Society Japan sees boom in ground burials

[thomas]

While cremation remains the norm for most people visiting cemeteries during the autumn equinox in Japan, more sites are now offering the option of traditional ground burials. The change comes in response to growing interest, not only from foreign residents but also from an increasing number of Japanese families.

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In Honjo, Saitama Prefecture, about two hours from central Tokyo, a cemetery began offering ground burials six years ago. Known as the Honjo Kodama Sacred Cemetery, it charges 300,000 yen per plot for interment without cremation. The cemetery's representative, Sojo Hayakawa, stated that the move was prompted by repeated requests from foreign residents in Japan. He explained that part of their mission was to respond to those needs, adding that when people reach the end of their lives, it feels only natural to ensure they are given a proper farewell. In Miyagi Prefecture, Governor Yoshihiro Murai had also looked into setting up a burial cemetery, recognising that there was demand not only from foreign residents but also from Japanese families. Yet, after environmental concerns were raised, the prefecture dropped the idea. Murai announced last week that he had decided to withdraw the proposal after a careful review. Keisuke Sato, a professor of ethics at Sophia University who studies attitudes toward death, noted that burial had long been the global standard, including in Japan. He pointed out that, until the Meiji period, burial was a common practice, but concerns over land shortages and public health shifted the country decisively toward cremation.

Burial is not prohibited by law in Japan, but it requires municipal approval and must take place in designated cemeteries. Currently, only around 10 cemeteries nationwide accept burials, including the one in Honjo. Demand now comes not only from foreign residents but also from Japanese, with inquiries arriving from Miyagi, Niigata, and Okinawa .

Hayakawa said that in 2019, the cemetery performed around eight burials, but the number has grown steadily to more than 40 this year alone. Over the past seven years, the cumulative total has reached 169, of which 16 were Japanese. Many of the Japanese applicants were married to foreign nationals. "There are quite a few Japanese who want to return to the soil," he added.

Foreign Residents Drive Japan's Burial Boom

Although most people visiting cemeteries during the autumn equinox in Japan are accustomed to cremation as the standard form of burial, a growing number of sites are now offering traditional ground burials. The shift reflects rising demand, particularly from foreign residents, and increasingly...

newsonjapan.com

 

[Ukigumo]

I wonder if they offer interment, sitting up in a 'hayaoke' barrel coffin, in full armour, facing one's leige-lord's castle?

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

I wonder if they offer interment, sitting up in a 'hayaoke' barrel coffin, in full armour, facing one's leige-lord's castle?

The most famous warrior said to have been buried standing in armor is actually Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (758?–811).

It is said that Sakanoue no Tamuramaro left a will: 'When I die, dress my body in armor and helmet, place a sword in my hand, and bury me standing. Lay me to rest where I can see the Imperial Palace, for I wish to guard it for all eternity.

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and the "Standing Burial" Legend

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (c. 758–811) was a famous samurai and the first to hold the title of Seii Taishōgun (Great General for Subduing the Barbarians). He served under Emperor Kanmu and led campaigns against the Emishi in northern Japan.

According to legend, when Tamuramaro died, he wished to continue protecting the nation even after death. Therefore, he was said to have been buried in full armor, standing upright.

Fact or Legend?

There is no archaeological evidence that he was literally buried standing.

The story appears in later chronicles and folklore, symbolizing his eternal vigilance and loyalty as a warrior.

At places associated with him, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto (which he helped establish), traditions emphasize his divine protector role, reinforcing the image of the "standing warrior in death."

 

[Ukigumo]

The most famous warrior said to have been buried standing in armor is actually Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (758?–811).

It is said that Sakanoue no Tamuramaro left a will: 'When I die, dress my body in armor and helmet, place a sword in my hand, and bury me standing. Lay me to rest where I can see the Imperial Palace, for I wish to guard it for all eternity.

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and the "Standing Burial" Legend

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (c. 758–811) was a famous samurai and the first to hold the title of Seii Taishōgun (Great General for Subduing the Barbarians). He served under Emperor Kanmu and led campaigns against the Emishi in northern Japan.

According to legend, when Tamuramaro died, he wished to continue protecting the nation even after death. Therefore, he was said to have been buried in full armor, standing upright.

Fact or Legend?

There is no archaeological evidence that he was literally buried standing.

The story appears in later chronicles and folklore, symbolizing his eternal vigilance and loyalty as a warrior.

At places associated with him, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto (which he helped establish), traditions emphasize his divine protector role, reinforcing the image of the "standing warrior in death."

I've heard the same legend applied to the burial of Miyamoto Musashi facing toward the road down which the Hosokawa Clan and daimyo processed .

 

[salyavin]

I wonder if they offer interment, sitting up in a 'hayaoke' barrel coffin, in full armour, facing one's leige-lord's castle?

Well my liege lord is my wife so...

 

[Ukigumo]

Well my liege lord is my wife so...

So you'll have to be buried, sitting upright facing her favourite shopping areas…with your old credit cards