10/10/2025                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            Funeral Fact Friday!
In Japan, funerals are deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and typically follow a structured series of rituals designed to honor the deceased and support the grieving family. The process often begins with a wake, known as *tsuya*, where family and close friends gather to pay their respects, offer prayers, and present incense. This is followed by cremation, which is the most common form of body disposition in Japan, reflecting both religious beliefs and practical considerations given limited burial space. A significant memorial service is then held 49 days after death, a period considered critical in Buddhist teachings for the soul’s journey to the afterlife. During this time, additional prayers and rituals are performed to guide the spirit and bring closure to loved ones. These practices emphasize respect, reflection, and the belief in a spiritual continuation beyond death, illustrating how cultural and religious values shape funeral traditions in Japan.