Aging Japan: Unclaimed funerary urns accumulate in Japan amid weakening social ties

Unclaimed funeral urns, accumulated by thousands throughout Japan, reflecting the weakening of family ties and economic pressure in a rapidly aging country, says a Reuters editorial.

The personalities of the dead, cremated at public expense, are usually known. But in most cases, relatives either refuse or do not respond to requests to collect their remains. Burials can be expensive and time consuming, which is a burden for family members who hardly know the deceased relative.

Abandoned remains indicate social, economic and demographic changes in Japan, where more and more older people live on welfare, and families are more fragmented, indicating a weakening of traditional family ties and obligations.

Experts say this is a problem that is likely to grow. Mortality in Japan is projected to increase from 1.33 million per year to 1.67 million by 2040, even when the total population decreases.

Traditional funerals, including food, drinks and gifts for guests, as well as hiring a Buddhist monk, can cost 2 million yen ($ 17,800) or more, industry sources say.

New businesses have appeared, offering a no-nonsense funeral for between $ 2,000 and $ 4,000, but other expenses may arise, including hundreds of dollars and burial of an urn in a temple or cemetery.