New alternative for a graveless path: Become a forest after passing with Junkan-so®

In recent years, the number of people considering “no need for graves” has been on the rise due to reasons such as the lack of successors and the costs associated with maintenance fees. Amidst this trend, in Nose, Toyono District, Osaka Prefecture, a new practice called “Junkan-so (Circular Burial)®” has been introduced at Nose Myokenzan. This involves the cremated remains being finely powdered and directly interred within the soil of a forest.

There are numerous intriguing aspects to explore, such as the fate of tombstones, the benefits of this circular approach, and its potential impact on the natural environment. To shed light on these matters, we interviewed Koike and Masaki from “at FOREST Inc.,” the company behind the implementation of Junkan-so®.

Returning to the forest: Understanding Junkan-so®

Junkan-so® is a funeral practice that involves pulverizing the cremated remains and directly placing them to rest within the forest soil.

A significant departure from conventional funeral practices lies in the treatment of cremated remains. Until now, these remains were typically placed in urns and then buried beneath tombstones or stored in columbaria. Even in tree burials, the common approach involved placing urns under trees or similar markers.

Under the supervision of Assistant Professor Takeshi Suzuki, an expert in soil science, Junkan-so® involves the thorough pulverization of remains using specialized equipment, followed by mixing and burial in the forest soil. These interred remains naturally return to the ecosystem within a few months, aided by trees and microorganisms. Surprisingly, about 80% of human bones consist of calcium phosphate, a component shared with fertilizers. This renders the remains a source of nutrients for trees and soil, becoming a part of the life cycle within the forest and nature.

To maintain the health of the forest, there are no grave markers or tombstones, and incense and offerings cannot be placed.

For a shared burial within Junkan-so®, the cost is 480,000 yen through a pre-contract agreement or 550,000 yen through a post-contract agreement. There are no maintenance fees. Furthermore, a portion of the contract fee contributes to forest conservation. In contrast to traditional graves that often require clearing forested areas, Junkan-so® supports forest preservation.

Background and genesis of Junkan-so®

“Japan finds itself in a state of high mortality society,” says Koike. Currently, many people are already experiencing anxiety about unattended graves, which in turn has led to an increase in those contemplating perpetual memorial services. The most frequently voiced concern during their interviews was “not wanting to inconvenience their children.”

Furthermore, Koike mentioned that when parents investigated burial options together for their own future, they realized the lack of choices and felt that there were no endings they would want to select when thinking about how to conclude their own lives.

Masaki also shared that when his mother passed away, she had expressed a desire to be buried alongside her pet. However, it was impossible to fulfill her wishes for burial, and this had stayed with him ever since. Moreover, working as a social welfare worker and encountering death in his profession, he felt that while choices during life were expanding, options for the end of life were limited. It was from these experiences that he saw potential in the concept of the Junkan-so® that allows returning to the forest.

The thoughts of three individuals behind Junkan-so®

Koike, the originator of the concept of Junkan-so®, encountered numerous challenges in translating this innovative burial method into reality due to its unprecedented nature.

He contemplated purchasing a mountain to begin the initiative. However, he discovered that while scattering ashes at sea could be carried out by private enterprises, burying remains in mountains or forests (interment within the soil) required collaboration with local authorities or religious institutions.

Amidst these considerations, he crossed paths with Vice Abbot Ueda Kanenori of the “Nose Myoken Mountain,” a spiritual site in the northern part of Osaka with a history spanning over 1,200 years. The Nose Myoken Mountain is designated as a natural monument, and its sacred beech forest has been protected with a strong focus on forest conservation. Furthermore, due to Vice Abbot Ueda’s receptiveness to the sentiment of wanting to return to the forest in one’s final moments, he developed an interest in the Junkan-so® concept.

In this manner, the aspirations of Koike, Masaki and Vice Abbot Ueda took shape, giving birth to Junkan-so®.

Turning death into forest conservation

The reason Junkan-so® involves interment in the “forest” rather than the “sea” is said to be because Koike had an affinity for forests. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020, he found himself frequently visiting forests in Hyogo Prefecture and became entranced by the soothing experience of spending time in the woods. Masaki also mentioned, “I discussed with Vice Abbot Ueda that the pleasant feeling of being within the forest could be attributed to a different sense of time.”

While our lives are often driven by the immediacy of the present moment, it’s easy to appreciate that trees require 10 to 15 years to grow. This perspective makes sense.

“Hence, I felt the need to create opportunities for people to visit forests. It enriches the soul, influences our way of thinking, changes our interactions with nature and fosters a sense of wanting to leave abundance for the future,” Koike explains.

A small forest funeral

Moving forward, they have plans to introduce the concept of a “Small forest funeral” as a minimalist funeral option. This collaboration will be facilitated with “TOGO BOOKS nomadik,” a shop that offers body-friendly food and books, also located in Nose Town. The occasion of losing a loved one is undeniably sorrowful, yet the time spent together in the forest reminiscing about the deceased should become a rich and comforting experience, as if embraced by a significant presence.

Editor’s note

Junkan-so® represents an entirely novel approach to funerals, where one returns to nature without leaving any trace. Listening to this concept makes me marvel at how fitting and light-hearted this new “ending” feels for the times ahead. For those who embrace a life closely intertwined with nature, this burial method is something they should particularly be aware of.

Rather than a process of elimination, the availability of an ending option that people would happily choose could prompt the nationwide expansion of Junkan-so®. Such a future might not be too far away.

Originally published on Life Hugger.