death as a natural and important part of life's cycle. Cremation is chosen almost universally, in contrast to Western cultures where burial is still a common option. Moreover, the active involvement of family in rites like the bone-picking ceremony reflects a more hands-on approach to the post-mortem rituals than is common in the West.

Understanding the cultural significance of cremation in Japan is essential in appreciating the great lengths the Japanese go to in ensuring a peaceful passage to the afterlife for their loved ones. Japanese funeral customs, specifically cremation, embody deep spiritual and philosophical values that remain an intricate part of their cultural identity. Feel free to explore our other articles to gain insight into different practices around the world, and remember to share this article with others who might find it informative and inspiring.