Across the world, there are many different religions, each with its own beliefs and customs when it comes to conducting funeral ceremonies.
In Japan, many people do not adhere to a specific religion or formal system of belief. However, during funeral ceremonies, the influence of Buddhism is strongly felt.
Mourners typically bow their heads and close their eyes, placing both hands together in front of their chest. This gesture is quiet and respectful, almost like pressing pause in the middle of life to honor someone who has passed.
So what exactly are mourners thinking about in that moment?
Table of Contents
Japanese Funerals and the Influence of Buddhism
1. Funeral Practices Rooted in Buddhism
Funeral ceremonies in Japan are strongly influenced by Buddhism. One of the most defining elements is cremation, which is widely practiced. In Buddhist belief, the body of the deceased is cremated, following the example of Buddha Gautama, who was also cremated after his passing.
In Japan, the practice of cremation began around 1,300 years ago. Initially, it was reserved only for individuals of high social status. Over time, however, it gradually spread until it became common practice among ordinary people as well.
2. The Role of Temples in Funeral Ceremonies
Approximately 400 years ago, a system was established in which all common people were required to become affiliated with a temple. This system was known as danka or danke. In practical terms, families were required to register themselves with a temple, which maintained official records of its members.
Although this system has since been abolished, its influence remains visible in modern Japan. Today, it is still common for a single family to maintain a shared grave across multiple generations at a local temple. During funeral ceremonies, monks from that temple are typically invited to conduct the rites. This enduring structure is a legacy of the earlier danka system.
Prayers for the Peace of the Departed Soul
Understanding the Concept of “Hotoke”
Within Buddhism, there are several sects, each with its own variations in funeral procedures, required items, and ceremonial steps. Despite these differences, there is a shared understanding regarding the deceased.
In general, a person who has passed away is referred to as “Hotoke,” which means Buddha. This does not imply that the individual becomes identical to Buddha Gautama. Rather, it reflects the belief that the deceased is a disciple of the Buddha and is therefore honored with this respectful title.
The Role of Sutras and Silent Prayer
During the funeral ceremony, which is typically held in a designated funeral space, a monk recites passages from Buddhist sutras. These recitations are intended to guide the deceased toward peaceful rest.
Mourners who are familiar with the sutras may join in the chanting. Those who are not able to do so usually place their hands together in front of their chest and offer silent prayers. This simple gesture carries deep meaning, allowing each individual to express their thoughts and feelings in a personal way.
Variations in Prayer Content
The content of the prayers differs depending on the Buddhist sect. Some common themes include:
- The removal of the deceased’s negative thoughts and the attainment of enlightenment, similar to that of the Buddha.
- A wish for the deceased to be reborn into a better next life.
- A hope that the deceased will await the Buddha and journey to Sukhavati, a form of paradise recognized in certain Buddhist traditions.
Contemporary Practices and Personal Reflection
In modern times, many people are no longer deeply familiar with the specific teachings of their respective Buddhist sects. As a result, fewer families maintain detailed knowledge of formal doctrines or even possess their own family graves.
Instead, it has become increasingly common for mourners to follow a simplified practice. They bring their hands together and offer prayers based on their own personal thoughts and feelings. This shift reflects a move from structured doctrine toward individual reflection, while still preserving the essence of respect and remembrance.
Shinto Funeral Practices in Japan
1. Death as Something to Avoid in Shinto Belief
Long before the introduction of Buddhism, Shinto was the indigenous belief system in Japan. Within Shinto teachings, death is regarded as something impure and should not be openly discussed or emphasized.
Based on this belief, in earlier times before cremation became common, the bodies of ordinary people were often left in mountains, rivers, or along roadsides. This practice was intended to prevent the perceived impurity associated with death from affecting the living.
2. Historical Transition from Buddhist Dominance
As explained earlier, the danka system remained in place for approximately 240 years. During this period, most families became affiliated with Buddhist temples and entrusted all funeral processes to them.
As a result, funeral practices based on Shinto teachings only began to re-emerge and develop more fully around 150 years ago.
