Record High in Grave Closings, Doubling in 10 Years — New Memorial Needs for 'Accessible Places to Pay Respects' Rising in Nagoya

In recent years, the increase in 'grave closing' (reburial) has become a prominent social issue. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of reburials in fiscal year 2024 reached a record high of 176,105, approximately doubling in the past 10 years.

Private surveys also show that the top reasons for considering grave closing are 'the grave is far away' and 'there is no successor,' indicating a growing interest in 'new forms of memorial services' aimed at reducing the burden on future generations.

Against this backdrop, Anchorage Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) will begin accepting inquiries for 'Myokenji Shishinkaku,' an indoor ossuary easily accessible from Nagoya Station (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture), starting April 17, 2026.

Myokenji Shishinkaku [Anchorage Official]

**Changes in Memorial Practices: From Distant to Accessible, as Grave Closings Increase**

The increase in grave closings is driven by the practical challenge of 'graves being far away and difficult to visit.' Additionally, with the progression of the declining birthrate and aging population, cases of no successors are also increasing.

Amidst this, the nature of memorial services is shifting from the traditional 'preserving ancestral graves' to 'choosing a place that suits one's own and family's lifestyle.'

Especially in urban areas, there is a growing need for 'a place where one can easily visit and continue to pay respects without difficulty from home.'

**Nagoya's Unique Character: Demand for 'Accessible Places to Pay Respects,' not just Heiwa Park**

While there is a trend in Nagoya to consolidate cemeteries in Heiwa Park, there are also many voices expressing a desire for 'a place where one can pay respects daily.'

The chief priest of Myokenji Temple states, 'Heiwa Park is an important place for memorial services, but we wanted to leave a place where people living in this area can easily pay their respects.'

As a temple rooted in the community, there is a demand for it to serve as a place of memorial that is an extension of daily life.

**Private Memorial Time for Families Near Nagoya Station: An Indoor Ossuary with Fully Private Worship Rooms**

'Myokenji Ossuary Shishinkaku' is easily accessible from Nagoya Station, located a 3-minute walk from Asama-cho Subway Station.

Being fully indoors, it allows for peaceful visits regardless of weather or season. Furthermore, the facility offers five fully private worship rooms. In many ossuaries, visitors share the same space for worship, leading to comments like 'I feel self-conscious and can't pay my respects slowly.'

The fully private worship rooms provide an environment where: * You can quietly pay your respects with your family without worrying about others. * You can cherish time with the deceased while conversing. * You can face memorial days and milestones calmly.

It is a place of memorial near home where important family members can gather, fulfilling the elements required in modern times.

Myokenji Shishinkaku, Fully Private Worship Rooms

**New Memorial Options: No Successor Needed, No Grave Closing Needed, Relatives and Friends Can Memorialize Together**

Shishinkaku is an ossuary where the temple provides perpetual memorial services and management.

Therefore, it has features such as: * Peace of mind even without a successor. * No worries about grave closing. * Open to anyone regardless of religion. * Friends can also use it together.

It is chosen by those who do not want to burden their children or family, and those who seek memorial services that fit their current lifestyle and family structure.

**[Tours Available] Opportunity to See the Actual Space**

When choosing an ossuary, it is important to actually visit the site to confirm its location, facilities, and ease of worship.

'Myokenji Shishinkaku' is accepting tour reservations by phone and online.

**[Pricing]**

* **Basic Plan: 780,000 yen** The most popular plan, intended for family use.

* **Two-Person Plan: 500,000 yen** For those who wish to memorialize two people while keeping costs down.

* **Joint Memorial Plan: 200,000 yen/person** For those who desire memorial services with minimal cost.

**[Facility Information]**

* **Name:** Myokenji Shishinkaku * **Location:** 2-5-5 Asama, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi * **Access:** 3-minute walk from Asama-cho Subway Station / 5-minute drive from Nagoya Station * **Business Hours:** 9:00-17:00 * **Closed:** Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Staff not present, but visits are possible year-round)

Myokenji Shishinkaku [Anchorage Official]

**[Company Overview]**

Connecting temples, people, and society. Creating new value for society through temples.

Changes in people's lifestyles and awareness towards temples and graves, the decline in temple parishioners, and the move away from Buddhism, as well as the spread of the idea of simple and affordable funeral services, are all evident. However, the loss of the essential value of temples and the culture of remembering the deceased and paying respects is not the future we desire. Our role is to increase the number of temples that are open to the community and serve as a spiritual haven for people, by proposing tree burials and perpetual memorial graves that meet modern needs. Anchorage is...