SevenPonds Blog
January 19, 2012
Cultural Traditions in a Country with Almost 100% Cremation Rate
Japan has the highest cremation rate in the world, over 99%, with some local governments even banning burials. Until after World War II, cremation was reserved for the rich, but once the cleanliness and efficiency of the practice were recognized, cremation rates soared.
Interestingly, the country also has one of the world’s highest funeral costs. A traditional Japanese funeral consists of a wake, cremation, burial in a family grave, and a memorial service. The high cost of the funeral is largely due to the scarcity of burial plots in this densely-populated country. Though the ashes are generally buried, scattering of the ashes is becoming more common.
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