Burial Grounds for Muslims in Japan
In Japan, cremation is the norm, with 99% of bodies being cremated. (I'm not sure, but it might be about 50-50 with cremation and burial in the United States.)
I recently read that even though there are more and more foreign residents who practice Islam in Japan, there are few cemeteries for burials in accordance with the Koran. According to the Japan Muslim Association, there is a belief in the resurrection of the dead and this requires believers to be buried so the soul can return to the physical body.
I was surprised to find out that while Japan is home to about 200,000 Muslims, there are only seven locations in the country for Islamic interment. According to the Japan Islamic Trust, bodies must be moved to distant cemeteries, which can damage the bodies and result in high transportation fees. Being buried in the person's native country would require an even longer transportation of the body.
One of the seven sites is a regular cemetery in Yoichi Hokkaido which has only four or five free spaces left. The Hokkaido Islamic Society planned to make a cemetery in Otaru, following strict protocols for cemeteries, including being at least 110 meters away from a residential area. The project was abandoned due to lack of support from residents who were worried about the hygiene of burials. Another proposed cemetery in Oita Prefecture is being rejected because locals are worried about water pollution.
Japan amended its immigration law to accept more foreign workers, but it seems not to have considered the religious traditions of these workers. Solutions to some problems have created others.
5 comments:
This is quite interesting. I guess I never realized that there were specific cemeteries where Muslims must be buried. I love learning new things online here!
That is interesting Pamela, I have read that people of the Muslim faith must be buried with in 24 hours of passing away. I was reading a book about Jacinda Artery and that included the terrible shooting in Christchurch, some bodies were flown back to their country of birth as well. It will be a hard problem to solve as cemeteries take up a lot of space and body burial is very different to what the Japanese people are used to happening.
I also heard that they must adhere to strict Islam rules when it comes to death. I find it all fascinating. Majority of cremated bodies here, have their ashes scattered somewhere eg, out to sea, off mountains, in gardens etc.
Interesting. I am no longer Catholic, but we were taught we could not be created. My views have certainly changed, especially with the burial costs now.
xx, Carol
I've read a book about burial traditions around the world a while ago, and it had a chapter about Japan. It was very interesting! As with many things, the Japanese seem to have a very practical attitude towards death and burials. The cremation trend seems to be somewhat new, due to lack of space. There's also been a shift in Christianity, which didn't allow cremation until a couple decades ago really. I wonder if Judaism and Islam will ever go through the same shift? Especially Islam, as there are a lot of Muslims and burial ground might get scarce in other countries as well!
Post a Comment