In recent years, an increasing number of people are considering communal enshrinement (goushi) as an option for ancestral veneration, driven by factors such as the lack of grave successors and growing management burdens.

However, since communal enshrinement is an irreversible practice—once performed, remains cannot be retrieved—a certain number of people still harbor concerns such as potential family disputes or personal regret.

To explore these issues, Hoo Hoo Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture; representative: Takagi), the operator of the temple withdrawal and grave closure service "Our Grave Closure" (https://kaiso.or.jp/haka/), conducted a real-world survey targeting 100 men and women who have actually experienced communal enshrinement.

The survey collected responses on the following topics (multiple answers allowed):

Triggers for choosing communal enshrinement

Positive outcomes of communal enshrinement

Concerns prior to communal enshrinement

Overall satisfaction after communal enshrinement

This press release presents key findings from the survey, focusing on response trends and insights. The provided charts and data may also be used as reference material for news reporting and article creation.

▼ Special Survey Results Page

https://kaiso.or.jp/media/hakajimai-memorial/goushibo-koukai/

1. Top Reason for Choosing Communal Enshrinement: 'Lack of Grave Successor' at 54.00%

When asked about the reasons for choosing communal enshrinement, the most common response was "lack of grave successor," selected by 54 respondents (54.00%).

This was followed by "difficulty visiting due to distance" (41 people, 41.00%) and "desire to reduce costs" (38 people, 38.00%).

The results indicate that communal enshrinement is primarily chosen in response to practical challenges such as lack of successors and physical management difficulties.

It is evident that people are proactively considering communal enshrinement as a forward-looking solution when maintaining a grave becomes unfeasible.

【Breakdown (number of respondents)】 (n=100; multiple responses allowed)

Lack of grave successor: 54

Difficulty visiting due to distance: 41

Desire to reduce costs: 38

As a post-grave-closure veneration option: 28

Do not own a grave: 4

Other: 1

2. Top Benefit of Communal Enshrinement: 'Management Handled by Others' at 63 Respondents

When asked about the positive aspects of choosing communal enshrinement, the most common response was "management handled by others," selected by 63 respondents.

This was followed by "not burdening future generations" (54 people) and "cost savings" (45 people).

The results show that respondents particularly value the reduction of management and financial burdens, as well as the alleviation of future anxieties.

Communal enshrinement appears to be increasingly accepted as a form of veneration well-suited to modern lifestyles.

【Breakdown (number of respondents)】 (n=100; multiple responses allowed)

Management handled by others: 63

Not burdening future generations: 54

Cost savings: 45

Accepted regardless of religious sect or denomination: 6

"Our Grave Closure" also conducted a survey among 100 men and women considering perpetual memorial services. For those interested in learning more, please refer to the detailed insights on the benefits of perpetual memorial services, reasons for consideration, and how to avoid regret:

"What Is Perpetual Memorial Service? Reasons for Consideration and Decision Criteria to Avoid Regret Based on a Survey of 100 People"

▶︎ https://kaiso.or.jp/media/hakajimai-memorial/eitaikuyo-guide/

3. Top Concern Before Communal Enshrinement: 'Opposition or Disputes with Family or Others' at 39 Respondents

When asked about concerns prior to communal enshrinement, the most common response was "opposition or disputes with family or others," selected by 39 respondents.

This was followed by "feeling of loss due to no personal space for prayer" (34 people) and "inability to retrieve remains once enshrined" (32 people).

The findings reveal that, in addition to the irreversible nature of the practice, challenges related to family consensus and emotional acceptance are significant.

The results underscore the importance of thorough discussions before proceeding.

【Breakdown (number of respondents)】 (n=100; multiple responses allowed)

Opposition or disputes with family or others: 39

Feeling of loss due to no personal space for prayer: 34

Inability to retrieve remains once enshrined: 32

Discomfort at being buried with strangers: 23

No particular concern: 16

Other: 1

4. Post-Enshrinement Satisfaction: 82.00% Respond Positively

When asked "Do you feel that communal enshrinement was a good decision?", 28 respondents (28.00%) answered "yes," and 54 (54.00%) answered "somewhat yes," resulting in a combined 82 respondents (82.00%) expressing positive sentiment.

In contrast, only 2 (2.00%) said "slightly regretful" and 1 (1.00%) said "regretful," indicating that regret remains rare.

While communal enshrinement involves certain anxieties, the majority of respondents report satisfaction after implementation.

