Osaka Memorial Park Kofun Tomb [Photo by Yohei Yamanaka]

Zenpokoenfun Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Tsuyoshi Takeda) announces that its "Takeda-style Kofun Tomb," jointly developed with Osaka Memorial Park Sales Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Daito City, Osaka, Representative Director: Koichi Higuchi), recorded a record 150 participants at its on-site briefing held on May 16, Reiwa 8 (2026) (Saturday). The event was held in four sessions throughout the day, setting a new record for the highest number of participants in a single day. The cumulative number of participants across all four sessions reached 150.

This result, boosted by its adoption as a Daito City hometown tax donation return gift and attention from various media outlets, confirms the growing expectations and interest in "kofun" as a new option for memorial services.

On-site Scene: A Lecture Blending Humor and Historical Insight

At the venue, Representative Director Tsuyoshi Takeda gave a presentation explaining the current state of grave matters in the Reiwa era. The lecture, while based on his deep knowledge as a historian, was delivered with humor. Even those attending with serious concerns about "haka-ji mai" (tomb closure) occasionally burst into laughter at Representative Director Takeda's lighthearted delivery, creating a consistently pleasant and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Participants shared moving comments such as, "I intuitively felt this is the most satisfying way for Japanese people to face their end," and "The issue of graves has transformed into a positive and proud choice."

Osaka Memorial Park Kofun Tomb will continue to hold briefing sessions and events to promote the creation of new memorial service cultures that adapt to changing times. We are committed to ensuring that the option of "kofun," symbolizing Japan's history and culture, leads to greater peace of mind and pride for many.

A New Standard for Perpetual Memorial Services: Transforming "Haka-ji Mai" Anxiety into "Family Pride"

In recent years, perpetual memorial services, often chosen out of a desire not to burden one's children, have sometimes been accompanied by negative feelings such as "loneliness" or "guilt." However, the "Takeda-style Kofun Tomb" proposed by our company fundamentally overturns this concept.

Many participants at the briefing expressed sentiments like, "It's rare to find a grave that offers such dignity and permanence while still being a perpetual memorial service," and "With this, my children and grandchildren will eagerly want to visit."

By adopting the form of a kofun, which maintains unchanging beauty, we elevate the grave from a "place of ending" to "a proud part of family history to be passed down." We believe this shift in values is the primary reason for achieving a record number of visitors.

[Why Kofun Now?] The "Origin of Prayer" for Japanese People

Amidst serious social issues such as a declining birthrate, aging population, and changes in family structures leading to a lack of grave successors and "haka-ji mai," many people are seeking a place where they can entrust not only the remains of the deceased but also their dignity and family history, rather than just a "place to store ashes."

The "Takeda-style Kofun Tomb" responds to these latent needs by recreating a style unique to Japan that predates the introduction of Buddhism.

- Design Inheriting Japan's Ancient Prayer Culture and Brass Name Plates

Surrounding the kofun tomb are cylindrical haniwa, symbolizing Japan's ancient prayer culture, and above them are brass name plates engraved with the names of contract holders. By merging the traditional haniwa design with modern record-keeping, we realize a new form of memorial service that perpetuates the memory of loved ones and the sentiments of their families for eternity.

- A "Landscape of Prayer" That Resonates with the Japanese Bloodline, Transcending Religion

The presence of a kofun transcends the framework of "religion" based on specific doctrines, embodying the "original landscape of prayer" that we share as Japanese people.

According to the latest data from Osaka Memorial Park Kofun Tomb, approximately 30% of contract holders practice Shinto (Shrine Shinto, reverence associations, etc.) or wish for memorial services in a Shinto style. This figure reflects a trend of cultural return, where people seek to reflect their Japanese identity in their form of memorial service.

Future Developments

Information on the purchase process will be provided sequentially through "Kofun no Madoguchi" (Kofun Window) and the official Osaka Memorial Park website. Please look forward to a new place of prayer that fuses history, design, and genuine perpetual memorial services, supervised by Tadao Ando Architect & Associates.

▼Kofun no Madoguchi▼

https://madoguchi.kofun.co.jp/

▼Osaka Memorial Park Official HP▼

https://osaka-memorialpark.co.jp/

Announcement of On-Site Briefing for Osaka Kofun Tomb by Representative Tsuyoshi Takeda

An on-site briefing will be held at Osaka Memorial Park Kofun Tomb on July 11 (Saturday).

The "Shape of Graves" Cherished by Japanese People Since Ancient Times

Representative Director Tsuyoshi Takeda, who handled everything from concept to planning and development, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the dedication and appeal of the kofun tomb.

We would be delighted if those looking for perpetual memorial services or tree burials, considering tomb closure, or interested in kofun culture would participate.

▼Applications for Briefing by Representative Tsuyoshi Takeda Now Open!▼

https://osaka-memorialpark.co.jp/information/3055/

Date and Time

7/11 (Sat) 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM -

Location

Osaka Memorial Park

271-8 Ryuma, Daito City, Osaka Prefecture, 574-0012

https://osaka-memorialpark.co.jp/access/

Topics to be Covered in the Briefing (Tentative)

- Reiwa Era Grave Matters - Historical Significance of the "Zenpokoenfun" (Keyhole-Shaped Tomb) - Thoughts, Dedication, and Appeal of the Takeda-style Kofun Tomb - Structure, Specifications, and Management System of the Osaka Memorial Park Kofun Tomb - Perpetual Memorial Services - Costs and Contract Process - Q&A

About Osaka Memorial Park Kofun Tomb

Recreating Kofun as a "Modern Place of Prayer"

Zenpokoenfun, where kings and powerful clans once rested, is a heritage symbol of Japanese culture.

The "Takeda-style Kofun Tomb" is a reconstruction of such a kofun for modern individuals struggling with the issue of "no one to inherit the grave" due to the declining birthrate and aging population.

This entirely new style of prayer, fusing history × design × perpetual memorial services, is now attracting attention.

The Setting: "Kansai's First" and One-of-a-Kind Cemetery

A breathtaking view of the Osaka Plain from a hilltop on the slopes of Mt. Ikoma, recognized as "Kansai's No. 1 Grave Grand Prix," and a special space designed and supervised by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando Architect & Associates.

This is a sanctuary that uniquely combines views, accolades, and design, unparalleled nationwide.

Please check "Kofun no Madoguchi" for the latest information on kofun tombs via email distribution.

▼ "Kofun no Madoguchi" Customer Registration ▼

https://madoguchi.kofun.co.jp/entry

- Kofun Tomb Development Status Nationwide - Introduction to Our Company's Initiatives and New Services - Information on New Kofun Tombs in Designated Areas - Information on On-Site Briefings and Open Houses in Designated Areas

Our website "Kofun no Madoguchi" is equipped with various functions necessary from application to after-contract services, including kofun tomb contracts, reservation of interment and memorial services, and confirmation of anniversary memorial services.

▼Kofun no Madoguchi▼

https://madoguchi.kofun.co.jp

Inquiries from Media Representatives

Zenpokoenfun Co., Ltd.

Public Relations Representative: Marumo

Phone Number: 03-6453-6662

Email: [email protected]

Company Profile

Company Name: Zenpokoenfun Co., Ltd.

Representative Director: Tsuyoshi Takeda

Location: 5-13-16 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Date of Establishment: April 1, Reiwa 6 (2024)

Sales Site: Kofun no Madoguchi https://madoguchi.kofun.co.jp

Official HP: https://kofun.co.jp/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zkf_kofun

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenpokoenfun_jp/

X: https://x.com/zenpokoenfun_jp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578719788765

LINE: https://lin.ee/7EiTRca

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event