When I die, I want my bones scattered in the ocean!” I keep thinking about how I can fulfill the request of

This idea is traced back to Yujiro Ishihara. It seems that the wide news of Yujiro scattering his bones in the sea has had an impact on people over the years.

But in reality, it’s not so easy.

First, most people die in the hospital (death certificate).

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The affiliated funeral service company moves the body to the funeral home (burning site) (cremation permit)

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The bereaved family picks up the bones (only major parts are placed in an urn)

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Funeral (burial permit)

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Burying at a temple after 49 days (Cemetery Burial Law)←Burial is only allowed in a place approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

… And so it goes. Nowhere in this process is there room for scattering bones at sea.

In fact, for the mostly non-religious Japanese, when they die, they join the “danka system,” a law established in the Edo period to protect temples. For some reason, this system still exists in the 21st century.

First, when the person who is supposed to be the contracting party dies, his or her children automatically become the contracting parties at that moment. Then, he/she enters into a semi-permanent subscriber contract with the temple. The term of the contract is unlimited and covers the children’s children and even their children’s children and their children’s children. Eventually, if there is no memorial service or maintenance of the grave, the person will either become unrelated or, per grandchild who notices, will settle the outstanding payments up to that point. That is the story that was echoed in a recent blog. (See URL below)

So I think we should offer more options to eliminate such uncertainty after death. Of course, it is fine to remain the same as before, but from now on, I would like to be able to choose “no grave” as well. In other words, diversify the ways of death!

For this reason, it is important to make decisions at the burning site. When the bones are picked up, have a memorial service and powder a small amount of the bones, and save them for scattering in the ocean. Although there is no law that says the remains must be buried, if they are kept forever, they will be thought to be “unable to attain Buddhahood,” so it is important to keep them in a safe place until the 49th day has passed. Scattering of ashes should be carried out after ゙.

However, it does not mean that the remains can be scattered anywhere; some municipalities have ordinances regulating this. Disposal of remains and burial outside of cemeteries are prohibited by law. (Penal Code, Article 190)

However, the Ministry of Justice has stated that “scattering of ashes does not constitute abandonment of a corpse as long as it is done moderately for the purpose of funerals,” so it is also recognized as a method of burial.

So it is possible for the bones to be scattered at a place where they will be properly memorialized in perpetuity and where the local government permits.

I would like to create this option. I believe it will allow us to go to heaven without any trouble to our descendants.

Postscript:

Eventually, my grandfather’s grave in Saga Prefecture was closed, but the grave at Zojoji Temple in Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, which had been created by dividing his bones, remained. Originally, my grandfather’s children (who are now elderly) were to decide whether to take over the grave or to dispose of it. However, as it is located in the same area of Minato Ward where I live, I, as a grandson, will take over the property. I decided to go ahead with the plan.

He thought that the problem could be postponed by bearing the cost of maintenance rather than bearing the cost of closing the graves.

However, to ensure that I, as the contracting party, do not cause any inconvenience to my children and descendants, I have to pay for the funeral and the third anniversary of my death before I pass away. ゙ I intend to pay for the memorial service and the graveside service in advance and end it in my own lifetime.

◆Buzzy articles ↓.

Funeral Rites: Thinking about Eternal Memorial Services in the 21st Century