The Deceased as a Deity
Transformation After Death
Today, it is permitted for individuals to choose funeral rites based on Shinto teachings.
In Shinto belief, there has long been a tradition of venerating the deceased as deities. In this sense, it parallels Buddhist thought, where the deceased may be regarded as becoming a Buddha.
Separation from Sacred Spaces
However, because death is considered impure in Shinto, the body of the deceased is not brought into shrines where deities reside. Instead, funeral ceremonies are held at a funeral hall or the home of the deceased.
Before the ceremony, a Shinto priest performs a purification ritual to cleanse the impurity associated with death. Following this, prayers are offered so that the soul may ascend to the heavenly realm and become a deity.
A View of Death Without Sorrow
According to Shinto teachings, a person who passes away in a purified state travels to the realm of the gods in heaven.
For this reason, there is a belief that since the deceased is embarking on a sacred journey to the world of the gods, they should be sent off with blessings rather than sorrow. As a result, it is often said that tears are not necessary in Shinto funeral ceremonies.
Ritual Gestures and Etiquette
1. Prayer Movements in Shinto Funerals
Similar to Buddhist funeral attendees, mourners in Shinto ceremonies bring their hands together in front of their chest. However, there is an additional element unique to Shinto practice, which involves clapping.
The standard sequence follows a structured pattern:
- Bow twice.
- Clap twice.
- Bow once more.
This is the same form used when offering prayers at a Shinto shrine.
2. Silent Clapping as a Sign of Respect
Despite the inclusion of clapping, there is an important distinction during funeral ceremonies. The clapping must be performed silently, without producing sound.
This adjustment is made out of respect, ensuring that the act does not disturb the spirit of the deceased.
The Rise of Non Religious Funeral Practices in Japan
1. A Growing Preference for Personal Farewells
As previously explained, funeral ceremonies in Japan are generally conducted according to Buddhist traditions. However, in recent years, some people have begun to choose alternatives, including Shinto or Christian styles. Alongside these, there has been a noticeable rise in funerals conducted without any formal religious framework.
In particular, non religious funeral practices have become increasingly popular. These ceremonies are typically held at funeral halls and are guided by professional funeral directors rather than religious figures. There are no Buddhist monks or Shinto priests present.
During the ceremony, the deceased and the mourners share a final farewell in a designated hall or in more private rooms. The atmosphere is often calm and personal, allowing participants to engage with the moment in their own way.
2. Cultural Belief Beyond Formal Religion
Despite the absence of formal religious structure, the influence of Buddhist and Shinto thought remains deeply embedded in the hearts and cultural identity of Japanese people.
Even in non religious funerals, most mourners still bring their hands together in front of their chest and offer silent prayers. This gesture reflects a continuity of cultural expression, even when explicit religious affiliation is not present.
The Inner Thoughts of the Mourners
1. Personal Reflections in Silence
Within the minds of those who close their eyes in prayer, there exists a range of deeply personal emotions. These may include farewell, reflection, gratitude, and unspoken acknowledgment.
The moment becomes an intimate space where words are no longer necessary. Instead, feelings take shape quietly, guided by memory and connection.
2. Expressions of Hope and Continuity
Some mourners may find themselves expressing thoughts such as:
- A hope that if there is another life, they may be reunited once again.
- A wish that even if the departed has gone to the heavens, they will continue to watch over those left behind.
These sentiments, while not strictly aligned with formal Buddhist or Shinto teachings, represent a natural and human way of making sense of loss.
Conclusion
Finally, I would like to briefly discuss preparations for funeral ceremonies.
In Japan, recently, there has been an increasing number of people who want to plan their own funeral process. Funeral arrangement agreements have in fact existed for about 100 years, however, they have developed much further today.
For example, people can choose the type of gravestone they want, decide the music and flowers for the funeral ceremony, prepare a list of people who will be invited, and even arrange their farewell messages. They prepare everything in order to face the end of life. Of course, all of this requires costs.
No one knows when they will die. For the peace of mind of both their family and themselves, they make preparations to face the end of life that will certainly come in the future, and this kind of practice is beginning to spread in Japan. This is also related to the increasing percentage of elderly people.