Key points to consider when planning a funeral for a foreigner in Saitama City | Information

When saying goodbye to a loved one, you may have to consider many procedures amidst your grief. If the deceased or their family members have foreign roots, you may find that the funeral procedures commonly followed in Japan differ from those of the deceased's country of origin, their beliefs, and the customs that their family cherished.

When considering a funeral for a foreigner in Saitama City, it's important not to generalize and assume that "it must be done this way because they are a foreigner." Even among people of the same nationality, the ideal way to say goodbye varies depending on religion, region, generation, family structure, and the deceased's wishes. First, carefully consider what made the deceased unique and what the bereaved family values most, which will lead to calm and prepared preparations.

This section provides general guidance for families considering a funeral in Saitama City, outlining points they should confirm while consulting with relevant parties. When faced with difficult decisions, it's important not to try to reach a conclusion all at once, but rather to proceed while prioritizing your needs.

The first thing we need to confirm is the deceased's wishes and the family's priorities.

Before deciding on the format of the funeral, it's important to confirm the deceased's wishes, any written statements they left behind, their religious beliefs, and any customs the family wishes to uphold. For example, the venue and preparations needed will vary depending on whether you want to hold religious prayers, allow ample time for relatives and friends to gather, or opt for a quiet farewell with only close family members present.

If you have family in multiple countries or regions, it's a good idea to share early on how distant relatives would like to be involved. Each family will have different considerations, such as whether to hold the ceremony only for those who can travel to Japan, whether to arrange a separate event for family members who cannot attend, and how to handle photos and communication.

• The deceased's preferred funeral arrangements and religious considerations.
• Things to cherish in prayer, eulogies, music, clothing, and floral tributes
• The scope of who to inform: close relatives, friends, colleagues, etc.
• How to contact relatives, including those overseas, and the order in which to confirm their wishes.
• How the family wishes to handle the remains after cremation.

There are times when it's difficult to fulfill all wishes at once. In such cases, the family should discuss what should be the top priority. Rather than judging differences in formalities as right or wrong, discussing it from the perspective of how to show respect to the deceased will make it easier to reach an agreement.

Funeral customs in Japan are not the same as those in other countries and regions.

In Japan, many people might imagine a typical funeral process involving a wake, funeral service, and cremation. However, overseas, there are various ways of saying goodbye, such as cultures that involve long periods of prayer at home or in religious facilities, cultures that focus on burial, and cultures that commemorate the deceased through music and meals. However, one cannot assume an individual's wishes based solely on their country of origin.

Furthermore, within Japan, there is a wide variety of funeral styles to choose from, including Buddhist, Shinto, Christian, and non-religious ceremonies. In funerals for foreigners, the focus may be on religious rituals, or a more subdued farewell ceremony may be held. The important thing is to communicate your wishes clearly and specifically to those involved in organizing the ceremony, rather than leaving them vague.

Check the time required for prayers and rituals.

If you wish to include prayers, chanting, hymns, moments of silence, eulogies, or speeches by family members, consider the order and duration of these activities. Since some people may prefer to offer prayers or greetings in their preferred language, it's helpful to decide who will be in charge and how to inform attendees.

Regarding religious matters, please do not make judgments based solely on general perceptions, but respect the policies of the religious leader or community that the deceased or their family wished to consult. Rather than trying to guess what you don't know, gently asking "What do you value most?" will reduce misunderstandings.

Sharing information about appropriate attire and behavior during the ceremony in advance will give you peace of mind.

While black-based attire is common at funerals in Japan, other regions around the world use white or bright colors, or even colors that reflect the deceased's personality. If attendees come from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing information in advance about appropriate attire, offerings, and monetary gifts can help reduce confusion.

It is not considered rude if some attendees are unfamiliar with Japanese customs. It is important to clearly explain the timing of actions such as offering incense, flowers, and observing a moment of silence at the venue, and to create an atmosphere where everyone can participate comfortably.

We also check the family's preferences regarding meals and gatherings.

Whether or not to provide meals before and after the ceremony, and what kind of food would be comfortable for attendees to choose from, are important matters for each family to consider. Since some people may have dietary restrictions due to religious beliefs, physical conditions, or lifestyle reasons, it is helpful to confirm with the person or their family as needed, rather than making assumptions about their individual circumstances.

Furthermore, gatherings to remember the deceased do not necessarily take place immediately after the solemn ceremony. Sometimes, people may want to hold a memorial service at a later date to coincide with a time when overseas relatives can visit Japan, or they may prefer a quiet time to talk with only close family and friends. Separating the ceremony itself from the time spent remembering the deceased can help clarify the options.

When considering cremation for a foreigner, be sure to carefully confirm your wishes and the procedures involved.

While cremation is a common choice in Japan, perceptions of cremation vary depending on the country, religion, and family's beliefs. When considering cremation for a foreigner in Saitama City, it is best to first confirm the deceased's wishes and the family's intentions, and then proceed while confirming the necessary procedures and the flow of events on the day with the relevant parties.

