15/08/2025
📰 Did You Know You Can Choose Your Funeral Style These Days?
What comes to mind when you hear the word "funeral"?
Black clothing, a large number of attendees, a solemn atmosphere... But in today's Reiwa era, funeral styles are changing dramatically.
With diverse values, changing family structures, and the impact of the pandemic,
more people are choosing farewells that reflect their individuality.
🔹 Family Funeral: Quiet, Deep, and Heartfelt
A "family funeral" is held only with close relatives and loved ones, and has become increasingly popular.
It allows for a peaceful farewell without inviting many people.
While it is cost-effective and flexible, you may need to handle condolences from others who learn of the death later, so advance planning is important.
🔹 One-Day Funeral: A Kind Option for Busy People
A "one-day funeral" skips the wake and completes the farewell and cremation in a single day.
It reduces the burden on elderly attendees or those traveling from afar.
It is relatively affordable and allows for a heartfelt ceremony.
However, some religious officiants may not support this format, so be sure to confirm in advance.
🔹 Non-Religious Funeral (Free-Style): Prioritizing Sentiment Over Ritual
A "non-religious funeral" avoids traditional religious rites and instead uses music, videos, or letter readings to reflect the personality of the deceased.
“I want to send them off with their favorite jazz.”
“I want to share memories with just the family.”
This style is chosen by those who value individuality.
However, some older attendees may feel uncomfortable, so family discussions are key.
🔹 Recommended Plans for Small Attendance
If you have few relatives or it's difficult to gather people, there are still many options:
- Online Funeral: Relatives can attend via Zoom, and send condolences through chat.
- Direct Cremation: No wake or ceremony, just cremation. Ideal for minimizing costs.
- Memorial Video: Instead of a ceremony, a video tribute using photos and clips. Often shared on social media.
💬 In Conclusion: Freedom to Choose, Power to Remember
Choosing a funeral style is an extension of how one lived their life.
More than the format, it’s the sentiment that matters most.
What kind of farewell would you choose?