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.
