Zenbird Editorial TeamFOREST Inc., an eco-conscious enterprise, has pioneered a first-of-its-kind initiative in Japan – an environmentally-friendly burial service known as “RETURN TO NATURE”. Launched at the respected spiritual site Nose Myokenzan, located in Nose Town, Osaka Prefecture, the initiative is expected to shift traditional burial practices towards sustainable alternatives.
The novel “RETURN TO NATURE” service operates in forests across Japan owned by local temples, offering an unconventional yet eco-sensitive burial method. It entails processing the remains to facilitate an easy return to the soil, thus fostering a cyclical relationship with nature.
The company dedicates a part of its revenue towards conservation activities of these designated forests and donates a portion to forest conservation organizations. By converting an inevitable life event – death, into a driving force for reforestation, FOREST Inc. aims to contribute to a future abundant in nature.
This initiative appears timely, with Japan predicted to experience a significant rise in mortality rates by 2040. It is estimated that the number of deaths per year could reach 1.6 million, translating to approximately 4,600 deaths per day. In light of this, the company presents a unique and personal form of burial, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional practices.
The philosophy underpinning the “Nose Myokenzan” initiative extends beyond just conservation. The aim is to protect the beech forest within the precincts of Nose Myokenzan, a continuous expanse dating back to 10,000 years. Recognizing the value of diversity in cultivating a rich society, this recycling burial is seen as a critical part of a larger effort to protect the world’s forests. It provides peace of mind to individuals about their afterlife and allows them to live freely without concern.
Takeyoshi Suzuki, an assistant professor at Kobe University and an environmental advisor, supervises the burial method. Suzuki, a Ph.D. holder from the same institution, specializes in soil science and fertilization. He focuses on developing soil and fertilizers from waste, researching their safety, and the impact of their decomposition rate on global warming.
In the spirit of inclusivity and openness, FOREST Inc. is set to host a limited opening of the membership-based forest for two days on August 11 and 12. The company will set up a booth within the precincts of Nose Myokenzan to discuss the burial service. The two-day event, aimed at hikers and visitors, promises an unreserved experience of the forest, encouraging attendees to relish the forest bathing on a sun-dappled wooden deck and a spacious plaza bench.
