“Japanese Funeral”

A Short Brief History Of Japanese Funeral

( Photo: alamy.com )

For the Japanese, funerals are considered strictly formal events involving rites and practices that may not be common in other countries, especially in the western parts of the world.

As we know that being essentially a mixture of Buddhist and Shinto traditional beliefs and customs, the practices attached to the preparation of the dead up to the time they are cremated or buried, involve solemn ceremonies meant to offer respect to the deceased as well as comfort to the bereaved family members.

Since its official incorporation into the Japanese way of life in the 17th century, Buddhism has been merged with the ancient Shinto religion such that many families often have two altars at home, one for each sect. As such, funerals also include certain customs derived from both religions. In modern Japan, 91% of the funerals are incorporated with Buddhist beliefs; as such, the hiring of a Buddhist monk is a must to lead in prayers or reading of the sutra during the funeral wake and again during the funeral rites, including the burning of incense.

※ The Funeral Source, “Asian Funeral Traditions – Japanese Funeral Traditions”

In Japan, funeral procedures adhere strictly to traditional beliefs and customs, unlike Japanese weddings…