Topics to discuss in advance include whether family members wish to be present before and after the cremation, whether they want time for prayer, and how they want the remains stored and honored. Since the wishes of relatives living overseas may be involved, it's important to share this information early, considering that it may take time to contact them.

Some families may consider transferring cremated remains overseas. In such cases, necessary documents, procedures, and the requirements of the receiving location may be relevant. Since the details to be confirmed vary depending on the individual circumstances, do not proceed with preparations based on speculation, but confirm the necessary information with the relevant offices or specialists. There are matters that need to be handled in parallel with funeral preparations, so it is a good idea to inform those around you as soon as you have a wish.

We will inform you in advance of how to participate on the day of the cremation.

For attendees who are experiencing the cremation process for the first time, the procedures upon arrival, how to spend their time while waiting, and the farewell ceremony can be confusing. Explaining the schedule to the extent that the family can understand, including any planned religious ceremonies, can alleviate anxiety on the day.

Regarding the handling of cremated remains, some people may wish to participate, while others may prefer not to due to the emotional burden. Not everyone will perceive the typical Japanese customs in the same way, so it's important not to pressure anyone to participate if they don't want to, and to respect each person's feelings. Be sure to clarify any uncertainties beforehand and share with your family what you can and cannot do.

Things to consider if you want to have a church wedding

For the deceased and their family who hold Christian beliefs, the time spent praying in church can be of great significance. If you wish to have a funeral or memorial service in a church, first check with your church or a clergy member you know well, and discuss your wishes with them.

Each church may have different procedures for the service, available dates and times, invitations for attendees, and policies regarding music and floral tributes. It is important not to make preparations based solely on general impressions, but to confirm the policies of the church in question. If you wish to have prayers or greetings in a language other than Japanese, it is best to discuss this early on, including who will be responsible, as this will make it easier to plan your preparations.

You may also consider holding separate services for the church prayer and the cremation. Please consider a reasonable flow of events, taking into account the burden on those traveling, ease of attendance, and the feelings of the family. Balancing your desire to perform religious rites respectfully with the actual schedule and circumstances of the attendees will lead to a peaceful and serene experience.

Differences in terminology can be compensated for with clear explanations and confirmations.

There are many Japanese words related to funerals that are not commonly used in everyday life. It is natural to have difficulty understanding the meaning and flow of the day regarding terms such as wake, funeral service, procession, cremation, bone collection, and memorial service. Don't leave unfamiliar words as they are; please check what happens at each stage.

When different languages are spoken within a family, it's helpful to organize and share important decisions in clear, easy-to-understand language rather than relying solely on verbal communication. When sending out notices such as dates, times, and locations, choose language that is easy for the recipient to understand, and confirm the details with family or trusted individuals as needed. Misunderstandings due to assumptions are especially likely to occur when you're in a hurry.

Even when preparing translated invitations, simply replacing technical terms may not be sufficient to convey the message effectively. It is easier to understand if the purpose of the ceremony, requests for attendees, and any potential changes on the day are presented in short sentences. Designating someone to handle questions on behalf of the group can also help reduce communication confusion.

Rather than assuming that everyone should already know, repeatedly confirming details is a sign of consideration for the bereaved family and attendees. Creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable asking questions makes it easier for everyone to focus their thoughts on remembering the deceased.

How to proceed with consultations when preparing in Saitama City

When preparing for a funeral in Saitama City, you may need to consider several things simultaneously, such as the venue, cremation arrangements, consultations with religious figures or churches, and contacting relatives. It's not easy to grasp everything when you're emotionally unsettled. Dividing your wishes into "things you definitely want to do," "things you'd like to do if possible," and "things that can be adjusted depending on the circumstances" will make the consultation process easier.

1. Write down the deceased's wishes, beliefs, and the customs the family wishes to uphold.
2. Confirm how to contact family members and close friends who will be involved in the decision-making process.
3. If you wish to participate in religious ceremonies or pray in a church, please consult with us as soon as possible.
4. We will organize the process before and after cremation, as well as your wishes regarding the remains.
5. Prepare the message to be conveyed to the attendees in easy-to-understand language.
6. We review the agreed-upon plan among family members and share any changes.

This order is merely an example. If there are urgent circumstances or if the deceased's wishes are already clear, the procedure will change depending on the situation. The important thing is not to simply follow custom, but to find a way of saying goodbye that is acceptable to both the deceased and their family.

Respecting differences and giving a farewell that reflects the deceased's personality.

When conducting a funeral for a foreigner, it's important to both understand the general flow of a Japanese funeral and respect the deceased's cultural and religious background. You don't necessarily have to choose one over the other. You can consider ways to express your wishes within your means, such as providing a space for prayer, being mindful of the language used, and cherishing time for family gatherings.

It's perfectly natural for families in Saitama City preparing for a funeral to have questions and uncertainties. By confirming each detail and communicating your wishes to those involved, you can create time to quietly remember your loved one amidst the hustle and bustle. Let's choose a way that feels right for you, while respecting your family's background and feelings.