1. Introduction
When someone passes away in Japan, the family of the deceased goes through a series of rituals and ceremonies to honor their loved one. These customs are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and have been practiced for centuries. In this article, we will explore what the Japanese do when someone dies and how these traditions help them cope with loss and grief.
2. Funeral Ceremony and Rituals
The funeral ceremony typically takes place within two days of the death, usually at a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine. During the ceremony, family members pay their respects to the deceased by making offerings such as incense, food, and flowers. They also recite sutras (Buddhist scriptures) for the departed soul. Afterward, relatives may give speeches about the deceased’s life and accomplishments.
3. Cremation or Burial
In Japan, cremation is very common; however, burial is still an option in some areas. The ashes of the deceased are usually placed in an urn which is then buried in a cemetery or kept at home by family members if they choose not to bury it.
4. Visiting the Home of the Deceased and Offering Condolences
After the funeral ceremony has taken place, friends and relatives will visit the home of the deceased to offer their condolences to family members left behind. At this time they may bring gifts such as food or money as a sign of respect for their loved one who has passed away.
5. Memorial Service and Bonenkai Party
A memorial service is held on either the first anniversary or seventh anniversary after someone’s death; this is known as “bonenkai” (忘年会). At this event, friends and relatives gather together to remember their loved one who has passed away by sharing stories about them or offering prayers for their soul’s peace and comfort.
6. Post-Funeral Cleaning Rituals
After a funeral ceremony has taken place in Japan, it is customary for family members to clean up around the house where their loved one had lived before they died as a way to honor them one last time before they are laid to rest forever. This includes washing all bedding that was used while they were alive as well as any other items that might have been touched by them during their lifetime such as clothing or furniture pieces that were used frequently while they were alive.
7 Mourning Period and Other Practices
The mourning period following a death typically lasts anywhere from three days up to seven days depending on local customs and beliefs; during this time close friends and relatives will come together to support those who are grieving by providing meals or other necessary services such as helping with funeral arrangements etc… It is also common practice for those who are mourning to wear white clothing during this period out of respect for their loved one who has passed away.
8 Conclusion
When someone passes away in Japan there are several rituals that take place both before and after death that help those left behind cope with loss and grief.These traditions are deeply rooted in Japanese culture,which helps people find comfort knowing that there is an established way of honoring those who have passed away.
Tokoyama, Charles R., CEO of Japan Insiders “What Do The Japanese Do When Someone Dies?” Japan Insiders https://www.japaninsidersguide/what-do-the-japanese-do-when-someone-dies/ Accessed April 7th 2021
What is Japanese tradition when someone dies?
Usushiki is a real Japanese funeral and includes many ceremonies. The day after Otsuya begins with Souji or Sushiki which is the actual funeral ceremony. It follows an Otsuya-like procedure in which the priest chants a sutra and smokes incense for the deceased.
How does the Japanese culture deal with death?
In Japanese culture the concept of dying with dignity focuses on strengthening relationships with important people (especially family) and is expected to continue after death whereas in Western culture it is an independent decision.
What is the Japanese tradition for death in family?
Kichufuda Onichufuda is a mourning ritual that lasts all day. The very wake that family and friends call the wake. A wake is held as soon as possible after death.
What are the 5 stages of grief Japanese?
The late psychiatrist and dying teacher proposed five stages of grief. They are the negation of anger bargaining depression and acceptance. Its a useful lens through which to view the reaction to the Bank of Japans failure to inject new liquidity into the struggling economy.
What are death rituals?
The death ritual begins when a person stops breathing or is pronounced dead. During certain mourning periods the community performs the disposal of bodies and the disposal of the deceased and close relatives and other actions. You can wash oil shave comb paint or perfume yourself.
Where do Japanese go after death?
Therefore some Japanese consider the existence of ghosts to be very natural. These souls will pass through Yominoku (黄泉の國) to reach Anoyo a kind of Hades where the dead go when they die. Its entrance is said to be physically located in Yomotsu Hirasaka Izumo City Shimane Prefecture.
