Tag Archives: Japan



“Cremation or Burial? A Jewish View” by Doron Kornbluth

A case advocating burial over the increasingly popular practice of cremation

Modern society tends to prefer cremation: it is perceived as cheaper than a burial, more environmentally sound, and, well, just more hip. To the contemporary person, “the idea of scattering ashes seems a eco-friendly alternative” to burial. The idea of … Continue reading

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”Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.”

- Haruki Murakami
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The House Awaiting Death

If you could build a house just for the dying process, what would it look like? EASTERN Design Office shows us.

“A house awaiting death,” the client said to us, “I will die in 15 years [and] it will be a house awaiting that death. When I die it won’t be sunset, it will be sunrise. When the final moment comes, … Continue reading

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Japanese Funeral Superstitions Surrounding Death and the Number Four

Why this number sparks fear in Japan

Superstitions about numbers are nothing new. Look at Western culture’s obsession with the unlucky number thirteen to understand how pervasive number superstitions can be. Many people in Japan would think nothing of hopping into an elevator to get to the … Continue reading

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Honoring Ancestors in the Buddhist Culture: Japan’s Obon Festival

An annual Japanese Buddhist festival that honors the spirits of beloved family members who have died

Every year, Buddhists in Japan celebrate the custom of the Obon (or Bon) festival as a way to honor the spirits of beloved family members who have died. This Buddhist custom has influences from Confucianism as well. So how do … Continue reading

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Why Do We Wear Black Funeral Attire Versus White?

A look at the religious and cultural meanings behind the colors of funeral attire

For many Americans, black seems to be the most common color to wear as funeral attire. Why is that? And why do some religious and cultural groups tend to wear white to funerals? Much of the color choice within religious … Continue reading

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