【Breakdown (number of respondents)】 (n=100)

Good: 28 (28.00%)

Somewhat good: 54 (54.00%)

Neutral: 15 (15.00%)

Slightly regretful: 2 (2.00%)

Regretful: 1 (1.00%)

4-1. Voices from Those Satisfied with Communal Enshrinement (open-ended responses)

【Selected open-ended responses】

Reduced financial burden and future maintenance effort

With no one left to maintain the grave, I was deeply troubled—communal enshrinement resolved the issue and lifted a weight off my shoulders

Eliminated management effort and financial burden, and spared my children from future responsibilities

Psychologically and financially, I’ve lightened the future burden—very positive

The open-ended responses highlight strong appreciation for the dual relief of financial and management burdens, as well as the peace of mind that comes from resolving future uncertainties.

Notably, satisfaction is particularly high regarding the aspect of "not burdening the next generation," suggesting that closing the chapter on grave matters within one’s own lifetime significantly reduces psychological stress.

4-2. Voices from Those Regretting Communal Enshrinement (open-ended responses)

【Selected open-ended responses】

Regret that the remains cannot be retrieved

I wonder if my ancestors are truly at peace being enshrined with strangers

While financially it was beneficial, I still feel uneasy about the cold stares from some family members

The responses indicate that regret stems less from the practical benefits of communal enshrinement and more from its irreversible nature, emotional discomfort, and family dynamics.

Particularly, when prior consensus is lacking or when there are differences in values regarding ancestral veneration, feelings of unease or conflict may arise afterward.

Therefore, it is crucial to consider not only cost and management, but also family communication and emotional alignment to prevent future regret.

Summary of Survey Findings

The survey revealed that:

The top reason for choosing communal enshrinement is "lack of grave successor" at 54.00%

Practical benefits such as "outsourced management" and "reduced burden on future generations" are highly valued

Yet, psychological and relational concerns such as "family disputes" and "loss of a personal place of veneration" remain

82.00% of respondents expressed satisfaction after communal enshrinement

Open-ended responses show coexisting feelings of relief from reduced burdens and concerns over irreversibility and family value differences

In summary, while communal enshrinement is supported as a solution to management and succession challenges, it also presents issues related to irreversibility and family consensus.

Therefore, thorough information gathering and discussions among stakeholders are essential before making a decision.

Detailed survey data and visual materials are available on the special survey page below and may be used for media reporting and content creation.

▼ Special Survey Results Page

https://kaiso.or.jp/media/hakajimai-memorial/goushibo-koukai/

【Survey Overview】

Method: Online questionnaire

Target: Men and women who have experienced communal enshrinement

Note: This survey is not limited to users of "Our Grave Closure."

Sample size: 100 respondents

Date conducted: April 14, 2026

Conducted by: Hoo Hoo Co., Ltd. "Our Grave Closure" (https://kaiso.or.jp/haka/)

Related page: https://kaiso.or.jp/media/hakajimai-memorial/goushibo-koukai/

【About Our Grave Closure】

Established in 2002, a specialized grave closure service offering temple withdrawal assistance, grave removal, reburial procedures, and affordable perpetual memorial service referrals—all with a focus on care and affordability. Headquartered in Kanagawa Prefecture, with 15 branches (franchisees) nationwide, serving clients across Japan.

【Service Areas】

Hokkaido| Aomori| Iwate| Miyagi| Akita| Yamagata| Fukushima| Ibaraki| Tochigi| Gunma| Saitama| Chiba| Tokyo| Kanagawa| Niigata| Toyama| Fukui| Ishikawa| Yamanashi| Nagano| Gifu| Shizuoka| Aichi| Mie| Shiga| Kyoto| Osaka| Hyogo| Nara| Wakayama| Tottori| Shimane| Okayama| Hiroshima| Yamaguchi| Tokushima| Kagawa| Ehime| Kochi| Fukuoka| Saga| Nagasaki| Kumamoto| Oita| Miyazaki| Kagoshima| Okinawa

▶︎ Official website: https://kaiso.or.jp/haka/

▶︎ Owned media: https://kaiso.or.jp/media/

▶︎ Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TV-bs2sd

▶︎ Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakabito/

Operator: Hoo Hoo Co., Ltd.

Founded: 2002

Headquarters: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Company profile: https://kaiso.or.jp/haka/privacypolicy/

Contact: https://kaiso.or.jp/haka/contact/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey結果