Cremation is the most common method of body disposition in Setagaya Ward, as it is in most of Japan. Japan has one of the highest cremation rates in the world, and this is reflected in Setagaya, where cremation is the preferred choice for nearly all families. Cremation is deeply embedded in Buddhist customs, and it allows for a more compact, efficient means of handling remains 世田谷区 家族葬 which is well-suited to Japan’s densely populated urban areas like Setagaya.
The cremation process in Setagaya involves a formal ceremony at a crematorium, followed by the family’s participation in the “bone-picking” ritual, where relatives use chopsticks to collect the bones from the cremated remains and place them in an urn. This ritual, which involves careful handling of the bones, is a symbolic act that reinforces the family’s connection with the deceased.
While cremation is overwhelmingly the preferred choice, burial is still an option for some families. However, burial is increasingly rare and expensive in Tokyo due to limited space in cemeteries and high land costs. Some families in Setagaya may choose burial if they have a family plot in a cemetery, or if they follow a particular religious or cultural tradition that favors burial over cremation. There are several private cemeteries in Setagaya, as well as public cemeteries in nearby wards, which can accommodate burial requests. Burial plots in these cemeteries can be costly and are usually reserved for those with familial connections or long-term residency in the area.