Funerals and Religious Ceremonies
Japanese Funeral
Interfuneral is an agency specialising in funeral services and offers assistance with the planning and organisation of funerals.
Here are some of the services that Interfuneral might offer for a Japanese funeral:
Consultation and planning
Interfuneral can provide personalised consultation to the family of the deceased, helping them to plan and customise the funeral service according to their needs and preferences, including the selection of specific elements for the ceremony.
Organisation of the ceremony
Interfuneral takes care of the practical organisation of the ceremony, ensuring that all necessary elements are in place for the service.
In Japan, traditional funerals often follow Buddhist rites, but there are also elements influenced by Shintoism and cultural beliefs.
Overview of a Japanese funeral with religious ceremony
Preparation of the body
The body of the deceased is prepared according to traditional practices, often including a ritual bath and dressing in a kimono or formal attire.
The body is then placed in the coffin.
Funeral service (Soshiki)
The funeral service, known as "Soshiki," is often held at a Buddhist temple or, in some cases, at a Shinto shrine. During the service, Buddhist monks or Shinto priests recite prayers and mantras for the deceased and their family.
Incense and offerings
During the funeral service, incense is burned to purify the space, and offerings of food and flowers are made to honour the deceased.
Commemoration and speeches
During the service, family members and friends may give commemorative speeches and share memories of the deceased.
Collection of bones and ashes
After cremation, the bones and ashes are collected and placed in an urn.
Burial or preservation of ashes
The ashes of the deceased may be buried in a cemetery or kept in an urn at a Buddhist temple or the family home.
Mourning period
After the funeral, the family may observe a mourning period during which they receive condolences from friends and relatives.
Obon Festival
During the Obon Festival, traditionally held in summer, Japanese families honour their ancestors, including the deceased, through prayers and offerings of food.
These are just some of the elements that characterise a Japanese funeral with a religious ceremony.
Practices may vary slightly depending on the region and the family’s preferences, but the main goal is to honour the deceased according to Japanese cultural and religious traditions.
In general, Interfuneral is committed to providing a comprehensive and respectful service that meets the needs and beliefs of the deceased’s family, ensuring that the funeral is conducted with dignity and devotion.
