I want to include items from my home country in the coffin for cremation in Koshigaya City | Restrictions on burial items and prior confirmation

At funerals, when saying goodbye to a loved one, people often want to place items that the deceased cherished from their home country or items that represent the family's feelings into the coffin. For foreigners and their families planning cremation in Koshigaya City, concerns often arise regarding "what can be included" and "whether items related to the customs of their home country will be accepted."

Burial items express gratitude and farewell to the deceased. However, for safe operation, equipment preservation, and consideration for the surroundings, there are items that cannot be placed in the coffin, and some items require confirmation regarding quantity and material. Before preparing the items you wish to include, it is advisable to inform the funeral home and the cremation facility of your wishes and confirm whether they are permissible.

Grave goods are items that express feelings and memories for the deceased.

Burial goods are items placed in the coffin to bid farewell to the deceased. For example, some families consider letters, photographs, clothing with sentimental value, or flowers. Messages written in the deceased's native language, books they enjoyed, or small fabric items can also be thoughtful ways to express their feelings.

However, even the same item may be handled differently depending on its material, thickness, size, quantity, and whether or not it is decorated. It is important to balance the desire to "give the deceased something to keep" with the need to "confirm that it can be handled safely during cremation." Do not assume religion or customs based solely on nationality or region of origin, but rather carefully consider what the deceased and their family valued most.

Main reasons why there are restrictions on burial items in cremations

Restrictions on burial items are not intended to negate any personal feelings. They are in place to consider factors such as the impact on the crematorium furnace and equipment, safety during combustion, and the impact on the collection of remains. Items that are difficult to burn, items that may melt or explode, or items that leave behind residue after combustion may be difficult to accept.

The following are examples of items that generally require confirmation. Since the actual feasibility depends on the condition of the item and the facility's operations, do not place them in the coffin based on your own judgment, and always confirm beforehand.

• Items made of flame-resistant materials such as metal, glass, ceramics, and stone.
• Batteries, electrical products, electronic devices, chargers, etc.
• Cans, bottles, airtight containers, spray cans, and other items that may burst due to heating.
• Materials whose effects during combustion should be checked, such as plastics, rubber, and synthetic leather.
• Items that require consultation regarding quantity and size, such as thick books, large quantities of paper, and stuffed animals.
• Items that need to be distinguished from those you want to keep, such as jewelry, coins, and precious metals.
• Items to check with each facility regarding handling, such as food, beverages, fruits, and strongly scented items.

Even if the product is from your home country, you can't judge it by the product name alone. For example, even a small amulet or ornament might contain metal parts, glass beads, batteries, or containers. Checking the materials, including the packaging and box, and providing photos will make it easier to communicate the details.

How to request items related to your home country

When there are differences in language and culture, you might worry that "even if I explain, they won't understand." However, by simply sharing the meaning behind the items and discussing whether they can be adjusted to suit cremation, it becomes easier to think about a way to say goodbye that you can be satisfied with.

For example, even if it's difficult to include the original item, you can consider alternative methods such as taking a photograph, writing a letter expressing your feelings, using confirmed materials like cloth or paper to symbolize it, or dividing it into smaller pieces. While it may not always be possible to place it in the coffin exactly as you wish, there are other ways to express your feelings.

Things to prepare before a consultation to make your message easier to understand

1. The name of the item you wish to include and its meaning to the deceased.
2. Material, size, quantity, presence or absence of batteries or metal parts.
3. Do you want to include the box, bag, container, and packaging?
4. Information that allows you to check the materials, such as photos and product descriptions.
5. Is there anything you can prepare as a replacement, or something you plan to keep on hand?

If family members have differing preferences, it can be helpful to take the time to share your priorities rather than leaving the selection to just one person. For family members who live far away or overseas, you can send them photos of potential items and confirm their preferences before making a decision.

Please check if you are using the service from Koshigaya City, Soka City, or Yoshikawa City.

Even when holding a funeral or cremation in Koshigaya City, the preparation process will vary depending on the deceased's address, the family's place of residence, the crematorium used, and its reservation status. Even if a family living in Soka City or Yoshikawa City is considering holding the funeral in the Koshigaya area, it's important not to judge the conditions of use or the handling of burial items based solely on the name of the region.

The procedures regarding burial items can vary from facility to facility, and even similar items may receive different approvals. Since it can be difficult to make adjustments after the funeral date has been set, it is recommended to consult with the facility when you start collecting items. Instead of bringing items for the first time on the day of cremation, check in advance whether they are acceptable and refrain from bringing anything that is not permitted.

The process of confirming everything from before the funeral to the day of the funeral.

There's no need to rush into deciding on burial items while grieving. It's easier to proceed calmly if you first recall the deceased's personality, write down potential items, and then select the ones you've confirmed.

1. The family will then decide which items they would like to place in the coffin and the reasons why.
2. We will check the product photos, materials, and quantities, and create a list of candidates.
3. We inform the funeral home of our choices and separate the items that require confirmation from the crematorium.
4. Follow the facility's instructions to confirm which items can be placed inside, which parts need to be removed, and how to adjust the quantities.
5. For items that cannot be accepted, the family will discuss alternatives such as photographs or letters.
6. On the day of delivery, we will only prepare the items that have been confirmed, and we will follow the instructions regarding the timing of delivery.

Other options for expressing your love for your loved one include placing items that were not placed in the coffin near the altar, allowing family members to hold them before saying goodbye, or keeping them as family. Cremation is not the only way to show your respect for your loved one. Please choose a way to say goodbye that allows your family to say goodbye without regret, within your means.

If you have any concerns, please consult us before purchasing or bringing in the item.

It's natural to feel confused by cremation restrictions while respecting your country's culture and your family's wishes. We will help you clarify any points that need to be confirmed by discussing your desired burial items. Please note that individual interpretation, religious rites, the permissibility of items, and the flow of the day will vary depending on the circumstances, so prior confirmation is necessary.

Whether you are considering a family funeral in Koshigaya City, or even if you are in Soka City or Yoshikawa City, please first tell us what you value most in saying goodbye to your loved one. While adhering to safety guidelines, we will work with you to plan a funeral that respects the wishes of the deceased and their family.