[Opinion Poll] "Memorial services are important, but the form is flexible." 90% support "diversification of memorial services," 74.5% understand sea scattering.

With declining birthrates, an aging population, issues with grave inheritance, and changing lifestyles, memorial service options are diversifying to include tree burials and sea scattering. On the other hand, there is also a persistent view that "new forms of memorial services lack the sentiment of mourning for the deceased." What do people seek in memorial services?

En Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Representative Director: Yukari Tsutsumi), which offers sea scattering and bone pulverization support, and 366 Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Teruo Ito), which handles temple support and tree burial development, conducted an "Awareness Survey on Sea Scattering and Memorial Services" targeting 600 men and women aged 40 to 70 nationwide.

The survey results showed that 89.7% responded that "memorial services are important," and 91.0% responded that "the form of memorial services can change with the times." Furthermore, 74.5% responded that "sea scattering performed with care is a form of memorial service," indicating that the new forms of memorial services are not necessarily synonymous with a diminished sense of remembrance for the deceased.

On the other hand, 74.2% responded that "even when choosing sea scattering, it is better to have a place for prayer," suggesting that even as memorial service methods change, the importance of opportunities and places to remember and pray for the deceased remains strong.

"The Future of Memorial Services" Revealed by the Survey

1 Memorial services are important. On the other hand, the "form" is becoming flexible.

While it is sometimes said that "the spirit of memorial services is waning," 89.7% responded that "it is important to hold memorial services for the deceased."

Additionally, 91.0% responded that "the form of memorial services can change with the times," indicating that while many people recognize the value of memorial services themselves, they hold flexible views on how they are conducted.

2 Sea scattering is not a "soulless memorial service."

The awareness rate of sea scattering was 87.7%, showing that many people are aware of its existence.

Although cautious views and resistance to sea scattering persist, 74.5% responded that "sea scattering performed with consideration for manners and the environment is a form of memorial service."

3 Even if the method of memorial service changes, "a place to remember the deceased" is still important.

One criticism of sea scattering is that "there will be no place to pray." In fact, 74.2% responded that "even when choosing sea scattering, it is better to have a place for prayer."

The results of this survey suggest that even as the options for memorial services expand, the essential value of "remembering the deceased" remains unchanged.

People are not faced with an either/or choice between traditional or new forms, but rather are seeking memorial service arrangements that suit their individual values and circumstances.

Survey Summary

• 89.7% responded that "memorial services are important."

• 91.0% responded that "the form of memorial services can change with the times."

• Awareness rate of sea scattering is 87.7%.

• 74.5% responded that "careful sea scattering is a memorial service."

• 74.2% responded that "a place for prayer is necessary even after sea scattering."

Survey Overview

Survey Name: Awareness Survey on Sea Scattering and Memorial Services

Survey Conducted by: En Co., Ltd. and 366 Inc.

Survey Method: Internet Survey (Freeasy)

Survey Target: Men and women aged 40 to 70 nationwide

Valid Responses: 600

Allocation: Equal by age group and gender

Survey Period: April 24, 2026

Detailed Survey Results

Q1. Do you think it is "important" to hold memorial services for the deceased?

Combining "Very important" (55.0%) and "Somewhat important" (34.7%), 89.7% consider memorial services to be important.

Q2. Should the form of memorial services "change with the times"?

91.0% responded that "the form of memorial services can change with the times." The awareness of accepting new forms of memorial services while respecting tradition is spreading.

Q3. Were you aware of the memorial service method "sea scattering"?

The awareness rate of sea scattering was 87.7%, indicating it is a widely known memorial service method.

Q4. Is carefully performed sea scattering "a form of memorial service"?

74.5% responded that "carefully performed sea scattering is a form of memorial service."

Q5. Even if sea scattering is chosen, should there be a "place for prayer"?

74.2% responded that "a place for prayer is necessary even after sea scattering." While desiring natural burial, the need for a place to remember the deceased remains high.

Q6. Which statement best reflects your thoughts on your own memorial service?

Combining options related to sea scattering resulted in 36.0%, showing a growing interest in natural burial.

Furthermore, 21.0% responded with "desiring both sea scattering and a place for prayer" or "peace of mind through returning to nature and having a place for prayer," indicating that the desire to "return to nature" and the wish for "a place to pray" coexist.

Conclusion

What has become clear from this survey is that while the value of "wanting to hold memorial services" remains unchanged, the methods of achieving it are diversifying.

While understanding of new memorial service methods, including sea scattering, is increasing, many people also value opportunities and places to remember and pray for the deceased.

Even if the form of memorial services changes, the feelings of remembrance and gratitude towards the deceased do not disappear. Rather, people are exploring memorial service arrangements that suit their individual circumstances and values.

Future memorial services require an environment where people can choose arrangements that align with their sentiments from a variety of options.

It is expected that temples and local communities will play an increasingly important role in supporting opportunities and places where people can remember the deceased and feel connected, while embracing diverse views on memorial services.

Addressing Diversifying Memorial Service Needs

This survey revealed that while understanding of sea scattering is expanding, 74.2% seek a "place for prayer," and 21.0% actually desire both scattering and a place for prayer.

As a memorial service option that responds to these voices, the following services are available:

En Co., Ltd. offers "teraumi," a memorial service that combines sea scattering with perpetual care at a temple. It is one of the new memorial service options that provides both the method of sea scattering and a place to remember and pray for the deceased.

[Company Profile]

Company Name: En Co., Ltd.

Representative: Yukari Tsutsumi, Representative Director

Address: 7-7-3 Sakanoe, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture

Phone Number: 099-801-3637

Business Activities: Bone pulverization, bone washing, sea burial, tree burial, teraumi, end-of-life seminar instructor

(For religious corporations) Support for organizing remains for communal graves, development and operation of digital memorial system "Kokoro-hi"

URL: https://en1150.co.jp

Company Name: 366 Inc.

Representative: Teruo Ito, Representative Director

Address: Kōenji Temple, 3-23-10 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Phone Number: 050-5526-2150

Business Activities: Development of tree burials and ossuaries, consulting for religious corporations, DX system development

URL: https://366.today