Burial woes deepen for Japan's elderly foreign residents

Local opposition to interment remains strong in the land of cremation

20250226 Burial main

Honjo Kodama Cemetery in Saitama prefecture, north of Tokyo, is one of the few private cemeteries in Japan that allow burials. (Photo by Utako Kawakami)

UTAKO KAWAKAMI

TOKYO -- Foreign residents in Japan continue to face serious obstacles when trying to bury their loved ones. As cremation remains the standard practice in the country, those whose religious beliefs require burial find it increasingly difficult to secure cemeteries that permit interment.

This issue is further complicated by the aging of the foreign community. As foreign nationals become an integral part of the national workforce, addressing these concerns is becoming more crucial for Japan.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.