Terumitsu NOIRI

A Journey from Tradition to Innovation: The Changing Landscape of Japanese Funerals

Speaker

Terumitsu NOIRI

Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Certified Public Accountant, licensed in both the U.S. and Japan.  A fourth-generation funeral home owner.

Introduction

Japan’s funeral culture, deeply rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, has evolved significantly. From village-based ceremonies to the rise of commercial funeral halls, family-centric funerals are becoming more prevalent. Western funeral innovations, such as embalming and new technologies, are also influencing practices. This lecture explores the contrasts between Japanese and Western funeral customs and highlights the unique aspects of Japan’s ever-changing funeral landscape.