How foreigners can leave funeral arrangements in Ageo City | Preparation notes to create in your native language and Japanese

For foreigners living in Ageo City who are thinking about their end of life in Japan, deciding how to communicate their funeral wishes to their family can be a difficult decision. If the people involved—relatives in their home country, family and friends in Japan, and colleagues—speak different languages, putting your wishes into words can provide peace of mind.

The preparation notes mentioned here are not legal documents, but rather a way to communicate your wishes and contact information to your family. Don't try to write perfect sentences; just write a little bit at a time in both your native language and Japanese, starting with what you understand. In urgent situations, even short notes can be a great help.

First, let's consider "who we want to communicate with and what we want to communicate."

Rather than cramming a lot of information onto a single sheet of paper, dividing it into sections based on purpose makes it easier for the reader to find what they're looking for. For example, you could separate your wishes for your family, information to give to the funeral home, and information to inform relatives overseas.

• Please provide the name, relationship, and preferred contact method of the family member or friend you would like to be contacted first.
• Name and contact information of someone who can help with communication in Japanese.
• Guidelines for the most convenient language and time zone when contacting relatives in your home country.
• Places where important documents and contact information are stored, such as your home or workplace.
• Family members should be aware of the storage locations of documents related to identity verification.

Since contact information can change, it's a good idea to write down the date and keep a record of when you reviewed it. When handling notes containing personal information, be sure to inform a trusted family member of where you keep them.

I will write down my priorities regarding funeral and cremation arrangements.

There are various approaches to funerals, from inviting many guests to smaller, family-only funerals. Even if you haven't decided on every detail, simply writing down your general wishes, such as "I would like a quiet, family-centered farewell" or "I would like my friends to be informed if possible," can serve as a guide when your family discusses the matter.

Regarding cremation, please include as much information as you have considered, such as whether you wish to have it done in Japan and how you would like the remains handled. However, the actual procedures and necessary confirmations will vary depending on the situation. Instead of just listing definitive instructions in your preparation memo, adding phrases like "if possible" or "please discuss and decide with your family" will make it easier for your family to make decisions based on their circumstances.

Examples of easy-to-write items

• Desired way of saying goodbye: I would like a private family funeral, or the scope of who I would like to attend.
• Who should be notified? (e.g., relatives, friends, colleagues)
• Things we want to cherish in the ceremony: the language we want to use, the music, the photos, the clothing, etc.
• Religious and cultural preferences: values you cherish, family members you would like to talk to.
• Wishes regarding post-cremation: If you haven't decided yet, please state that and who you would like to consult with.

Matters concerning religion and culture can be difficult to convey through words alone. Adding a sentence or two explaining "why it is important" or including contact information for relatives or religious figures who are familiar with the situation will make your intentions clearer. If your wishes change, do not leave the old memo up; replace it with one that clearly states the update date.

A method of writing in your native language first, followed by Japanese.

If you are not confident in your Japanese, it is recommended that you first organize your thoughts in your native language. Then, placing the Japanese translation below or next to it on the same line will make it easier for both your family and the funeral home to understand. For expressions that are difficult to translate, it is important to add specific explanations rather than forcing them into a single word.

For example, the phrase "family only" can be interpreted differently depending on whether it refers only to parents, children, and siblings, or also includes close friends. Adding a clarification, such as "Please contact my spouse, children, and siblings, and also ask that close friends be contacted," can reduce misunderstandings. When listing names, it's a good idea to include not only the usual spelling but also a spelling that is easy for the person or their family to understand, such as the Roman alphabet.

I would like you to see me off in consultation with your family to the extent possible. Please inform my family in my home country first using this contact information. The important things for the ceremony are written below in both my native language and Japanese.

By briefly stating the purpose of the memo at the beginning, readers will understand that it is not a document where everything must be decided immediately, but rather a memo intended to receive the author's thoughts and feelings.

I will also share this with my family who live in or around Ageo City.

Ageo City is adjacent to Okegawa City, Ina Town, Saitama City, and other areas. Even if your family or trusted friends live in other cities or towns, it's reassuring to discuss in advance where to keep your preparation notes and how to share copies. It's also helpful to decide who to inform about any updates, rather than relying solely on the original paper documents.

On the other hand, there's no need to widely share contact information or personal preferences. Limit it to those you'd like to ask for help in an emergency and those who will understand the content. For relatives who have difficulty reading Japanese, it's important to inform them about the existence and location of a version in their native language.

During pre-death consultations, you can organize your questions by referring to your notes.

If you come across any uncertainties while creating your preparation notes, you can write down separately the things you want to confirm during your pre-death consultation. For example, questions such as what options are available for your preferred format, how to communicate your preference for your native language, and what precautions to take when contacting family members overseas.

Seikatsu Funeral Service Center provides information on interpretation and translation support, transportation and placement of the deceased, and consideration for religious and cultural needs. Telephone support is in Japanese, so if you are uncomfortable speaking in Japanese, you can consider sending your inquiry by email. The services we can provide vary depending on the situation, so it is important to clearly define your wishes and concerns beforehand.

Preparing for a funeral isn't just about contemplating the end of life. It's also an opportunity to communicate "what's important to you" to your family. Starting with a short sentence and gradually refining it in your native language and Japanese will make it easier for your family to understand your wishes when the time comes.