Shufunotomo Co., Ltd. will release 'The Latest Edition: Everything You Need to Know About Funerals, Memorial Services, and Inheritance' on Monday, March 30, 2026. This book provides a careful, chronological guide—from the moment a loved one passes away to post-funeral procedures and inheritance—ensuring you can say goodbye without regrets, even in sudden situations.
Thorough explanation of modern, diversifying funeral circumstances: In the past, the Japanese standard was the 'General Funeral,' where relatives, friends, and business associates were invited to a grand two-day wake and funeral service. However, following the major turning point of the COVID-19 pandemic, 'small-scale' and 'diversified' funerals have become the norm.
'Family Funerals,' chosen by over 50%, are the modern standard: Currently, more than half of people choose a 'Family Funeral,' where only close relatives gather to say goodbye quietly. Additionally, 'One-Day Funerals' (omitting the wake) and 'Direct Cremations' (cremation only) have become common. However, while free choices unconstrained by tradition are increasing, problems can arise precisely because of this simplification, such as friction with relatives who feel the send-off should have been grander, or strained relationships with acquaintances who were only notified after the fact. This book thoroughly explains the reality of modern funerals, offering concrete guidance on how to behave in a way that respects tradition while adapting to modern styles to avoid regrets.
An era where 'average funeral costs are approximately 1.2 million yen': As styles change, so do costs. The old saying that 'a funeral costs 2 million yen' is a thing of the past, with the current national average falling to approximately 1.2 million yen. However, caution is needed with this figure. Funeral costs fluctuate significantly depending on 'what is done and to what extent,' from securing a place to store the body to whether or not a wake reception is held. Many people regret making decisions based solely on the funeral home's suggestions during the shock of a sudden loss.
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- Source: PR Times
- Category: News