Saloni Shankar
The Kajiya Honten funeral home in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, has redefined funeral traditions. Its new “coffin cafe” invites visitors to contemplate life and mortality.
Japanese Funeral Home Offers Unique Reflection Experience
The funeral home, established in 1902, launched this service in September. Visitors lie in designer coffins adorned with calming floral patterns for introspection.
President Kiyotaka Hirano says the experience encourages visitors to reflect on life’s impermanence. “It allows them to think about how they want to live,” he explained.
The Coffin Cafe: An Unconventional Concept
The coffin cafe features three caskets in gold, green, and yellow. Each design aims to provide comfort and tranquillity, fostering a peaceful environment.
Guests can close the lid briefly for a more profound experience. The setup is separate from grieving areas to maintain privacy and calm.
The fee is 2,200 yen (about $14). Couples, individuals, and even groups have visited, often capturing the moment through photographs inside the coffins.
Rebirth Through Reflection and Renewal
Hirano drew inspiration from personal loss, hoping others could find meaning through this service. “Coming out of the coffin symbolises rebirth,” he shared.
He believes the experience offers a reset. Visitors leave feeling renewed and ready to embrace life with a fresh perspective.
This innovative approach addresses challenges in Japan’s funeral industry. By focusing on unique customer experiences, Kajiya Honten remains relevant in modern times.
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