There rarely seems a day that goes by without foreign press reporting on the dilemma facing Japan and its chronically aging population.
Combine this with a recession and continuing deflation then perhaps it was inevitable that funerals would become more competitive. A year ago suburban retail giant Aeon introduced a service, with prices ranging from just under 300 thousand yen (about $3,500) to 1.5 million (about $17,850).
Now come reports that convenience store chain Family Mart is considering its own funeral business.
[Image source Bousai-Map and GiantRobot.com]
Most funerals in Japan are formidably expensive, often costing over 1 million yen (about $11,900). How affordable is that going to be when the population of over sixty-fives hits one in four people? Consumers will want more choice and better offers, especially as most of the formalities and processes associated with traditional funerals are arguably now very remote from most people’s lifestyles.
Actually, this isn’t without precedent. We’ve previously blogged here about QR code and RFID-integration into graves to make death a more contemporary experience.
Likely Family Mart will target regional consumers initially and it will surely be a while before you can purchase a funeral plan while you pick up an onigiri for lunch.
It is possible too that a convenience store funeral would include options for consumers’ more “modern” tastes. We look forward to the AKB48-themed ceremony!
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